Content referencing Downtown - Page 7
MSOE’s Parking Garage #FAIL
Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee City Plan Commission both unanimously recommended approval of the Milwaukee School of Engineering's parking garage proposal in the Park East. These approvals point out that City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County politicians are anxious to see new development in the Park East. Unfortunately, as currently conceived this isn't a project worthy of approval.
Feb 13th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Important Hoan Bridge and Milwaukee Streetcar Meetings this Week
This week there are two important public meetings regarding the future of Milwaukee's built environment.
Nov 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
A Spectacular Green Neighborhood is Brewing in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s newest trendy neighborhood is likely to become one of its best, and almost certainly its greenest.
Sep 30th, 2011 by Kaid Benfield
HMI Doors Open 2011 Recommendations
Imagine this for a moment -- you’re a kid in a candy store, and as things go, this candy store is opening for the first time ever and only for one weekend. Oh gosh. You’ve dreamed of this cornucopia of confections so many times before, you know every name and shiny wrapper in the store... but your eyes are bigger than your stomach. How can you pick just a choice few, knowing your slight allowance won’t let you have all that you want? It’s the best and worst kind of agony.
Sep 21st, 2011 by Adam Carr
PARK(ing) Day 2011!
Once again this year UrbanMilwaukee.com will be hosting a PARK(ing) Day event in downtown Milwaukee PARK(ing) Day takes place on September 16th, 2011 and is quite simply a public space intervention. The UrbanMilwaukee.com installation will be located near the corner of Mason Street and Milwaukee Street from noon to 2 p.m.
Sep 8th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Better Connecting the Lakefront to Downtown
There is no question that the connection between Milwaukee's lakefront and downtown is underwhelming. Despite the fact that they meet at Lincoln Memorial Drive, there is no grand connection between the two, which is unfortunate as the intersection of Lincoln Memorial Drive and Michigan Street is a gateway to the city.
Aug 15th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
Wells Street Two-Way Conversion Work Has Begun
Wasting no time, the Department of Public Works has already began work on the conversion of Wells Street to a two-way street throughout downtown.
Aug 4th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Alderman Donovan Proposes Delaying the Streetcar Project
Yesterday, Alderman Donovan called for a referendum to be held before moving forward with the Milwaukee Streetcar project. A referendum that wouldn't be held until the Spring primaries on February 21st, 2012. Making a proposal such as this reminds us that there wasn't a referendum for the Hoan Bridge reconstruction, the I-94 expansion, or the $810 million, not including utilities cost, Marquette Interchange project.
Jul 19th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Brighten The Passage
Walking from downtown to the Historic Third Ward can be an uncomfortable experience. I-794 and the sea of surface parking lots on Water St., Broadway, and Milwaukee St. create an isolated and intimidating dead spot that deters pedestrians from walking between the two districts.
Jul 13th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Wells St. Two-way Street Conversion is Long Overdue
At Thursday’s Public Safety Committee meeting a file will be voted on that would authorize the conversion of Wells St. to two-way operation from 6th St. to Prospect Ave. According to the Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin Center District Board voted to oppose part of this conversion, in particular from 4th Street to 6th Street, due to “safety” concerns. These concerns miss the big picture and can be handled while bringing the benefits of making Wells St. two-ways in downtown Milwaukee. Well Street’s one-way configuration brings an assortment of issues that negatively impact the neighborhood it passes through. In particular it is common to see cars continuously circling the block, because a parking spot is not easily accessible without circling the neighborhood. Another direct result of Wells St. being a one-way street, with little congestion, and having multiple travel lanes is that people speed excessively. This is an all too frequent occurrence. Additionally, crashes occur when drivers attempt to turn left from the center lane, because the nature of the street doesn’t fit with the location, causing an accident. Finally, it is all to common to see are drivers heading in the wrong direction along Wells St. A two-way street conversion would alleviate these issues while bringing benefits to the city. A benefit is that a two-way conversion will make Wells St. more pedestrian friendly, as no longer will one need to cross a “freeway” to get across the street. It will bring enhanced visibility to retail establishments, drawing in more of the infrequent drivers passing through the neighborhood. Additionally, for automobile drivers it will actually enhance connectivity by reducing the need to loop around to find a parking spot or a missed intersection. Finally, it will reduce traffic speeds along Wells St., improving safety for both the pedestrian and the automobile driver. This change is long overdue and hopefully this is just another step toward a more connected, accessible, and safe built environment in downtown Milwaukee.
