Wisconsin Center District postpones plans to take over Marcus Center
The Wisconsin Center District wants to postpone an ownership transfer of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts from Milwaukee County to the district until after the new Milwaukee Bucks Arena is built. “Our plate is full right now, obviously the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is an incredible asset to our community, but to take on another entity is not fiscally prudent at this time,” said Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy, who also serves on the district board.The district board had a lengthy informal discussion about the future of the Marcus Center Friday, ultimately deciding that the district has too much to focus on, with the $500 million Bucks Arena about to be built, to take over another venue. The district owns and operates the Wisconsin Center convention center, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Milwaukee Theatre. Eventually, the Wisconsin Center District will own the new arena, under a state law passed this summer. The board asked its attorney to draft a motion so they could formally take action at a future meeting to not take over the Marcus Center. The Marcus Center was built with private funding in 1969 and deeded to Milwaukee County as a public trust for the preservation and enrichment of the performing arts, including drama, music and dance. The facility is home to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, City Ballet Theatre, Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company, Broadway Series, and other performing arts groups. The Milwaukee County’s 2016 recommended budget includes $3.6 million to complete the final phase of overall HVAC replacement at the Marcus Center and another $950,000 to support the center. If the Wisconsin Center District were to take over the facility, that money would go away, said Joel Brennan, CEO of Discovery World, who serves on both the Wisconsin Center District board and the Marcus Center board. “It would be valuable for this board to send a signal to the county board to say ‘not until at least the Bucks arena is completed or another day after will we take this on this is still your asset to invest in,’” Brennan said. Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released a statement Friday afternoon saying that consolidating ownership of the convention center, Milwaukee Theatre, Marcus Center and the new Bucks arena, which are all located within 1,000 feet of one another, will allow for better customer service, maximized revenue and avoid duplicate expenses. “The Wisconsin Center District has an incredible opportunity to take advantage of these efficiencies and I am confident that they will do so in a prudent and timely manner,” Abele said.
Nov 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Consulting firm to move into Pabst Professional Center
SafeNet Consulting is consolidating its Third Ward and Wauwatosa offices and leasing space in the Pabst Professional Center, doubling its office size. “The company is a success story, they have been growing,” Pudlosky said.The company, which provides staffing, IT analytics and management consulting, will move into 8,000-square-feet on the third floor of the building in March 2016, said David Pudlosky vice president of JLL’s Wisconsin office, who represented SafeNet in the deal. Laurie Rades, spokesperson with SafeNet, said the move will allow the company to add more employees to its team of 63 people. The company has hired seven people since August, Rades said. “In the Wauwatosa office, we are truly on top of each other,” Rades said. “This give us extra space and room to grow. We are excited to move to a growing area that is coming back to life.” SafeNet currently leases about 2,000-square feet at 10700 Research Drive in Wauwatosa and 1,500-square-feet at 533 E. Erie St. SafeNet was founded in Minneapolis in 1994 and opened its first Milwaukee branch in 1997. The company’s growth rate since 2012 has been 55.7 percent. Blue Ribbon Management began construction of the Pabst Professional Center in 2014, a new office building with 42,000 square feet of office space at the former Pabst Brewing Company complex. In September, Klement Sausage announced it would move its corporate offices from Bay View to the fourth floor of the professional center. At that time, the building was at 75 percent occupancy with about 10,000-square-feet left in the building. TCF Bank and Logicalis, an IT consulting firm, have also leased space in the building.
