Building Info

The Couture as seen from the north. Rendering by Rinka Chung Architecture.
  • Address:
    909 E. Michigan St.
  • Taxkeys:
    3960511000, 3921678122
  • Architect:
    RINKA
  • Status:
  • Assessed Value (Land):
    $12,880,000
  • Assessed Value (Improvements):
    $0
  • Assessed Value (Total):
    $12,880,000
  • Assesment Year:
    2020
  • Year Built:

A 44-story apartment tower for the site formerly occupied by the Downtown Transit Center at 909 E. Michigan St. The tower is being developed by Barrett Lo Visionary Development and will include 322 apartments, approximately 45,000 square feet of commercial space and a multi-level transit concourse for The Hop and East-West BRT line.

Construction started in May 2021. J.H. Findorff & Son is serving as the general contractor. The building is being designed by RINKA.

The tower was originally expected to include a 180-room hotel, but that was removed in 2014. Instead, the proposed 179 apartment units was increased to 294 apartments. The proposal was later expanded to 322 apartments.

On September 3rd, 2014 the project design was updated to include a streetcar stop in the base of the building.

On June 26th, 2015 Circuit Court Judge Christopher Foley ruled in favor of the county, over Preserve our Parks, in the lawsuit over the county’s ability to sell the Downtown Transit Center site.

On August 18th, 2015 John Lunz told BizTimes that Preserve Our Parks would not appeal the decision, clearing the way for the project to move forward.

Project Documents

Photos

Show All

Activity

IDDateTypeDescription
PLB-18-051252018/10/31Permit
Building Plumbing Permit
PWOP-17-008102017/06/15Permit
ROW Occupancy Permit.
PWEN-17-002102017/06/15Permit
ROW Excavation Non-Utility.
IDDateDescriptionType

Content referencing The Couture

Friday Photos: See The View From The Couture’s Upper Levels
Friday Photos

See The View From The Couture’s Upper Levels

Skyline defining tower will soon welcome its first residents.

Plats and Parcels: New Third Ward Tower Will Be Milwaukee’s Priciest
Plats and Parcels

New Third Ward Tower Will Be Milwaukee’s Priciest

And The Couture isn't far behind. Plus: A recap of week's real estate news.

Art in Bloom Fills the Milwaukee Art Museum with Spectacular Art-Inspired Floral Arrangements
Press Release

Art in Bloom Fills the Milwaukee Art Museum with Spectacular Art-Inspired Floral Arrangements

Welcome spring at the Museum with an abundance of flowers, art making, and more!

The Couture Shows Off First Apartments

The Couture Shows Off First Apartments

193 apartments will soon be available promising stunning views, 'incredible location.'

The Couture Opens for Leasing, Redefining the Milwaukee Lakefront Lifestyle
Press Release

The Couture Opens for Leasing, Redefining the Milwaukee Lakefront Lifestyle

Prospective residents can begin the leasing process on the newly launched website: https://thecouturemke.com/

Milwaukee’s Three Streetcar Extensions Need Mayoral Direction

Milwaukee’s Three Streetcar Extensions Need Mayoral Direction

Extensions to Fiserv Forum, East Side, Walker's Point and Bronzeville need local funding source.

Transportation: Streetcar Extension Opens Sunday
Transportation

Streetcar Extension Opens Sunday

And at least one GOP congressman is already trying to stop it.

Ride Along On Streetcar Extension Before It Opens

Ride Along On Streetcar Extension Before It Opens

City shows off "L Line" to lakefront before Oct. 29 opening.

Transportation: Battery Electric Buses Will Return This Fall
Transportation

Battery Electric Buses Will Return This Fall

Plus, ridership continues to increase and issues with real-time signs and mobile app have been fixed.

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Opens October 29

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Opens October 29

New line will operate as a 'preview' until spring 2024, when The Couture's base opens.

Committee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions

Committee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions

If federal grants received, system could reach Fiserv Forum, East Side, Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Tourism in Milwaukee sets new record with $6.018 billion economic impact in 2022
Press Release

Tourism in Milwaukee sets new record with $6.018 billion economic impact in 2022

Greater Milwaukee area helps deliver statewide record year for tourism, accounting for more than 25% of total tourism impact in Wisconsin

Friday Photos: Streetcar Rolling Through Rising Couture
Friday Photos

Streetcar Rolling Through Rising Couture

Lakefront tower now stands 15 stories tall, while streetcar connection is built out in base.