Jun 22nd, 2011 by Dave Reid
Bike-sharing is coming to Milwaukee!
Bike-sharing is coming to Milwaukee, or at least to Discovery World for a limited time. On Thursday June 23rd, from 11am-2pm, B-cycle, a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, will be bringing their 5-bike, demonstration station to Discovery World.
Jun 21st, 2011 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar at Apex
The Milwaukee Streetcar is finally poised to move forward. Following last May's approval of a preliminary engineering study by the Milwaukee Connector Study Group, the Milwaukee Streetcar project has progressed to the next step in its development. In late June the Public Works Committee and Steering and Rules Committee will take up the project on subsequent days, followed by the full Milwaukee Common Council in early July.
Jun 16th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
Tahrir Square
We all watched as Egyptians rose up to overthrow a dictator, and take back their country.
Feb 25th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Target in Downtown Milwaukee
With the announcement that Target is opening a CityTarget store on State Street in Chicago's The Loop Neighborhood, the idea of a downtown Milwaukee Target has been generating a considerable amount of buzz in the past few weeks. Unfortunately for those wishing to shop at a downtown Target, none of that buzz has come from Target. Assuming Target was interested though, what location and store format would best match the desires of Target-loving shoppers with the needs of the city to continue to develop a healthy urban core in and around downtown? Let's explore.
Feb 21st, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
Can Downtown Milwaukee Support a 24-Hour Gym?
Downtown Milwaukee is blessed with four full-service, affordable fitness centers. The Wisconsin Athletic Club, Downtown YMCA, Bally Total Fitness, and newcomer Gold's Gym most of which are located along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor that is the heart of the central business district. They vary in size and services, but all are large gyms that provide personal training services. Given that downtown is well served by three full-service gyms, is there a market for a small, no-frills 24-hour gym?
Jan 24th, 2011 by Jeramey Jannene
Marriott Approved. Greenwich Park Apartments Approved
Two controversial development projects received key approvals at the January 19th, 2011 meeting of the Common Council.
Jan 20th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Marriott Hotel Project Wins Appeal on 3-2 Vote at Zoning Committee
At yesterday's meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Jackson Street Management LLC won an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's ruling regarding their request to demolish five buildings within the East Side Commercial Historic District to make way for a new Marriott Hotel.
Jan 14th, 2011 by Dave Reid
2010 Not the Year of the Park East… Even Worse
Our belief that 2010 could have been the Year of the Park East, came up a bit short, and unfortunately it wasn't the only project that was derailed in 2010.
Dec 30th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Introducing The City Center at 735
Gold's Gym will soon open at 731 N. Water Street, a building that has been empty for 22 years. The gym will occupy five out of eight floors in the building, which was originally built as an annex to the Daniel Burnham designed First Wisconsin National Bank building next door at 735 N. Water Street. As part of the opening of Gold's Gym, both of the First Wisconsin National Bank buildings will be rebranded as The City Center at 735.
Dec 15th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
A Possible Solution for the Marriott Proposal?
Last night the Historic Preservation Commission voted to allow Wave Development, LLC to demolish the historic structures located along Milwaukee St. and Wisconsin Ave. to build a new Marriott Hotel. Under the condition that the project would save and restore the buildings' facades as part of the new development.
Dec 14th, 2010 by Dave Reid
A Room With A View for the New Preservationists
No one would talk much in society if they knew how often they misunderstood others. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The Marriott Hotel proposed for downtown Milwaukee has received a lot of attention lately. It parlays questions going far beyond the buildings themselves.
Dec 13th, 2010 by Anna-Marie Opgenorth
How Urban are Marquette, MIAD, MSOE, and UWM?
Milwaukee is lucky to have a number of higher education institutions in its most urban neighborhoods.
Nov 30th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Colby Abbot Pop-up Stores are Open for Business
Although, the renovation of the first floor of Colby Abbot, located at 759 N. Milwaukee St., building is taking a little longer than expected, the change is a welcome improvement to Milwaukee St.
Nov 21st, 2010 by Dave Reid
Friday Photos Friday, 19. November 2010
Construction of Gold’s Gym Gold’s Gym on N. Water Street 735 N Water Street and Gold’s Gym Colby Abbot Construction Gold’s Gym Construction
Nov 19th, 2010 by Friday Photos
Historic Preservation Commission sets December 13th Public Hearing for the Marriott Proposal
A large crowd turned out, at a commission meeting to speak about a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish buildings located at 319-327 East Wisconsin Ave., and 625-631 North Milwaukee St.
