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City Business: Bavette La Boucherie
City Business

Bavette La Boucherie

An old world-styled shop in the Third Ward strives for the charm of French butcher shops.

Back in the News: Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary
Back in the News

Don Smiley’s Ever-Higher Salary

His salary rose by $114,000, to more than $886,000, and the explanations keep getting thinner.

City People: Jen Ede
City People

Jen Ede

How a 29-year-old West Allis native became publisher of a new magazine.

Newaukeean of the Week: Alison Carlucci
Newaukeean of the Week

Alison Carlucci

"Within minutes of arriving in Milwaukee," Carlucci knew this is where she wanted to live.

Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar

Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar

If the streetcar is killed and federal money for it is lost, it will mean the total amount of federal transit money for Wisconsin rejected by Scott Walker will exceed $1 billion.

Back in the News: The Arrogance of Summerfest
Back in the News

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Mayor Barrett met with Summerfest board members, who agreed to share more information about its finances and director’s compensation.

Eyes on Milwaukee: The New Third Ward Alterra’s Design
Eyes on Milwaukee

The New Third Ward Alterra’s Design

Here are the renderings of a design that embraces the street and bicycle culture.

Milwaukee’s Time of Terror

Milwaukee’s Time of Terror

A new book recounts the police station bombing of 1917, and Clarence Darrow’s defense of the anarchists charged with the crime.

Plenty of Horne: The Ever-Changing City
Plenty of Horne

The Ever-Changing City

Countless changes on the lower East Side, the end of an art gallery, and the pols gather for Willie Hines' fundraiser.

City Business: Hoarder’s World
City Business

Hoarder’s World

From vintage collectables to bizarrely charming junk, this Third Ward shop has something for everyone.

Murphy’s Law: County Board Violates Its Own Law
Murphy’s Law

County Board Violates Its Own Law

Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.

City Business: Nehring’s Family Market
City Business

Nehring’s Family Market

Their new place in the Public Market offers fresh produce, wood-fired pizzas and an intimate bar.

Murphy’s Law: The Arrogance of Summerfest
Murphy’s Law

The Arrogance of Summerfest

Why the tax-exempt, city-supported non-profit should be transparent about its director’s salary.

City People: Frank Ford
City People

Frank Ford

For 40 years he’s shot photos of everyone from Mayor Maier to Paul Cebar to Divine to Richard Avedon.

Plenty of Horne: Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town
Plenty of Horne

Tammy Baldwin Comes to Town

Baldwin offers an insider's look at the U.S.Senate. And Milwaukee Buck Samuel Dalembert buys a LOT of wine.

City Business: Red Elephant Chocolate
City Business

Red Elephant Chocolate

Just opened in November, the Third Ward shop has already become a favorite for chocolate lovers.

Bike Czar: Fun Exhibition for Milwaukee Bikeshare
Bike Czar

Fun Exhibition for Milwaukee Bikeshare

Poster art by a nationally known illustrator and cycling enthusiast helps raise money for Bike Share program.

Education: Milwaukee Universities Cost More Than Harvard
Education

Milwaukee Universities Cost More Than Harvard

The data on the White House Score Card is eye-opening.

Photo Gallery: Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Photo Gallery

Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Third Ward's "Smallest and Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade" did its best to prove that small is beautiful.

New Front Door for Lakefront

New Front Door for Lakefront

Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.

Newaukeean of the Week: Jeramey Jannene
Newaukeean of the Week

Jeramey Jannene

Yes, Urban Milwaukee's founder is an immigrant to the city. Why he loves it and would like to see improvements.

Kimpton Hotel Approved

Kimpton Hotel Approved

Nine-floor, four-star hotel will add drama and 158 rooms to Third Ward; hopes to open in 2015.

Plenty of Horne: Name MPS School After Anti-Nazi Hero?
Plenty of Horne

Name MPS School After Anti-Nazi Hero?

A push to honor Milwaukeean Mildred Fish Harnack, the only American women resistance member executed by Hitler.

House Confidential: Millionaire Mike Drescher’s Urban Aerie
House Confidential

Millionaire Mike Drescher’s Urban Aerie

The Drescher file: 18 arrests; no convictions; one heck of a penthouse.

