Feature
Aloft Development Plans to Break Ground Soon.
The nine-story Aloft Hotel and condominium project is now on track to break ground in April with a target completion date of May 2009. To facilitate pre-sales Ruvin Development has launched The Residences Above website which includes floor plans, pricing and contact information for potential buyers. According to the website the nine condominium units will run from $540,000 to $1.2 million and include a long list of amenities such as an indoor pool, boat slips, a rooftop terrace, and a housekeeping package. In addition to the hotel and condominiums this project will feature two first floor retail spaces targeting a bar or restaurant occupant. The 1,490 square feet retail space is located on the Riverwalk and should make it a prime spot for an entertainment destination. The 1,690 square feet space is located along Old World Third St and will tie into the Old World Third St. entertainment district. The spaces are currently being marketed by CB Richard Ellis and are leasing for $19.50 per square feet and $20.00 square feet respectively. The Residences Above http://www.theresidencesabove.com
Mar 1st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Terrace Row Condominiums Construction Nears Completion
Construction of the Terrace Row Condominiums at the intersection of Kilbourn Ave and Cass St appears to be near completion. Workshop Architects’ design utilizes styles of the current day and although very unique for the neighborhood adds to the urban fabric. Building on what was a vacant lot the project appropriately brings the units to sidewalks edge and does a adequate job in hiding the parking. Specifically the project utilizes a narrow alley behind the new structure to allow for access to the garages. Although, the first floor is a somewhat bleak the design includes street facing windows as well as pedestrian access and once landscaping is added it should improve the appearance. Further large windows on both the second and third floor allow for additional “eyes on the street” adding to the security of the neighborhood. Now that construction is near completion it is possible to see how the architect was attempting to fit the urban environment within the constraints of the project requirements. The project includes four units that run in price from $1.25 million to $1.35 million and have extensive list of features. Specifically each unit will have a private roof terrace, private elevator, wood-burning fireplace, private balcony and at least a two car garage. Despite the solid design and long list of features according to the projects website none of the units have been sold. The success or failure of this project financially and the success or failure of this project architecturally are separate issues as the building is succeeding architecturally by addressing the street, hiding parking, and allowing for privacy.
Feb 25th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Prof. Levine Presents Bleak Job Market
Professor Marc Levine presented a a communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development regarding employment trends in the country’s cities. Professor Levine presented a fairly bleak view of Milwaukee’s job market and although he thought some of the efforts by the City of Milwaukee were positive he said they were “micro fixes because they’re not market changing”. He went on to say that “we need a bolder market changing strategy” if we hope to improve the job market here in the City of Milwaukee. Much like when he present his report regarding the jobless rate in the inner city he again pointed to a mass transit system, such as Denver’s $4.7 Billion 120 mile regional transit system, as a possible solution to jump start job growth and encourage business development in the future. Resolution 071451 proposed increasing the Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) requirements from 18 percent to 25 percent for City of Milwaukee funded construction projects. The goal of EBE requirements is to help small business within the City of Milwaukee access opportunities they might not otherwise be afforded. In the past the City of Milwaukee has averaged 22.9 percent participation for construction projects so this new target represents a higher goal of achievement but one that is obtainable. Alderman Ashanti Hamilton made the motion to hold the resolution for one cycle to get “all the pieces” in the resolution that the committee felt were needed.
Feb 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
I’m Voting For Sam
I’ve been fielding a lot of questions as to who I’m voting for 3rd District Alderman in tomorrow’s primary election. The answer? I’m voting for Sam McGovern-Rowen. There are a lot of quality candidates out there, and they all (with few exceptions) are fighting for virtually the same thing. In my opinion I think the 3rd District is doing quite well, so any candidate running around saying “vote for change” have better have a really good answer to what is wrong. I haven’t seen anything conclusive answer other than name calling. The question I asked myself was who did I think had enough experience and political savvy to deliver results on this general consensus of more safety and sustainable growth? Sam was at the top of that list thanks to his experience at City Hall and his family’s political history. Urban Milwaukee supports Sam McGovern-Rowen for 3rd District Alderman. Don’t forget to vote tomorrow!