Nov 16th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Marriott Proposal to Go Before Historic Preservation Commission on Monday (Renderings)
Wave Development, LLC is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the buildings located at 319-327 East Wisconsin Ave., and 625-631 North Milwaukee St. to construct a Marriott Hotel. This request will be taken up at the November 15th, 2010 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Nov 12th, 2010 by Dave Reid
MSOE Proposes Parking Garage with Athletic Field in the Park East (Renderings)
Milwaukee School of Engineering is proposing the construction of a $30 million, 780-car parking garage, that would have an athletic field on the roof of the building. About 500 of the 780 parking spots would be leased to business and the general public, generating taxable revenue for MSOE.
Nov 10th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Amtrak Should Innovate with Hiawatha Service Pricing
With Interstate 94 under construction between the state line and Milwaukee for the next few years, new equipment on the way from Talgo, and a route extension to Madison under construction, it's time for Amtrak, iDot, and WisDOT to explore new pricing models for the state-sponsored rail service to encourage more riders and raise more revenue.
Oct 25th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Demolish Part of Downtown Milwaukee? No.
Recently, it was reported that Robert and Michael Levine are once again considering the demolition of historic buildings along Wisconsin Ave. and Broadway, with the hope of landing a hotel development.
Oct 16th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Historic Colby-Abbot Building Renovation is Underway
Construction has begun on the long anticipated renovation of the 134-year old, 6-story, Colby-Abbot Building, located at 759 N. Milwaukee St.
Oct 3rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Next Up? E. Wells Street
Now that E. State. Stree has been converted to two-way traffic in East Town, next up for conversion is E. Well Street.
Sep 29th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Parking Privatization a Non-Starter For Now
Parking privatization has received a lot of attention recently because of nationwide city-budget shortfalls and a high-profile privatization of Chicago's meters.
Sep 28th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
E. State St. is Open for Two-way Traffic in East Town
All throughout this summer the city had been repaving, repainting, and installing new lights along E. State St. in preparation to open most of it to two-way traffic. As of this weekend, E. State St. in East Town from Prospect Ave. to Market St. is open to two-way traffic.
Sep 25th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Downtown Plan Gains Approval at Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee
Department of City Development staff presented the Downtown Plan Update at the September 15th 2010 Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting. Similar to the City Plan Commission meeting staff presented the overall themes and the eight catalytic projects, which are geared towards increasing density and connectivity throughout downtown, whiles creating a sense of place.
Sep 16th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Does building a park over a freeway in Milwaukee make sense?
Cities across the country are in the process of constructing or exploring ways to turn freeways into public space. Would it be wise to implement such an idea in Milwaukee?
Sep 9th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Plan Approved by City Plan Commission
The preparation of the Downtown Plan Update involved various public input sessions, countless hours of community and stakeholder input, resident surveys, the involvement of the business community, and the work of city staff.
Aug 24th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Chicago and Milwaukee – Large Public Art and Placemaking
The latest iteration of Chicago's fascination with large public art is located across the street from the iconic Harold Washington Library in Pritzker Park just northwest of the intersection State Street and Van Buren Street. What is it? A three-story tall eye balll, dubbed the EYE.
Aug 19th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Food Cart Friday!
Today, starting at 11 am and running until 3 pm, in Cathedral Square, the East Town Association is holding what is hopefully the first of many Food Cart Fridays.
Aug 6th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Placemaking
We took a look at where one can find place in downtown Milwaukee currently on an average summer day.
Aug 4th, 2010 by Erin Highland
MCTS Unveils New Buses
The Milwaukee County Transit System unveiled one of the 90 buses set to join their fleet in 2010.
Jul 14th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
City Announces New Downtown Plan
This week the City of Milwaukee announced its new downtown plan.
Jul 2nd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Earthquake
There was an apparent earthquake in Milwaukee today, how far across the city it was felt I haven't been able to figure out at this point. It was felt at our office at Milwaukee and Mason, the Journal Sentinel offices on 4th and Street, the Germania building on Wells and Plankinton, and the Biz Times offices in the Third Ward. At this point it seems that it was confined to downtown Milwaukee.