Eyes on Milwaukee: East Side Tower Gets Final Approval
Eyes on Milwaukee

East Side Tower Gets Final Approval

New Land proposal for 25-story building wins unanimous Common Council vote.

Transportation: Federal Funds Creating Two New East-West BRT Stations
Transportation

Federal Funds Creating Two New East-West BRT Stations

County transportation department planning two additional stations along East-West BRT.

Eyes on Milwaukee: See Inside The Couture’s Rise
Eyes on Milwaukee

See Inside The Couture’s Rise

Floors being poured on 5th level, while building core reaches 11th floor, 25% of final height.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 100 East Tower Could Become Apartments
Eyes on Milwaukee

100 East Tower Could Become Apartments

Office building is now mostly vacant, in foreclosure.

Transportation: BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza
Transportation

BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza

New $2 million federal grant frees up funds for downtown upgrades along Bus Rapid Transit line.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Board Endorses $30 Million For NM’s $500 Million Tower Project
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Board Endorses $30 Million For NM’s $500 Million Tower Project

Subsidy also includes $10 million for bike, park and street improvements.

Group Unveils Plans To Replace 794 With Boulevard

Group Unveils Plans To Replace 794 With Boulevard

Rethink 794 thinks replacing elevated freeway with boulevard could lead to $1.5 billion in development, better city.

Transportation: City Seeking Grant For Streetcar Convention Center Extension
Transportation

City Seeking Grant For Streetcar Convention Center Extension

$33 million project could receive boost with $25 million in federal funds.

Friday Photos: New Apartment Building Relies On Emerging Building Technology
Friday Photos

New Apartment Building Relies On Emerging Building Technology

Taxco Apartments constructed in part with insulated concrete form structure.

Transportation: Congress Extends Streetcar Grant
Transportation

Congress Extends Streetcar Grant

Extended deadline for spending grant allows city to finish streetcar line through delayed Couture tower.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Third Ward Board Approves New Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

Third Ward Board Approves New Tower

Design approval for 31-story, 333-unit building with retail space facing river and outdoor patio.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Starts Massive Concrete Pour
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Starts Massive Concrete Pour

78 truckloads of concrete for building's base. Developer exploring direct link to US Bank complex.

City Hall: Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future
City Hall

Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future

Candidates for mayor differ on streetcar, partisan politics and who favors defunding police.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney

Acting Mayor reverses position and now supports ending the fight.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Mandel Delaying Portfolio Because of Market Saturation
Eyes on Milwaukee

Mandel Delaying Portfolio Because of Market Saturation

Lakefront tower has been reduced in height since 2016 proposal, but firm still believes too much competition exists.

City Hall: Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision
City Hall

Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision

But City Attorney and Acting Mayor object. Legality of requiring $100,000 donation at issue.

City Hall: Tearman Spencer Attacks Robert Bauman
City Hall

Tearman Spencer Attacks Robert Bauman

City Attorney says alderman broke local, state and federal laws and has bullied and exceeded his authority at great cost to taxpayers.

City Hall: Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes
City Hall

Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes

Which officials? What are the charges? Who is investigating? City Attorney won't say.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Proposed Third Ward Tower Gets Shorter, Wider
Eyes on Milwaukee

Proposed Third Ward Tower Gets Shorter, Wider

Development loses a floor, but plans summer construction start.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Completion Delayed Until End of 2023
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Completion Delayed Until End of 2023

But tower crane installed and pile driving progressing.

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City officials admit project is behind schedule.

City Attorney Tearman Spencer Is Running For Mayor

City Attorney Tearman Spencer Is Running For Mayor

10th candidate in the race is a polarizing one.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Is Making Noise Downtown
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Is Making Noise Downtown

Construction of 44-story apartment tower involves driving 192 large piles.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Stamper Wants Rat Inspections Of Excavations
Eyes on Milwaukee

Stamper Wants Rat Inspections Of Excavations

Could the city possibly check every construction project for rat infestations?

City Hall: Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office
City Hall

Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office

Resignation forms cite ethical violations, poor treatment of women & more by Tearman Spencer.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Developer Credits Streetcar As Factor In Building Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

Developer Credits Streetcar As Factor In Building Tower

32-story tower on Water Street a "prime example" of transit-oriented development.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Consulting Team Announced for New Downtown Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee

Consulting Team Announced for New Downtown Plan

The plan is intended to guide development through 2040.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Plan Commission Okays Third Ward Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

Plan Commission Okays Third Ward Tower

"Magnificent building,' says one commissioner. Apartments will be among city's most expensive.