Feb 18th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Zoning Committee Responds to Court Ruling
This meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee was quite unusual in that it was held in response to the court case Dawn McCarthy vs. The City of Milwaukee City. The case revolves around the city’s handling of a minor modification to the Detail Planned Development known has Downer Avenue Redevelopment Phase I. The court ruled that there were possible open meetings violations during some Historic Preservation Commission subcommittee meetings so to insure all information was publicly heard the judge ordered this meeting to be held. It is important to note the judge did not stop construction and didn’t expect the city to vote on the resolution in question. Peter Kovac, one of the Plaintiffs in the case, made comments indicating the city had re-opened the issue prompting Alderman Mike D’Amato to respond by saying “you seemed to of re-opened the whole issue”. Alderman Bob Bauman was heard saying “let him go on for two hours” expressing his frustration with the repetitive testimony and the proceeds. Despite Alderman Michael Murphy‘s concern over setting a precedent by passing a resolution in response to the direction of the court, the committee unanimously approved resolution 071365 reasserting the previously passed resolution.
Feb 18th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Sydney Hih Square Development Launches Website
The Sydney Hih Square development has gone through, many iterations, public debate of TIF financing, the shuffle of lead developers, but now has taken a small step forward. This sign of progress is seen in the launching of The Residences at Hotel Palomar website. The site’s launch is in part preparation for pre-sales and fully with the intent of creating a buzz. The site announces the opening of a sales center in April 2008 and with this launch it may make it possible to see a ground breaking yet this year. The Residences at Hotel Palomar: http://www.milwaukeepalomar.com/
Feb 16th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Approves Water Deal
Resolution 071440, sponsored by Alderman Jim Bohl, requested an exception to city requirements that sidewalks be developed during the repaving of Good Hope Rd. It specifically requested that the area between 91st St. to 107th St. be excluded from the requirement because this area is more rural than urban. It was pointed out during the meeting that schools located on arterial roads without sidewalks require busing of students by law and therefore not installing the sidewalks will insure higher costs for Milwaukee Public Schools . Despite this Alderman Bohl’s Legislative Assistant Todd Peterson and Alderman Robert Puente argued that the people they represent don’t want sidewalks. The rest of the committee must of felt sidewalks are an important feature of an urban environment or considered the MPS issue significant as they placed the resolution on file. Resolution 071313 was the reintroduction of the contract agreeing to water sales between the City of Milwaukee and the Village of Menomonee Falls. During the last meeting the committee held the file because of amendments put forward by the Village of Menomonee Falls. Alderman Robert Bauman pointed out that the Village of Menomonee Falls would of been gaining new benefits but “they offered nothing in return”. Specifically the original resolution potentially could of allowed the Village on Menomonee Falls to sell some of their ground water across the divide by importing more Milwaukee water further encouraging suburban development by utilizing a City of Milwaukee resource. In response to these issues Alderman Bauman proposed the current resolution saying it has the “same terms and conditions” as well as the “same service area” as the existing contract. This resolution was approved by the committee and heads to the full Common Council for approval.
Feb 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Pothole Patrols Starting Early
Worried about all kinds of potholes you’re seeing (and feeling) on the road? The Milwaukee Department of Public Works is starting early this year to repair potholes with seasonal workers. Cyclists and motorists alike rejoice. As a side note, it’ll cost $120,000 out of the city’s contingency fund. I don’t drive (read: ride) enough, and haven’t been biking lately to know if this is money well spent.
Feb 14th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Higher Education Expanding in Downtown Milwaukee
Both Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have been working on multiple expansions within downtown Milwaukee. Marquette University has two major initiatives including the $100 million Discovery Learning Complex and the new Marquette University Law School. The Discovery Learning Complex will house the College of Engineering on recently acquired land at the 1600 block of West Wisconsin Avenue. This effort has received a series of large donations including $50 million from one family. Additionally Marquette University has received large gifts including $30 million from Joseph J. Zilber to support the development of the new Marquette University Law School at 13th and Clybourn. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee intends to open a new School of Public Health on land near the Brewery development. This initiative has received a $10 million gift from Joseph J. Zilber to push the project forward and insure it is developed downtown. These universities investment in downtown Milwaukee indicates a growing demand for higher education opportunities within the city. In apparent response to these expansion two new student housing developments have recently brought forward. First The Scion Group proposed and addition to 2040 Lofts that will have 100 rental units to be built on an existing surface parking lot to the north of 2040 Lofts. This project focuses on attracting Marquette students and building on the success of the existing 2040 Lofts. The second project announced by New Vision Development Co. is estimated at $75 million and it will be located at N. 6th and W. State streets. Although it will generally target MATC students, it will be open to students from Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as well. It is clear that as these universities continue to expand downtown they will continue to bring additional projects to downtown Milwaukee.