Jun 23rd, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
UrbanMilwaukee.com Happy Hour – This Friday
We’re throwing a party this Friday to celebrate our second year of coverage, and we would love for you to join us. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. this Friday, June 18th at Taylor’s. Taylor’s is located at 795 N. Jefferson Street, just off the southwest corner of Cathedral Square. We’ll be there all night, so don’t worry if you can’t make it out early. Hope to see you Friday!
Jun 17th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Downtown Dining Week Starts Tomorrow
The single greatest week of eating in Milwaukee starts tomorrow. The fifth edition of Downtown Dining Week will kick off on June 3rd and run through June 10th. Lunch meals are available for $10, and dinner is available for $20 (or $30 at a handful of places) at numerous downtown restaurants. If you're looking to sample a lot downtown eateries, this is your week. All meals are three courses.
Jun 2nd, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Rethinking and Expanding Milwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Center (Delta Center)
The Frontier Airlines Center performs an important function for the Milwaukee region as a whole, bringing thousands of people to Milwaukee for conventions both big and small. It helps inject life into downtown by filling hotel rooms, restaurants, and bars. The convention center building itself though lacks that vitality.
May 24th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
Tear It Down – US Cellular Arena vs Bradley Center
Fast forward a few years and assume that the Bucks were able to land a new arena in Milwaukee.
May 19th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
E. State St. Narrowed… World Doesn’t End.
Now, another one of the vastly overbuilt streets in Milwaukee is narrowed due to construction, and again the world hasn't come to an end as traffic has been able to find another route or simply slow down.
May 3rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Friday Photos Friday, 16. April 2010
Milwaukee Street Hotel Metro Colby Abbot building Manpower Water on Prospect
Apr 16th, 2010 by Friday Photos
Surface Parking Lots are a Priority to be Developed
Surface lots damage the fabric of the city by creating gaps and dead spaces that are uncomfortable to the pedestrian.
Apr 6th, 2010 by Dave Reid
MSOE Students Present Design Ideas for the Marcus Center Garage Site
Despite work on the Marcus Center parking garage this past summer, there are still ambitious to redevelop the site in the near future. The repairs were done in an effort to keep the garage open until 2013, at which time a decision will be made to redevelop the site or be forced to do extension repairs.
Mar 23rd, 2010 by Dave Reid
What’s Milwaukee?
Thou art thyself, though not Milwaukee. What’s Milwaukee? It is not block nor building, not park or plaza or any other part belonging to a city. Would a city by any other name have so much potential? So Milwaukee would, if not Milwaukee called, retain that dear structure which it owns without that title. What is in the name Milwaukee anyway? Fortuitously, the name is derived from the Algonquian word Millioke, which literally means “good/beautiful/pleasant land”.
Mar 4th, 2010 by Matthew Trussoni
No no no… No!
Next Generation Real Estate Inc. recently proposed a $35 million 6-story mixed-use building with 130,000 square feet of class A office space, 270 parking spots, and 17,000 square feet of first floor retail at the southeast corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Broadway.
Mar 2nd, 2010 by Dave Reid
Downtown History Presents Opportunity in Milwaukee
Milwaukee needs to continue working to distinguish itself.
Feb 4th, 2010 by Matthew Trussoni
Could 2010 be the Year of the Park East?
After today's news, nationally 2010 might go down as the year of high-speed rail, but here in Milwaukee it just might be the year of the Park East.
Jan 28th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Wells St. Narrowed. World Doesn’t End.
There was no file passed at the Milwaukee Common Council, business owners didn't have to fight city hall to narrow Well St., it wasn't some anti-car movement, it was just narrowed temporarily for utility work.
Jan 18th, 2010 by Dave Reid
A Year in Review
It's time to look back at all the predictions we made for last year, and see how overly optimistic we were.
Jan 5th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
The Park East Disaster? No
Would Milwaukee be better off with the Park East Freeway spur intact? No. Has development been slow so far? Yes. Is that a problem? Only if you have a short-term perspective on the future of Milwaukee.
Dec 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
E. State St. Going Two-ways! Almost.
As key component of the downtown plan the City of Milwaukee set a goal of returning streets in the downtown area to two-way traffic.
Dec 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Bookends Development is Sent Back to Committee
At the December 1st, 2009 meeting of the Milwaukee Common Council the Cooperation and Development Agreement for the Bookends development was sent back to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. The agreement would of authorized a $3.45 million loan guarantee from the City of Milwaukee to the development team, of New Land Enterprises and Weichman Enterprises, for the Bookends apartment development.