Transportation: City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point
Transportation

City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point

Proposed extension would run from Third Ward south to 6th and National.

City Hall: Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power
City Hall

Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power

Unanimous vote strips Spencer's ability to halt contracts and overrides Barrett veto.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking

Nine years after building was first proposed. 'Like making sausage. It's not pretty.'

Milwaukee Celebrates Couture Construction Investment In Community During Ceremonial Groundbreaking
Press Release

Milwaukee Celebrates Couture Construction Investment In Community During Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Dignitaries from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the AFL-CIO’s Housing Investment Trust and project partners including Barrett Lo Visionary Development, RINKA and Findorff join the celebration to mark this milestone

City Hall: City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000
City Hall

City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000

Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.

Transportation: City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project
Transportation

City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project

Agreement will have the city getting paid to plow snow in exchange for giving up traffic lanes.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Construction Starts on The Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee

Construction Starts on The Couture

Developer Rick Barrett is excited, greeting first construction equipment arriving on site.

Eyes on Milwaukee: A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?
Eyes on Milwaukee

A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?

Dispute between council and City Attorney gets ever stranger, as committee requests county corp counsel's opinion.

We have great progress but also complex opportunities
Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Construction Begins May 5th
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Construction Begins May 5th

After years of delays, financing secured for complicated project to build 44-story lakefront tower.

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

New City Attorney is quite public with his frustrations with those he is tasked with representing.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal

Reporting requirements on employee race, gender, residency and wages added.

Milwaukee Area Labor Council Statement About The Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Approves New Deal for The Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Approves New Deal for The Couture

After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Deal on The Couture Pending
Eyes on Milwaukee

Deal on The Couture Pending

Common Council will review revised agreement for $188 million tower Friday morning.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Attorney Blocking The Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Attorney Blocking The Couture

Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Updating Downtown Plan
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Updating Downtown Plan

Equity and inclusion at forefront of latest effort.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Couture Plans August 2023 Completion
Eyes on Milwaukee

Couture Plans August 2023 Completion

City agreement requires groundbreaking for 44-story lakefront tower by February 1st.

Plats and Parcels: Lakefront Streetcar Extension Scheduled for June 2022 Opening
Plats and Parcels

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Scheduled for June 2022 Opening

Plus: A rundown of the week's real estate news.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Couture to Start Construction in January
Eyes on Milwaukee

Couture to Start Construction in January

Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.

The Couture Secures Financing For $188 million Project  Construction to Begin January 2021
Press Release

The Couture Secures Financing For $188 million Project Construction to Begin January 2021

44-story mixed-use skyscraper will create new public amenities and thousands of new jobs

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Developer Applies For Federal Loan Guarantee
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Developer Applies For Federal Loan Guarantee

Barrett Lo claims it has raised necessary funding to access critical guarantee.

Plats and Parcels: Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals
Plats and Parcels

Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals

Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Still No Deal For The Couture. Yet
Eyes on Milwaukee

Still No Deal For The Couture. Yet

Sorry, Mark Belling, deal still isn't quite done, says developer.

Plats and Parcels: NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments
Plats and Parcels

NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments

Big week in real estate with Couture taxes, Strauss, Marchese, Airbnb, Scott Lurie and more making headlines.

Transportation: Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020
Transportation

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

"We look like complete fools," says Bauman as Marcoux expresses confidence in project.

Transportation: City Struggles on Couture Streetcar Extension
Transportation

City Struggles on Couture Streetcar Extension

As project drags, officials to meet with Federal Transit Administration to discuss options.

MKE County: Supervisors Question Couture Project
MKE County

Supervisors Question Couture Project

Staskunas says county should consider other options, doubts 44-story tower will happen.

Plats and Parcels: The Couture Getting New Signage
Plats and Parcels

The Couture Getting New Signage

Plus: Walker's Point brewery may become climbing gym, funding for Soldiers Home project.

Plats and Parcels: The Couture Changes Financing Plan
Plats and Parcels

The Couture Changes Financing Plan

Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.

Transportation: City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar
Transportation

City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar

Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.

Plats and Parcels: The Couture Gets Financing Extension
Plats and Parcels

The Couture Gets Financing Extension

Construction starts on Adams Garden Park, wellness center for King Drive.