Nov 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker’s Point buildings to be converted to apartments, other uses
Three adjacent buildings in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, just south of downtown Milwaukee, will be converted into apartments, offices and street-level retail by their new owner. Bloomington, Ind.-based Cedarview Management plans to begin renovations in early 2016 on the property, at 133 W. Pittsburgh Ave., said Vice President Suzanne O’Connell. Cedarview is still refining its plans, and the company doesn’t yet know how many apartments it will create, or the amount of space for offices and retail, O’Connell said Thursday. But Cedarview has already been in discussions with “a couple of larger retailers” about the site, O’Connell said. The property has some tenants, including artist studios. Cedarview plans to do the renovations in stages to allow the tenants to stay in the building while the work occurs, O’Connell said. The company hopes to have some of the renovated space available by early 2017, she said. Pittsburgh Avenue LLC, a Cedarview affiliate, bought the property for $2.2 million, according to state real estate records posted Thursday. The three buildings, constructed in the 1890s, are classified as warehouses, according to city assessment records. They include a five-story, 58,800-square-foot building; a four-story, 20,936-square-foot building; and a two-story, 5,844-square-foot building. The property was sold through a foreclosure auction. The previous owner was Olson RE LLC, led by Milwaukee apartments owner Timothy Olson. Cedarview’s acquisition is the latest in a series of real estate investments near the Global Water Center, which is just one block west at 247 W. Freshwater Way. Several older buildings near the water center have been converted into apartments and other new uses. Other larger apartment developments in Walker’s Point include David Winograd‘s planned 164-unit project at E. Pittsburgh Ave. and S. Water St. Those other projects helped sway Cedarview into making its first Wisconsin investment, O’Connell said. “There is just a lot of life” in Walker’s Point and the nearby Historic Third Ward, she said. Cedarview operates student apartments and other commercial properties primarily in Bloomington, where Indiana University is located. The Milwaukee apartments would be rented to the general population, O’Connell said.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker’s Point buildings sold to Indiana group for mixed-use development
Three buildings in Walker’s Point were sold through a foreclosure auction for $2.2 million, to an Indiana company who is planning a mixed-use development. Bloomington, Ind. –based Cedar View Management, purchased 129-133 W. Pittsburgh Ave., from Olson RE, LLC. Suzanne O’Connell, vice-president with Cedar View Management, said work on the buildings will begin the first of the new year. “We don’t buy buildings to hold onto them, when we move, we move quickly,” O’Connell said. Cedar View is planning first floor retail along Pittsburgh Avenue that O’Connell said will compliment the building and the neighborhood. Apartments and office space will occupy the rest of the buildings. The buildings, which are five, four and two stories tall, were built in the 1890s. The three buildings have a combined 85,580-square feet. Only the two-story building is on the historic register. Cedar View is working with Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc., locally and Indianapolis-based Studio 3 Design. O’Connell said she loves the Walker’s Point neighborhood because of its vibrant feel. “I used to live in Wicker Park (Chicago) when it was transitional and it has the same sort of feel to me,” she said. “It’s very much a neighborhood as far as the different businesses. I love how much everyone cares about the area.” Cedar View mainly operates apartments in Bloomington’s downtown area and around the Indiana University campus. The Walker’s Point development is the company’s first in Wisconsin. “We were not actively looking for a property but were approached,” O’Connell said. “I have an extreme fondness for Milwaukee and so does our company president. I know we can do good by the city.” The purchase of this parcel is another improvement to the intersection of South Second Street and Pittsburgh Avenue. In September, developer David Winograd, who owns D & K Management Services LLC., began redeveloping the former Prime Leather Furnishes Co. building into market-rate apartments at 188 S. 2nd St. across the street from this property. Winograd, who hasn’t spoken to the representatives at Cedar View, said he is happy to see the foreclosed parcel will be redeveloped.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
San Diego buyer acquires another downtown Milwaukee property
A San Diego buyer that in October acquired a downtown Milwaukee parking lot from We Energies also recently acquired a lot at Wells and Sixth streets for $2.2 million, according to state records. A parking structure and Firestone car shop formerly stood on the land, but was torn down in 2013 after the city issued a demolition order. It has since been planted over with grass and turned into a parking lot. Its former owner, Dallas-based TTOW Properties LLC, recently sold the 1-acre site to Columbia Parking LP of San Diego. That sale was completed in late October, according to state records posted this week. Columbia Parking in October also acquired a 2-acre parking lot south of The Shops of Grand Avenue for $4.85 million.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Dave Reid
State Rep. Josh Zepnick pleads guilty to drunken driving
State Rep. Josh Zepnick pleaded guilty Wednesday to first offense operating while intoxicated, according to a statement from his office. Zepnick’s driver’s license was suspended for six months and an interlock device will be placed on his automobile for 12 months, according to the statement. Zepnick — who has told the story of his sister’s death at the hands of a drunken driver to argue for tougher impaired driving laws — was arrested Oct. 29 near S. 68th St. and W. Forest Home Ave. in Greenfield. The Milwaukee Democrat admitted he had been drinking and had failed field sobriety tests. He refused to take a breath test. “I continue to deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility,” Zepnick said in the statement. “I have learned from this incident and hope others will too.” Zepnick was ordered to pay a forfeiture to the Greenfield Municipal Court and ordered to undergo mandatory alcohol assessment, according to the statement. He has already voluntarily entered treatment and is attending Alcoholics Anonymous, according to the statement.