Dec 2nd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Ban Sticker Advertisements on Cars
Undoubtedly if you've walked around the East Side of Milwaukee for an extended period of time you've encountered a "Part Time Cash" sticker on the window of a car, or laying next to the curb. And therein lies the problem.
Nov 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Public Weighs in on UWM’s Wauwatosa Expansion Plans
Although months ago UWM entered into an agreement to purchase a portion of the Milwaukee County Grounds for the purpose of expansion, the deadline for public input into UWM's Master Plan past just this week. Regardless if this input will be considered going forward or not, it's worth looking to see what the UWM community thinks about the expansion plans.
Nov 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Apartment Development is Strong in Milwaukee
Regardless of what neighborhood it is, the development of new apartments is a growing trend in Milwaukee. Currently there are two prominent projects vying for City of Milwaukee financial support in one form or another, the Bookends and The Moderne. Outside of the two proposed towers there are numerous other projects at various stages around urban Milwaukee.
Oct 22nd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
The Bookends Development Receives Approval from City Plan Commission
New Land Enterprises received unanimous approval at the October 19th meeting of the City Plan Commission. The 19-story building will have 224 residential units, 292 parking spaces, and 3,000 square feet of retail.
Oct 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
New Land Enterprises’ Bookends Project To Go Before City Plan Commission (Renderings)
The Bookends, proposed by New Land Enterprises, will go before the Milwaukee City Plan Commission on October 19th, 2009 to gain approval of a change in zoning to a detailed plan development.
Oct 8th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar Meeting This Thursday
Don't forget that this Thursday is the open house for the Milwaukee Connector Downtown Streetcar plan. The open house runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Zeidler Municipal Building on the corner of Kilbourn Ave and Broadway. There will be short presentations at 3:30 and 6, come and leave a comment on the proposed system.
Oct 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Streetcar Routes Unveiled by Mayor Barrett
On Friday, Mayor Barrett unveiled three streetcar routes under study to the attendees of UEDA's Community Development Summit. The Mayor walked through the three possible routes and numerous possible future extensions. He broke down how successful systems in cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma have started with routes similar in length to the proposed for the Milwaukee Streetcar system (2 to 3 miles).
Sep 21st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Oops! No Money for UW-Tosa
To think, I was just about to put the UW-Tosa t-shirts up on the new Urban Milwaukee store, maybe I can hold off now? Apparently, UWM's backing out of the fight to locate the School of Freshwater Sciences on the former Pieces of Eight restaurant site ruffled some feathers, and Michael Cudahy decided to return the favor by backing out of funding UWM's proposed Wauwatosa location for the Engineering School.
Sep 10th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UWM Freshwater School a No Go on the Pieces of Eight Site
The UWM School of Freshwater Sciences will not continue their plans to build a new headquarters for the school on the lakefront site that formerly housed Pieces of Eight restaurant. We had supported the location choice, but that location choice was certainly controversial. Seeking a less controversial site to house the cornerstone piece of something so valuable to Milwaukee's future is a wise move.
Sep 4th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Misconceptions on the Hoan
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Patrick McIlheran recently took a swing at my Hoan Bridge article, Hoan Bridge: Tear Down Another Freeway in Milwaukee?. While getting things wrong about the article, such as missing that I would maintain the highway as a spur out of the Marquette Interchange that would land east of the Milwaukee River, he did manage to get one point spot on. "... it reduces the Lake Parkway into a conduit useful only for reaching downtown."
Sep 3rd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
UrbanMilwaukee.com Happy Hour – This Friday
We're throwing a party this Friday to celebrate our first full year of coverage, and we would love for you to join us. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. this Friday, September 4th at Taylor's.
Sep 1st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
UWM, Marquette, and MSOE Working Together
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering announced that the universities are collaborating on seven energy technology research projects. These projects are being conducted as part of the Southeastern Wisconsin Energy Technology Research Center, which ties the universities together with local companies, such as Rockwell Automation and WE Energies, to conduct research in the area of energy technology. The initial projects involves green concepts and advanced technologies such as wind turbines, Li-Ion Batteries, CO2 recycling and sequestration via algae, and nanowire thermoelectric materials.
Aug 27th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Tear Down Another Freeway in Milwaukee?