Plats and Parcels: The Couture Gets Financing Extension
Plats and Parcels

The Couture Gets Financing Extension

State office building slated for near west side, Grand Ave might get $9 million.

MKE County: County Committee Mollified on Couture
MKE County

County Committee Mollified on Couture

Delay on 44-floor lakefront tower had been issue, but key supervisors now happy.

Plats and Parcels: Big Week of Real Estate News
Plats and Parcels

Big Week of Real Estate News

The Couture, Michels and streetcar headline a busy week.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture Cleared for Takeoff
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture Cleared for Takeoff

Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.

Plats and Parcels: The Couture Still in Limbo
Plats and Parcels

The Couture Still in Limbo

Plus: Plans to convert two schools to apartments advance, more affordable housing in Walker's Point

Plats and Parcels: An East Side High Rise in 2019?
Plats and Parcels

An East Side High Rise in 2019?

Mandel announces plans to break ground on Prospect Ave. tower

Plats and Parcels: County Officials Suggest Taking Back Couture Site
Plats and Parcels

County Officials Suggest Taking Back Couture Site

Supervisors cite lack of progress on county-owned lakefront land.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Multiple Tower Groundbreakings in 2018
Eyes on Milwaukee

Multiple Tower Groundbreakings in 2018

Couture, 1550 are in the works, but what about another lakefront tower?

Plats and Parcels: The Expanding Empire of Josh Jeffers
Plats and Parcels

The Expanding Empire of Josh Jeffers

And why the curious contractor switcheroo for The Couture?

Eyes on Milwaukee: Couture Could Break Ground This Summer
Eyes on Milwaukee

Couture Could Break Ground This Summer

Barrett Lo company reaffirms Findorff as general contractor.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Couture Seeks Commercial Tenants
Eyes on Milwaukee

Couture Seeks Commercial Tenants

44-story apartment tower will have 40,000 square left for a grocer, restaurants, medical office.

More Parking for Bikes

More Parking for Bikes

City ordinance would set new standards for bike parking in new and redeveloped buildings.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Couture’s Surprise Sewer Being Moved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Couture’s Surprise Sewer Being Moved

Previously unknown sewer will cost city $2 million to move

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Approves The Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Approves The Couture

December groundbreaking likely; Barrett says second tower could be built.

Changes Made to Couture’s Design

Changes Made to Couture’s Design

Design tweaks address concerns of neighboring 833 East developer.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Plan Members Love Couture
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Plan Members Love Couture

Commissioners laud the project, but possible second tower raises concerns.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Second Lakefront Tower Coming?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Second Lakefront Tower Coming?

Barrett-Lo has made plans for second tower next to The Couture.

Streetsblog: 80 Transit Projects in 2017
Streetsblog

80 Transit Projects in 2017

Projects in U.S., Canada and Mexico include streetcar in Milwaukee.

Photo Gallery: Transit Center Tower Demolition
Photo Gallery

Transit Center Tower Demolition

Five-story clock tower knocked down to make way for 44-floor apartment tower.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s Most Schizophrenic Developer?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Most Schizophrenic Developer?

Joshua Jeffers is spending millions to redevelop the Mackie Building and famed Grain Exchange.

Friday Photos: Goodbye Downtown Transit Center
Friday Photos

Goodbye Downtown Transit Center

Bus barn is coming down for 44-floor, lakefront high rise, The Couture.

Plenty of Horne: New Stage for Summerfest Coming
Plenty of Horne

New Stage for Summerfest Coming

U.S. Cellular inks 10-year deal; will spend millions to replace its music facility by 2018.

City Residents Hiring Program Falls Short

City Residents Hiring Program Falls Short

Promising effort employs minorities in construction, needs more monitoring and funding.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Project Receives Federal Grant
Eyes on Milwaukee

Streetcar Project Receives Federal Grant

City will use funding to study extension of streetcar to Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Statement of IBEW Local 494 on Milwaukee County’s Sale of the Downtown Transit Center
Press Release

Statement of IBEW Local 494 on Milwaukee County’s Sale of the Downtown Transit Center

"The Couture is the next big step forward in Milwaukee's ongoing renaissance."

Couture Economic Development Project to Move Forward
Press Release

Couture Economic Development Project to Move Forward

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Closing on Sale of Downtown Transit Center.