House Confidential: Jeff Joerres’ Super Penthouse
House Confidential

Jeff Joerres’ Super Penthouse

He's tearing down a $1.1 million penthouse to build a far bigger, grander pent-mansion.

Plenty Of Horne: The Ghost Sign That Wasn’t
Plenty Of Horne

The Ghost Sign That Wasn’t

A bit of fake Milwaukee history, some questionable MATC ads, and debunking a war on pot.

Six Stories of MIAD Students

Six Stories of MIAD Students

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design releases plans for new residence hall that brings students back to the Third Ward.

Newaukeean of the Week: Stacy Klotka
Newaukeean of the Week

Stacy Klotka

A marathon runner and trained chemist says Milwaukee's vast manufacturing sector makes work fun.

Taverns: “Everyone is a Charlie Here”
Taverns

“Everyone is a Charlie Here”

Club Charlies aims to be the friendliest bar in town.

A Cheers-like Community?

A Cheers-like Community?

How the Historic Third Ward Association helped create a unique neighborhood.

Friday Photos: The Old Made New
Friday Photos

The Old Made New

Three projects near downtown are helping to rebuild a neighborhood and regenerate a river.

Photo Gallery: MilwaukeeHome Grand Opening!
Photo Gallery

MilwaukeeHome Grand Opening!

MilwaukeeHome takes its brand to the next level, and opens a store in the Third Ward.

Soundslide: Gala Gallery Night
Soundslide

Gala Gallery Night

Our new format captures the sights and sounds of Gallery Night and Day, with photo slides and accompanying audio.

Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday

Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday

Public invited to ask questions about project.

City Business: Wonder Wonder Sound
City Business

Wonder Wonder Sound

A Third Ward studio sweats the details to create and mix unique tunes and sound effects.

Eyes on Milwaukee: An Action-Packed Weekend
Eyes on Milwaukee

An Action-Packed Weekend

So much to see: A party on a bridge, 120+ open houses, and President Obama's speech.

Profile: Reginald Baylor
Profile

Reginald Baylor

The Milwaukee native has become a top-selling artist and successful businessman.

Photo Gallery: Alderwoman Milele Coggs’ 35th Birthday Party
Photo Gallery

Alderwoman Milele Coggs’ 35th Birthday Party

Ald. Coggs celebrates her 35th birthday with friends.

Milwaukee Squares: Erie Street Plaza (space as art, or almost)
Milwaukee Squares

Erie Street Plaza (space as art, or almost)

How successful is the urban plaza on the edge of the Historic Third Ward?

New Bike Transit System?

New Bike Transit System?

A city committee votes to support a system of bike-sharing kiosks. Other cities have cut auto traffic this way.

Milwaukee Squares: Catalano Square
Milwaukee Squares

Catalano Square

Examining the Historic Third Ward's most prominent park.

Banish the Freeway’s Gloom!

Banish the Freeway’s Gloom!

Design winners attempt to brighten the gloomy passageway between downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward.

Photo Gallery: The Bicycle Sharers
Photo Gallery

The Bicycle Sharers

On Monday B-Cycle did a bike-sharing demo in the Third Ward. Soon, 25 bike sharing stations could be spread through Downtown.

15th Annual Mayor’s Design Award Winners Announced (Photo Gallery)

15th Annual Mayor’s Design Award Winners Announced (Photo Gallery)

The winners of the 15th annual Mayor's Design Awards have been announced with projects ranging from a high-rise housing tower to a complete street redesign taking home awards.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Historic Preservation, Miller Park Sales Tax, The War on Bob Donovan, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee

Historic Preservation, Miller Park Sales Tax, The War on Bob Donovan, and More

Welcome to the sixth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I take an initial look at Alderman Witkowski's attempt to redefine Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance, the Miller Park sales tax's sunset, the ugly turn Juarez versus Donovan has taken, and more.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Sales Tax, Bradley Center Transportation, The Moderne, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee

Sales Tax, Bradley Center Transportation, The Moderne, and More

Welcome to the third installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at Milwaukee's sales tax rate compared to other major cities, the Bradley Center's new transportation option, UWM's continued insistence on growing parking subsidies, and a whole lot of development news.

Third Ward Riverwalk Advances at Committee

Third Ward Riverwalk Advances at Committee

At the February 22nd, 2012 meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee a previously held file was approved that will allow the City of Milwaukee to fund a short section of the riverwalk in the Historic Third Ward.