The debate over the reconstruction of the Hoan Bridge is one that has ignited controversy in Milwaukee for almost a full year now. Southsiders under the direction of Supervisor Patricia Jursik have united around the Save the Hoan Coalition. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman has presented a differing vision for the future of the Hoan with eight principles that should be followed in any reconstruction effort. There is an awful lot of confusion around the issue, and the manner in which WisDOT has handled it is far from their usual course. This article examines the potential source of the debate, and a potential outcome that is a win-win scenario for both the City of Milwaukee taxbase, and southside and suburban commuters.
Aug 17th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
AAA Roadside Assistance For Bicyclists?
Recently, the American Automobile Association, began offering their Roadside Assistance program to bicyclists in Oregon, and parts of Idaho. Yes, that's right the American Automobile Association is offering roadside assistant service to bike riders. This is the same organization that in past years had opposing funding for bike infrastructure and mass transit, and of course had pushed for more and wider highways.
Aug 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
More Thoughts on Grand Avenue
Milwaukee Talkie, the blog of the Public Policy Forum, examined the urban retail market and how to best utilize the hiring of Deanna Inniss as a business recruiter by BID #21, Milwaukee's Downtown Business Improvement District. They noted that one large thing wasn't on her task list, the inside of Grand Avenue Mall.
Aug 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Can’t Beat Milwaukee in the Summer
Normally we would greet you on Monday with an urban advocacy piece, but we were a little too busy enjoying all that urban Milwaukee had to offer this weekend. While normally just one of these events would pass as a big entertainment attraction across every other Wisconsin city, urban Milwaukee had at least eight organized and noteworthy events going on this weekend.
Jul 27th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee County Pension Scandal Number 2?
Milwaukee County is going ahead with executing a plan for its pension system that involves borrowing money, investing it in the market, and hoping to earn a 2% profit. The plan has garnered support from County Executive Walker, the County Board, and the county's actuary consultant.
Jul 23rd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Copenhagen Bicycling Infrastructure Video…. Ideas for Milwaukee.
Over the past forty years Copenhagen has implemented bicycle infrastructure components that have helped make it one of the most bike friendly cities in the world. This transformation wasn't quick, but it offers many lessons and ideas that can be utilized in making Milwaukee not just more of a bicycle friendly city, but a better city.
Jul 17th, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Abuse of Historic Preservation
Saving and restoring historic buildings is vital to any city.
Jul 9th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Where Do All The Cars Fit?
All the cars fit downtown on Suburbs Day, why can't they fit any other day?
Jul 7th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Growth is Good. Let’s Keep it Going
Good news. The City of Milwaukee has been growing over the past decade, albeit slowly, but this recent trend is better than the decades long slide from a high point of 741,324 in 1960 to a recent low below 596,974 in 2000. Since 2000 Milwaukee has seen a small, but significant increase to 604,477 residents. Yes, a growth rate of just 1.3%, but it is a start.
Jul 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Grand Avenue Mall Follow-Up – Free Rent
In March, I explored the idea of rebuilding Grand Avenue Mall into a self-sustaining retail center. One of the things that I didn't expect to be on the table was simply giving away a retail stall for free. Grand Avenue Mall appears set to do just that now with a business plan competition.
Jun 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Expect The Hoan Bridge Debate To Heat Up
Like the temperature outside, the Hoan Bridge reconstruction debate will heat up over the next few weeks. Alderman Robert Bauman, who represents downtown Milwaukee and the north end of the bridge, recently issued a press release that details how the city will likely position itself on the issue with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
Jun 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
KRM and RTA Update
The Wisconsin state budget is now at a point where it will go to a conference committee after the Senate approved their version of the budget yesterday. The conference committee will reconcile the difference between the Assembly and Senate versions, and send the budget off to Governor Doyle. Doyle will then use his line-item veto power on certain language he doesn't like, and Wisconsin have a budget.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Old World Third Street Is A Good Place To Do Business
If you haven't had the chance to check out Old World Third Street in Milwaukee's Westown neighborhood in a while, make it a point to do so. The past year has brought a lot of new businesses to the street, including enough new restaurants to feed you for a week. Brick 3 Pizza, Capone's, a greatly expanded Wisconsin Cheese Mart, Notte, Molly Cool's, Bootleggers, Milwaukee Brat House, Suite. All new businesses that opened since the spring of 2008, and all businesses that appear to be thriving.