Last Buses Pull Out of Downtown Transit Center This Weekend
Press Release

Last Buses Pull Out of Downtown Transit Center This Weekend

The Transit Center property was sold by Milwaukee County to developer Rick Barrett who is redeveloping the land into The Couture project.

Friday Photos: Westin Hotel Rising
Friday Photos

Westin Hotel Rising

It will add 220 high-end hotel rooms to complex anchored by state's tallest building.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The Couture is Finally Happening
Eyes on Milwaukee

The Couture is Finally Happening

County to move bus routes off site at end of month, demolition of building imminent.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit

BRT line linking Downtown and Tosa moves forward, though some decry "the rush."

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena

$40 million extension would add .75 miles to route, also connect convention center.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 10 Images of a Changing City
Eyes on Milwaukee

10 Images of a Changing City

Think Milwaukee moves slowly? These dramatic interactive images will change your mind.

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Milestone in Couture Project
Press Release

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Milestone in Couture Project

Federal Transit Authority Concurs on Plan That Will Create Thousands of Jobs, Millions in Economic Development

Eyes on Milwaukee: MAM Offers To Buy O’Donnell Park, War Memorial
Eyes on Milwaukee

MAM Offers To Buy O’Donnell Park, War Memorial

County taxpayers will save at least $9 million in non-cash transaction.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Construction Starts on Westin Hotel
Eyes on Milwaukee

Construction Starts on Westin Hotel

220-room hotel will be the closest hotel in the city to the lakefront.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Inside 833 East
Eyes on Milwaukee

Inside 833 East

Step inside the new 18-story office tower that will help transform the lakefront.

Plats And Parcels: 5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016
Plats And Parcels

5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016

A big year for the developer and proof the city's development momentum hasn't slowed.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Ten Predictions for 2016
Eyes on Milwaukee

Ten Predictions for 2016

A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.

Abele buys second Moderne condo for $700,000
Citation

Abele buys second Moderne condo for $700,000

In Public: The Design Competition That Wasn’t
In Public

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?

Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism

Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism

Summit explores the causes of high black male unemployment in Milwaukee.

Plenty of Horne: Lakefront Gateway Design Winner Named
Plenty of Horne

Lakefront Gateway Design Winner Named

Local firm Graef Selected for $23 million project to create a "beautiful" and "active" plaza.

Overshadowed a bit by neighbors, 833 East expects tenants by March
Citation

Overshadowed a bit by neighbors, 833 East expects tenants by March

Supervisor Patricia Jursik Congratulates Rick Barrett on Couture Project
Press Release

Supervisor Patricia Jursik Congratulates Rick Barrett on Couture Project

But Chairwoman of Economic and Community Development Committee Asks for Assurances on Public Access

Construction work for The Couture could begin in 2016
Preserve Our Parks will not appeal lawsuit, clearing way for Couture on Milwaukee’s lakefront
Couture legal challenge ends, clearing way for lakefront high-rise
Citation

Couture legal challenge ends, clearing way for lakefront high-rise

Preserve Our Parks gives up its fight against The Couture
In Public: Will Milwaukee Choose High Line’s Designer?
In Public

Will Milwaukee Choose High Line’s Designer?

James Corner is one of four finalists to create $30 million lakefront bridge. It’s a great design.

In Public: The City’s $30 Million Design Project
In Public

The City’s $30 Million Design Project

National competition for lakefront bridge could have huge impact, but city’s process raises questions.

Battle to build The Couture could be nearing end
Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Construction Starts in October
Eyes on Milwaukee

Streetcar Construction Starts in October

On-going engineering work continues to save millions of dollars. And anti-streetcar group has given up trying to stop the starter line.

Court’s decision allows transit center sale for Couture development
Citation

Court’s decision allows transit center sale for Couture development

Judge clears way for county land sale for Couture high-rise
Citation

Judge clears way for county land sale for Couture high-rise

Plats and Parcels: 1,449 New Apartments Coming
Plats and Parcels

1,449 New Apartments Coming

And more are on the way, all within a two-mile radius of City Hall.

Plats and Parcels: Yes, Johnson Controls Wants to Build Downtown
Plats and Parcels

Yes, Johnson Controls Wants to Build Downtown

The city will help pay for feasibility study of company building a high-rise near the lake and just west of Discovery World.

Plats and Parcels: Bay View’s Golden Age?
Plats and Parcels

Bay View’s Golden Age?

A proposal for five new apartment buildings in Bay View. And will At Random be razed?