Feb 13th, 2008 by Dave Reid
City Plan Commission Approves Downer Avenue Plan
The first item on the agenda, Resolution 070963, was the heavily debated Downer Avenue Redevelopment Phase II project. The resolution would recommend a change of zoning from General Planned Development to Detailed Planned Development and include a 7-story hotel, an 11-story residential tower, 5 town homes, and a 4-story addition to the Mulkhern building. Architect Scott Kindness indicated that the Chancery building currently retains only about 50% of its original facade and that they “plan on taking down the entire building to allow this to happen” but that they will “rebuild the 1936 version of the Chancery building”. Clearly he was referring to rebuilding the facade along the first two floors as they will add additional floors with a setback allowing the street level massing to appear similar to its original design. He also indicated the project will most likely break ground in the Spring of 2009 as both pre-sales for the condominiums and finding the operator for the hotel will take time and are dependent on approvals. Architect Matt Rinka explained that the redevelopment of the Mulkhern building would include the 4-story addition, demolishing the drive through and ramp, creation of an urban garden, and will convert the existing upper floor to medical uses. Despite multiple iterations, and numerous meetings opposition to this change in zoning was brought by local community members who have fought this project from its beginning. Alderman Michael D’Amato pointed out that that “the use is consistent with the General Planned Development, the height is consistent with the General Planned Development, and the massing is consistent with the General Planned Development” further he indicated the plan is simply receiving opposition from the same neighborhood members who opposed this project from the beginning indicating that taking further input was just a delaying tactic and at this point served no purpose. He appealed to the commission that “the anchors on Downer Avenue are dying” and that “I hope you will finally allow progress on Downer Avenue.” The Commission took his advice and recommended it for approval with the conditions that the developer works to shorten the balcony and continues to work with staff on improvements. Another item of particular interest, Resolution 071292, pitted groups of citizens with positive intentions against each other. Specifically groups representing low income housing for the homeless and mentally ill ran into opposition from green and bicyclist enthusiasts due to the site location. The property in question was a city owned lot near the Kinnickinnic River that various groups had been planning to use for bike trails and green space. Alderman Tony Zielinski appeared upset over the proposed use of land and went on to say “we are setting a dangerous precedent by developing our green space”. The commission listened to his advice and held the resolution asking the Department of City Development to work with the developer to look for another site or improve the facility’s design to work better with the trail.
Feb 12th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Smart Cars Selling Like Hot Cakes
The Smart Car already has a year waiting list in Milwaukee, with over 400 orders being placed by February 1st. The first dealership was opened by Bergstrom next to their Hummer dealership at 11330 West Metro Boulevard near the intersection of Good Hope Road, Highway 145, Highway 45 North. You may laugh at the irony of a Hummer dealership next to a Smart Car dealership, but it’s nothing short of the principles of natural capitalism at work. As you may remember, I had hyped the Smart Car in an earlier post as something that was a stepping stone to a better urban Milwaukee. Thanks to IllustriousBean for snagging the photo. Check out the Bergstrom Smart Car website for more information.
Feb 12th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
County Looking To Add Bike Racks To Buses
milw_city_bus Originally uploaded by mechanikat Despite Scott Walker‘s consistent insistence that the Milwaukee County Transit System is just a step short of going completely broke, Milwaukee County is proposing to add bicycle racks to the front of the bus fleet. The announcement comes in wake of a proposed settlement for releasing asbestos during the destruction of the Courthouse Annex (the beautiful building over Interstate 43). One bad for one good. I’m all for the addition of bike racks as it increases an individuals mobility without a car, if this is the route that things have to go to get the racks, sure I’ll take it. This goes further to help people than the county paying a fine to the state. On the flip side, the county seems to think they can get federal grants and private funds to pay for a lot of the cost. So they’re clearly doing this to try to kill two birds with one stone. As long as it happens, I’m a happy biker.
Feb 11th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