Jun 12th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Jazz in the Park Starts Today, Kinda
The stage is in place. The vendors are setting up. Metro Market is soon to be buzzing with shoppers. Friends and neighbors are preparing to skip out of work a little early, run home grab the chairs, a bottle of something, and head to Cathedral Square. Yes, it's opening night at Jazz in the Park, kinda. Because that is how it use to work.
Jun 4th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Miller Park vs Busch Stadium – Milwaukee vs St. Louis
After a recent weekend trip to take in three Milwaukee Brewers games in St. Louis versus the rival St. Louis Cardinals, I spent a significant time reflecting on the differences (and similarities) between the stadiums each team calls home. Miller Park is located 3.2 miles from Milwaukee City Hall, while Busch Stadium is located 1/5th (0.2) of a mile from the iconic Arch. Miller Park has the roof, Busch Stadium has the view. Busch Stadium has the proposed Ballpark Village, Miller Park has its own sales tax. Miller Park has gameday bus service, Busch Stadium is located on a light rail line. And least important for the sake of this analysis, they each have their namesake beer. With all of that considered, which stadium does more for the city?
May 28th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Dining Week Starts Today in Milwaukee
Perhaps the greatest week of eating in Milwaukee, Downtown Dining Week, kicks off today and runs through June 4th. You can eat a $10 three course lunch or $20 three course dinner at some of Milwaukee's best restaurants. If you're looking to get a taste of great restaurants that you haven't been to before, this is your week to branch out.
May 28th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
A Postcard Location for UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences
It's certainly good that we value our parks, public places, and the lakefront, so a public debate over the appropriateness of placing UWM's School of Freshwater Sciences on Lake Michigan is worth having, but the downtown lakefront is the right location.
May 26th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UW-Tosa to Fill Budget Gap?
In what can only be characterized as a transparent attempt to prop up Milwaukee County's budget, the Board of Supervisors and County Executive Walker appear poised to push the Milwaukee County Grounds land sale to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee through.
May 17th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee the Water Capital?
The single most important expansion of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee currently underway is the proposed School of Freshwater Sciences.
May 7th, 2009 by Dave Reid
RTA Passes Joint Finance Committee
The Regional Transit Authority passed the Joint Finance Committee this morning at 2:17 a.m., but not in a very regional way.
May 1st, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
A Pair of Streets That Need to Go on a Diet
The streets, E. State St. and E. Wells St., need to lose some weight because these multi-lane one-way expressways that run through East Town disrupt an otherwise walkable neighborhood.
Apr 24th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Committee Approves Two-way State St.
Clearly this meeting of the Public Works Committee was not as colorful as recent meetings but there were a couple of items of interest. The first item was a proposed lease agreement between Waters’ New Biotech Company and the Port of Milwaukee. This proposal would be the second large alternative fuel facility in recent years to open at the Port of Milwaukee. Waters’ New Biotech Company intends to develop a facility that will convert wood waste into a solid fuel which will be used as an alternative fuel to coal. This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. The second item was the culmination of three years of efforts by Alderman Robert Bauman. In an effort to improve the walkability and vibrancy of East Town, he has been working to convert E. State St. between N. Edison St. and N. Prospect Ave. to two-way traffic. His efforts resulted in the necessary changes to file number 081667 which will provide the funding to reconfigure E. State St., rebuild and repave the street, reconfigure the signals, construct a median at Water St., and potentially add a new signal. This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Apr 24th, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Politics of Real Estate Development – Park East Edition
The tale of the Fair Market Development, LLC Park East development proposal is one already lined with intrigue.
Apr 22nd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Revitalize Broadway with Street Improvements
Broadway is the center of the action in the Third Ward, it works for business, pedestrians, and even automobiles. But just across I-794 it is a wasteland of surface parking lots and empty storefronts. While there are surely numerous factors in place that have hurt the vitality of this street, an area that can be addressed by the city to make it more attractive to business is to improve the pedestrian environment.
Apr 20th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Streetcar Round-Up
The Milwaukee circulator streetcar is moving forward, but there is still confusion in the mind of many. We've covered the issue in the past, but this article attempts to bring everything together in one place, the history, the frequently asked questions, and the proposed route.
Apr 19th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Complete Our Streets to Build a Better Milwaukee
The first thing most people see of Milwaukee's streets is the vast wasteland of potholes that mark each and everyone of them.
Apr 15th, 2009 by Dave Reid