Plats and Parcels: Plans Proceed to Enhance Lakefront
Plats and Parcels

Plans Proceed to Enhance Lakefront

An internationally unique visitors center announced for Lakeshore State Park. And the Lakefront Gateway Project proceeds.

Plats and Parcels: More Delays in Lakefront Development
Plats and Parcels

More Delays in Lakefront Development

County board's contradictory proposals on O'Donnell Park and court case affecting The Couture continue to stall potential development.

Plats and Parcels: Northwestern Mutual Could Demolish a City Block
Plats and Parcels

Northwestern Mutual Could Demolish a City Block

Will entire city block be used to build 1,000 car parking garage? And will The Couture dispute ever get settled?

Plats and Parcels: Bay View Boos Building
Plats and Parcels

Bay View Boos Building

Some pan the design of proposed Bay View "gateway" project. Meanwhile, the Dover Street School project hits a snag.

Plats and Parcels: Huge Growth for Brady and Water
Plats and Parcels

Huge Growth for Brady and Water

Three different developments will add 740 apartments and tremendous urban density to the area.

Friday Photos: Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration
Friday Photos

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee Streetcar Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Milwaukee Streetcar Approved

After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.

Plats and Parcels: A Week of Ground-Breaking News
Plats and Parcels

A Week of Ground-Breaking News

Announcement of Johnson Controls' 50-story lakefront tower is week's biggest development.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Four New Bus Routes Start Sunday
Eyes on Milwaukee

Four New Bus Routes Start Sunday

MCTS will include three more express lines, offering better service for high-demand routes.

Op Ed: Why the Streetcar Won’t Work
Op Ed

Why the Streetcar Won’t Work

The planned route will duplicate bus routes and won’t solve any of the city’s needs.

Defining Lakefront Vision Moves Forward
Press Release

Defining Lakefront Vision Moves Forward

Sale of Couture Development Approved

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Delays Streetcar Until January

Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.

Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Announces New Commitment of $200,000 in Workforce Development Funding on Couture and Streetcar Projects
Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Eyes on Milwaukee

Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar

Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Announces Opposition to Downtown Transit Center and O’Donnell Park Sales
Supervisors Announce Support for Couture Project
Press Release

Supervisors Announce Support for Couture Project

They Applaud Economic and Community Development Committee for Approval of Project

Eyes on Milwaukee: New Express Bus Routes Start in January
Eyes on Milwaukee

New Express Bus Routes Start in January

The good news: Three new express routes will move riders more quickly across the county. The bad: transit system running out of money.

Plenty of Horne: RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar
Plenty of Horne

RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar

The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."

Murphy’s Law: Is O’Donnell Purchase a Sweetheart Deal?
Murphy’s Law

Is O’Donnell Purchase a Sweetheart Deal?

Northwestern Mutual won’t sign full deed restriction for county deal, leaving it free to develop a high-rise development on lakefront land.

Plenty of Horne: Next Stops For The Streetcar
Plenty of Horne

Next Stops For The Streetcar

The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar

If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.

City Unveils New Plan to Build on $2.6 Billion in Downtown Investment by Moving the Streetcar Project Forward, Adding Lakefront Line
Press Release

City Unveils New Plan to Build on $2.6 Billion in Downtown Investment by Moving the Streetcar Project Forward, Adding Lakefront Line

Plan Covers Lakefront Line, Utility Costs Without Property Tax Dollars; Operations Slated to Begin by 2018

WRTP/BIG STEP Board of Directors taps Mark Kessenich as New President and Chief Executive Officer
Press Release

WRTP/BIG STEP Board of Directors taps Mark Kessenich as New President and Chief Executive Officer

After an extensive nationwide search, WRTP/BIG STEP, a nationally recognized, workforce development intermediary is excited to announce that Mark Kessenich has been named President and CEO.

NEWaukeean of the Week: Jonathan Brostoff
NEWaukeean of the Week

Jonathan Brostoff

"Without a doubt, some big investors are betting on Milwaukee’s future..."

Murphy’s Law: The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park
Murphy’s Law

The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park

The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.

Eyes on Milwaukee: 700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval
Eyes on Milwaukee

700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval

Proposed high-rise would add up to 275 "ultra luxury" apartments to downtown Milwaukee -- with no public financing.