Nov 18th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Vacant south side building to be renovated for design business
A long-vacant commercial property on Milwaukee’s south side would be redeveloped for a design and photography business under a proposal approved by a Common Council committee. Michelle Quinn, who operates Attic Design Co., would buy the 1,979-square-foot building, 1900 W. Morgan Ave., from the city for $20,000, and spend $100,000 to $150,000 on renovations, according to a Department of City Development report. The city acquired the building through property tax foreclosure. Quinn plans to renovate the building into her work space, including a photorgraphy studio, and personal residence. Attic Design does interior design work, photography and graphic design projects. The proposed sale was recommended for approval Tuesday by the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee. The building has been vacant since 2009.
Nov 18th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Chris Abele is spending early and often in re-election bid
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele brags that he will pay for his own re-election campaign. Just look for the Brink’s armored truck to pull up any second. Records show that Abele has already bought $336,495 worth of airtimeon six Milwaukee-area TV stations since Oct. 26. His ads also are all over social media, especially Facebook. And his campaign has sent out at least three slick mailers to voters in the county. Abele’s campaign released two more TV spots on Tuesday, the first on the new Milwaukee Bucks arena and the other on local bus service, and sent out a new flyer as well. Even more direct mail will be on its way soon. Throw in a five-member campaign staff, polling and consultants — former Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tateamong them — and Abele looks like he could spend as much as $1 million by the end of the year. All for a job that will pay $129,114 a year for the winner of the April general election. Why is the multimillionaire — whose father is a billionaire — spending so much so early? That’s not exactly clear. “This is way, way too early,” said GOP operative Craig Peterson, noting that there’s no real primary in February. Abele is facing off against state Sen. Chris Larson, a Milwaukee Democrat who used to serve on the County Board, and at least two minor candidates. No matter — it’s full-steam ahead for Abele’s team. Tia Torhorst, his campaign manager, suggested the county executive wants to boast about what he has accomplished since first being elected in 2011. “He’s excited for the opportunity a campaign provides to share more publicly some of the incredible progress from the last five years,” Torhorst said. “As you know, he has the resources to run a robust campaign, and he has made clear that that is what he intends to do.” There are two schools of thought about Abele’s full-throated PR campaign. Some say Abele may be underperforming in his own polls — or, at the least, his support is very shallow — so he is going on the airwaves early in hopes of improving his numbers. “He’s not doing this because he’s hugely popular,” said a veteran Democratic insider not affiliated with either Democratic candidate for the nonpartisan post. “When you are facing the type of community opposition he is clearly seeing in his polling, you do what Chris Abele has always done: flex his family’s wealth to solve yet another problem,” said Rick Coehlo, campaign manager for Larson. It is true that Abele is not the same candidate who first ran for office. In 2011, he was a liberal critic of Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican who served as the previous Milwaukee County executive. Today, Abele’s liberal social credentials remain intact — he is a staunch defender of abortion rights and a strong proponent of gay marriage. But Abele has openly worked with Republicans and Walker’s office in recent years, losing the support of local unions […]
Nov 17th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Bar serving Scandinavian food and drink to open on Old World 3rd St.
The German and Italian restaurants and bars of Old World 3rd St. will get a Scandinavian neighbor: A new bar by the owners of Wisconsin Cheese Mart and Uber Tap Room will express one owner’s Norwegian heritage through the tavern’s food and drink. Ken and Melissa McNulty plan to open the bar in spring at 1111 N. Old World 3rd St. It’s tentatively called Valhalla, although the name could change before the opening, Melissa McNulty said. Ken McNulty said in summer that a tavern would open in the building he owns near the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, but didn’t disclose then what the concept would be. Melissa McNulty said she’s of Norwegian ancestry on both her mother’s and father’s sides; her extended family lives in Vernon County in southwestern Wisconsin, where the predominant ethnicity is Norwegian. “I grew up in a household where all the major holidays were celebrated with Norwegian foods,” she said. “It’s in my wheelhouse; it’s what I know.” The menu still is being developed, but Melissa McNulty said it would include the open-faced sandwiches called smorrebrod that she and her husband saw everywhere while visiting Copenhagen in summer. “They’re pretty to look at,” she said. “It’s simple food with really fresh ingredients.” While the menu will feature Norwegian dishes, the plates will be modern and incorporate local ingredients, she said. “No lutefisk,” she added. In spite of the waves of Norwegian immigrants that settled in Wisconsin in the 19th century, the state has relatively few restaurants serving Norwegian fare. In the Milwaukee area, the most reliable source of Norwegian dishes might be the monthly dinners at Norway House, the Sons of Norway lodge on W. Oklahoma Ave. Kelley Cramer, a cheesemonger at Wisconsin Cheese Mart who also handles the company’s marketing, will be the tavern’s general manager. The Scandinavian focus is a way to introduce a new aspect in bars but remain in keeping with the historic feel of Old World 3rd St., he said. Cramer said the bar will have some traditional Scandinavian drinks including beers, hard ciders and aquavit, the vodka-like spirit flavored with dill or other herbs, spices and fruits. Work is under way on the exterior of the 1880 building, now partly hidden behind scaffolding, and has begun inside, where equipment from a previous business that wrapped cigars was found in the basement. The first floor’s Cream City brick walls have been exposed, Cramer said, adding that the interior will weave in Scandinavian modern design with an outdoorsy feel. The bar ultimately will have a beer garden, Cramer said, and it will have TVs for sports fans expected to stop in before or after Bucks games. The new arena is planned a block from the bar, just to the north of the basketball team’s current home, the BMO Harris Bradley Center on N. 4th St. The new arena, which will have its own entertainment center containing restaurants and bars, is expected to open in 2018.