Key Riverwalk Project Held at Committee

Key Riverwalk Project Held at Committee

Most of Milwaukee's riverwalk system has been built as a public-private partnership as new developments occurred, but a file before yesterday's Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development committee proposed that the City of Milwaukee fund a short section of the system. City staff determined that an 80-foot stretch along Erie St., between River Renaissance and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, is unlikely to see new development in the foreseeable future.

Historic Third Ward Broadway Streetscape Extension Nears Completion

Historic Third Ward Broadway Streetscape Extension Nears Completion

In 1992 the first portion of the Historic Third Ward's streetscaping plans were completed. That $3.5 million project included the mid-block parks on Broadway, Catalano Square, 285 pedestrian light poles, and two arches that designate the gateways to the Historic Third Ward.

Brighten the Passage Design Charrette

Brighten the Passage Design Charrette

During the lunch hour on Wednesday, there will be a design charrette for the Brighten the Passage project. If you're like to stop by to contribute, the group will be meeting on-street at the corner of Water Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

Brighten The Passage

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.

Milwaukee Streetcar at Apex

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.

John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism

John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism

One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.

MSOE Students Present Design Concepts for Lakeshore State Park Interpretive Center (Renderings)

MSOE Students Present Design Concepts for Lakeshore State Park Interpretive Center (Renderings)

The original plans for Lakeshore State Park called for an interpretive center to be built on the park at a time when funds are able to be raised to pay for the development of the facility.

Can Downtown Milwaukee Support a 24-Hour Gym?

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?

How Urban are Marquette, MIAD, MSOE, and UWM?

How Urban are Marquette, MIAD, MSOE, and UWM?

Milwaukee is lucky to have a number of higher education institutions in its most urban neighborhoods.

City Committee Approves Financing Agreement for Summerfest South End Project (Renderings)

City Committee Approves Financing Agreement for Summerfest South End Project (Renderings)

Earlier this week the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee recommended the approval of a Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee financing agreement with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Milwaukee Apartment Update

Milwaukee Apartment Update

What apartment projects are currently proposed, under construction, or have recently opened in Milwaukee? A little over a year ago we did a similar exercise, so it will be good to take a look and see what has changed in the past year.

Photo Gallery: Refurbished Streetcar-Stops Tie Milwaukee’s Past to its Future
Photo Gallery

Refurbished Streetcar-Stops Tie Milwaukee’s Past to its Future

On Wednesday September 29th, 2010 the Friends of the Hank Araon State Trail celebrated the return to service of two refurbished historic car-stops as functioning pieces of history.

Photo Gallery: Erie Street Plaza
Photo Gallery

Erie Street Plaza

Much like the recently opened Zilber Park, the new Erie Street Plaza differs from a typical park in Milwaukee, as it isn’t a lot of grass and trees, but it is certainly a unique space. The design as implemented has changed significantly from originally planned, it was to have bamboo, but was built with quaking aspen trees due to budgetary concerns, neighborhood opposition, and failed test plantings.

Milwaukee Downtown Dining Week Starts Tomorrow

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.

More Parking for Summerfest. Really?

More Parking for Summerfest. Really?

Summerfest recently announced plans to acquire additional land in the Third Ward for more parking.

Rebuild the Grid

Rebuild the Grid

A variety of infrastructure improvements can be utilized to build a quality city, big items such as well designed parks, and little things such as eliminating unnecessary curb cuts can all play a role. Recently, the City of Milwaukee has been moving forward with street improvements such as the "complete street" reconstruction of S. 2nd Street in Walker's Point which is scheduled for construction this summer, and the conversion of one-way streets to two-way streets such as the E. State Street project currently under construction, but there is more that can be done to enhance streets in Milwaukee to build a better city.

Apartment Development is Strong in Milwaukee

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.

Misconceptions on the Hoan

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."

Hoan Bridge: Tear Down Another Freeway in Milwaukee?
Hoan Bridge

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.

More Thoughts on Grand Avenue

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.

Street Food… Finally.

Street Food… Finally.

Great cities have great street food.

Can’t Beat Milwaukee in the Summer

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.

Where Do All The Cars Fit?

Where Do All The Cars Fit?