Charlie Fox Comments on County Executive’s Budget in Absence of District Supervisor
Press Release

Charlie Fox Comments on County Executive’s Budget in Absence of District Supervisor

Charlie Fox, candidate in the November 4 Special Election for the open 5th District Milwaukee County Board seat, attended County Executive Abele’s 2015 budget presentation.

Eyes on Milwaukee: New Apartment Building Coming to the Third Ward
Eyes on Milwaukee

New Apartment Building Coming to the Third Ward

Two developers partner up for a new building that is going to have a very odd shape.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Chicago Firm Unveils Designs for 35-Story Tower
Eyes on Milwaukee

Chicago Firm Unveils Designs for 35-Story Tower

New skyscraper would contain up to 275 apartments in downtown Milwaukee.

Friday Photos: 833 East, the Unsung Hero of Office Towers
Friday Photos

833 East, the Unsung Hero of Office Towers

New high rise office building has no city subsidy and will add to the property tax base immediately.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Issues Statement in Support of the Couture Development
Press Release

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Issues Statement in Support of the Couture Development

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) announced its support of Barrett Visionary Development’s Couture project

Great Plan Gets Even Better!
Press Release

Great Plan Gets Even Better!

1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan

Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
Eyes on Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

Eyes on Milwaukee: New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground
Eyes on Milwaukee

New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground

The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.

Barrett Drops Hotel From The Couture Plans
In Public: Why the Art Museum Addition Must Not Be Built
In Public

Why the Art Museum Addition Must Not Be Built

This could be the biggest architectural mistake Milwaukee has ever made.

Supervisor Jursik Criticizes Shoreline Bill
Press Release

Supervisor Jursik Criticizes Shoreline Bill

Jursik Says Shoreline Bill Washes Out Trustee Duty to Protect Public Access

County Executive Abele Statement on Shoreline Bill
Press Release

County Executive Abele Statement on Shoreline Bill

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele supports a bipartisan state bill that will be considered this week by the state Assembly to formally recognize the Milwaukee shoreline boundary that was established in 1913.

Plenty of Horne: Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told
Plenty of Horne

Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told

Younger residents far more important than empty nesters in driving city growth, and urban areas are surpassing suburbs, speakers at conference note.

Does Lakefront Still Lack a Vision?

Does Lakefront Still Lack a Vision?

Panelists at Discovery World conference debate plans and opportunities for Milwaukee's lakefront. A report with photos.

Couture to bring grocer to Milwaukee lakefront
Citation

Couture to bring grocer to Milwaukee lakefront

Why The Couture Could Wow the Nation

Why The Couture Could Wow the Nation

Few cities have built towers this tall (44 stories) since 2000. This could be a coup for Milwaukee. (Second of two-part series)

City a National Leader in Skyscrapers

City a National Leader in Skyscrapers

Since 2000, Milwaukee ranks 10th among 67 big cities in high-rises built per capita. Part I of a two-part series.

Murphy’s Law: The Curious Case of Kimberly Walker
Murphy’s Law

The Curious Case of Kimberly Walker

The board is angry at Abele so they fired Walker. Go figure.

In Public: How the Moderne Lost Some of its Swagger
In Public

How the Moderne Lost Some of its Swagger

Value engineering made it stouter, but it’s still minor miracle a building this good was created.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra considers move to Couture
Citation

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra considers move to Couture

House Confidential: Rocky’s Throne of Stone
House Confidential

Rocky’s Throne of Stone

Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?

Eyes on Milwaukee: Pizza and the Park East
Eyes on Milwaukee

Pizza and the Park East

Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.

Murphy’s Law: The High Cost of the County Board
Murphy’s Law

The High Cost of the County Board

We could save millions and improve efficiency by cutting the county board and its huge staff.

County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture

County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture

Proposed 44-floor building for lakefront stays on track

County Threatened With Lakefront Lawsuit

County Threatened With Lakefront Lawsuit

County committee okays negotiations with The Couture developer, despite a casual threat of lawsuit.

The Chatter: The Chicago Challenge
The Chatter

The Chicago Challenge

Economic cooperation with our massive neighbor could help Milwaukee. But Gov.Scott Walker stands in the way.

Photo Gallery: The Couture Press Conference
Photo Gallery

The Couture Press Conference

Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.

The Chatter: Abele vs County Board — Again
The Chatter

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront

44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront

A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.

Building data on this page, including assessment information, was last updated on January 26, 2019

See something wrong? Want to report an issue? Contact us.