Nov 17th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
City condemns Renaissance Book Shop
After more than a decade of trying to get the owner of Renaissance Book Shop on N. Plankinton Avenue in downtown Milwaukee to repair the decaying building, the city is taking him to court to force him to fix it or pay for its demolition. Hundreds of thousands of books lining the walls and covering the building’s four floors have caused enough structural damage that the south end of the structure is one foot lower than the other end, said Ron Roberts, manager condemnation services for the City of Milwaukee. “Our concern is for the safety and welfare of the adjacent business owners and for the public,” Roberts said. The store is closed, windows boarded and the sidewalk in front of it is blocked off by the city. Photo gallery of building. Robert John, who has owned the 4,800-square-foot bookstore at 834 N. Plankinton Ave., since the 1970s, could not be reached for comment. From foundational to façade issues, John has had several run-ins with the city over the years over the condition of the building, which dates back to 1900. The last evaluation on the building was about five years ago and since that time, the city has not been given access, Roberts said. On Oct. 21, an emergency inspection order was issued and a condemnation order was issued to John, Roberts said. Given the condition of the building, it is likely the structure will have to be demolished. In a rare move, the city is taking John to Milwaukee County Circuit Court to have the court force John to repair or raze the building. Assistant City Attorney Kail Decker said the building’s proximity to other buildings and the river will make it very expensive to demolish. “It is a better use of taxpayer dollars to have the court order him to raze the building rather than have the city do it and try to collect the money after the fact,” said assistant city attorney Kail Decker. “We believe (John) does have the money.” A pre-trial conference is scheduled for July 2016. John also operates the used book shop at Mitchell International Airport. An employee at that store, who did not want to give his name, said John is not interested in repairing the downtown location or paying to raze the building. “I think he’ll continue to stonewall, but that’s just my opinion,” he said.
Nov 17th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Kenosha investor buys fifth Milwaukee apartment building
A Kenosha investment trust that bought four apartment buildings on Milwaukee’s near west side followed up a few days later with the $1.95 million acquisition of a fifth on Friday. The buyer is Charles Tunkieicz Farms Inc., a Kenosha family trust. That trust is buying up Milwaukee apartments with the proceeds of its sale this summer of a large Kenosha property in Somers. It paid $6.85 million for a group of apartment properties around the Marquette University campus. The trust followed that up a few days later with the acquisition of a 40-unit apartment building immediately east of Interstate 41 at 5167 N. Lovers Lane Road in Milwaukee. John Heuler of Elm Grove sold the building, according to state records. The two purchases had a combined 166 apartments. Brett Garceau and Timothy Janusz, brokers with Milwaukee-based MLG Commercial who represented the Tunkieicz trust in the deal, declined comment.
Nov 16th, 2015 by Dave Reid
Former Dino’s Italian Restaurant to be auctioned
The former Dino’s Italian Restaurant on Howell Avenue near Mitchell International Airport will be sold in an online auction Dec. 2 with an opening bid of $165,000. The former restaurant has been closed and vacant for about 10 years. The 3,060-square-foot property was built in 1956 and is listed for $239,000. An auction for the restaurant’s equipment was held last year. For more information on the property auction visit www.micoley.com
Nov 16th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