All the cars fit downtown on Suburbs Day, why can't they fit any other day?

Growth is Good.  Let’s Keep it Going

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.

Expect The Hoan Bridge Debate To Heat Up

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).

Plenty of Horne: Scene on the Street
Plenty of Horne

Scene on the Street

A few items suitable for reading prior to a long weekend.

Revitalize Broadway with Street Improvements

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.

Accents on the Interstate, Lipstick on a Pig

Accents on the Interstate, Lipstick on a Pig

If accent lighting on the interstate isn't the perfect definition of lipstick on a pig, I don't know what is. That said I'm not opposed to it. In fact, I think dressing the Marquette Interchange for the prom was a positive step forward. There is, however, only one thing I wish would have happened differently.

Who Lives in Milwaukee’s Condos?

Who Lives in Milwaukee’s Condos?

The UWM Center for Urban Initiatives and Research (CUIR) undertook the first comprehensive study on Milwaukee's "condo boom" to understand who was actually living in the condos stretching from the northern part of Walker's Point up to North Avenue on the East Side.

Milwaukee’s War on Fun

Milwaukee’s War on Fun

It was just a few years ago when Milwaukee was named the #2 Party City in America, and although that might seem like a funny or insignificant title it was actually a well deserved and beneficial honor.

WisDOT Open House on Future Parking Lots, Parks, or ?

WisDOT Open House on Future Parking Lots, Parks, or ?

WisDOT is taking the steps to prepare to issue an RFP for airspace leases underneath the Marquette Interchange and Interstate 794. They're looking for public input on what should be included, and this is our chance to really say we want something better underneath the freeway that separates the Third Ward and the Milwaukee Intermodal Station from the rest of downtown.

Watch The Lake Express High Speed Ferry Dock

Watch The Lake Express High Speed Ferry Dock

While the title may not sound that exciting, the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry docks in the Menomonee River valley for the winter. So to get there, it must travel in from Lake Michigan. They created a time-lapse photography video to show the journey and published it online. If you've got two minutes, it's interesting to watch the bridges rise and see what your view would be like if owned a yacht (or coal barge).

Development Continues in the Third Ward

Development Continues in the Third Ward

At the corner of N. Jackson St. and E. Menomonee St. the construction fences have gone up and preliminary work has started on the Jackson Square Apartments. The five-story Jackson Square Apartments project with have approximately 80-units, and 9,000 square feet of retail space.

Common Council Expands BID Board

Common Council Expands BID Board

To begin the proceedings Don Smiley the CEO of Summerfest gave a presentation regarding this year’s Summerfest during which he pointed out two items of interest. First, they have demolished the Harley Davidson Roadhouse and constructed a new stage that will open on June 26th. They’ve opened up that stage to the lakeside and created a 3,000 square foot deck so the general public at large can enjoy the lake front while enjoying the music. Secondly, Smiley made it clear that part of Summerfest’s marketing would be to tie the marketing to the City of Milwaukee. These improvements should be applauded and hopefully Summerfest will continue to improve the grounds and connection with the City of Milwaukee. The first items taken up at the Common Council meeting were to complete unfinished business from the previous cycle. Although all five appointments had been held at the encouragement of Alderman Nik Kovac specifically included in this was the appointments of Boris Gokhman and Joel Lee to BID #41. The delay provided time to expand the board from five to seven members and with the history between New Land Enterprises and Alderman Kovac it at least gives the appearance that this board expansion was done to dilute the influence that New Land Enterprises may have on BID #41. The Common Council also approved resolution 080121 which would accept funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities 2008 grant. The City of Milwaukee is one of twelve cities selected for this grant which will be used to provide training for solar panel installation and funds for educational materials to help promote solar technologies. Alderman Tony Zielinski sponsored and encouraged these efforts and it is clear this is just the beggining of his attempts to “green” the City of Milwaukee.

Committee Approves Land Sale

Committee Approves Land Sale

Resolution 080183 was brought forward to authorize a land sale of approximately 7.8 acres in the Menomonee Valley to Charter Wire for their future relocation.

Third Ward Construction Continues
Water Taxi Component of RiverWalk Plan Comes to Fruition

Water Taxi Component of RiverWalk Plan Comes to Fruition

Planning for the RiverWalk system dating back to 1992’s RiverLink Guidelines called for the creation of a mixed-use activated destination that would include shops, restaurants, lookout points, and a variety of boating functions. Specifically the guidelines argued that “in fact, the most vibrant and interesting kind of urban riverwalk is one that winds its way past a range of uses/activities appealing to a broad spectrum of people, allowing passersby to drop into shops and restaurants, go sight-seeing on a water taxi, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfront.” Many components of this initial planning effort have been completed and the benefits can be seen in the increase in business along the RiverWalk but the water taxi component has before this summer never become a reality. This summer water taxi service provided by Milwaukee Water Taxi will begin operation along the RiverWalk fulfilling a long planned need. Business partners Aaron Kelly and Aaron Brock see the service as a amenity that will add new life and vibrancy to downtown. Kelly said that “we are trying to change Milwaukee” expressing his belief that this service will be beneficial to continued development efforts and raise the image of the city. The service plans to have eight stop and will run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. One way fares will be $5 and an all day pass will be available for $10 allowing customers to explore downtown extensively. This new service builds on the success of the initial planning and continues the momentum of re-development in downtown Milwaukee.

What’s Going On In The Third Ward?

What’s Going On In The Third Ward?

OnMilwaukee.com’s Julie Lawrence has a good review of some of the retail and tavern activity in the Third Ward.

Condominium Sales Update

Condominium Sales Update

A sampling of projects in varying states of completion showed that over 200 recently completed or under construction condominium units have not been sold. A look at the data indicates that In many cases the high priced units have gone un-sold. Clearly the market downturn has slowed sales but this may also indicated a demand for units priced at an affordable level. Development # Units % Sold Status City Green 44 20% Ready to Move In First Place on the River 184 56% Ready to Move In Park Terrace Bluff Homes 16 56% Ready to Move In Park Terrace Row House 21 71% Ready to Move In Residences on Water 31 29% Under Construction River Renaissance 81 55% Ready to Move In 601 Lofts 83 61% Ready to Move In Sterling 112 98% Ready to Move In University Club 56 89% Ready to Move In Data was not available for the The Breakwater, Park Lafayette, Flatiron, Union Point, The Edge, and Kilborn Tower

Cramer-Krasselt Moving To Third Ward

Cramer-Krasselt Moving To Third Ward

Milwaukee Ale House, Water Buffalo, etc, etc. Originally uploaded by compujeramey The nation’s third largest independent advertising firm Cramer-Krasselt, who as you may remember was supposed to move to a Robert Ruvin-development in the Park East neighborhood, has announced that they’re moving from Van Buren Street to the Third Ward. The firm will move to a 50,000 square feet location at 224 E Chicago St above Rubin’s Furniture. They will barely gain any space, but will have what they think is a much more efficient layout (what exactly that means they haven’t too clear about, but let’s assume it’s not a cubicle farm). While the move isn’t a sign of improving health for urban Milwaukee, because they’re simply trading one space for another, it does help cement the fact that the creative types are certainly calling the Third Ward home. The bigger question raised is what type of businesses will call the Park East neighborhood home?  Cramer-Krasselt moving into the undeveloped neighborhood certainly would have been a large boost for creative firms, but may not have been as good for the city. The concentration of similar firms seems to be a key ingredient of economic success (see Silicon Valley, Wall Street, or even all the biotech firms in Madison). While for the most part that is seen on a macro level (Silicon Valley is a huge swath of land and includes a few different cities), similar firms locating close to each other in Milwaukee is a strong recruiting tool for each firm and for new startups. It’s going to be a whole lot easier to convince someone from Boston to come to Milwaukee if they know they’re going to be working (and hopefully living) in an area that is filled with like-minded individuals. If they can visit the city and see all the companies in one neighborhood versus being sprinkled all over there will be a lot better first impression made. While the Third Ward continues to draw in creative firms, who will occupy the stretch from the old Pabst brewery eastward?

Brew Pub Legislation

Brew Pub Legislation

Milwaukee Ale House Viewed From the Milwaukee River Originally uploaded by purpleslog A anti-capitalism, pro-lobbying law was snuck into the state budget. It had been protested already this summer by Milwaukee Ale House owner Jim McCabe when the idea was floated originally. I’ll let you form your own opinion, but I can’t figure out a reason why this law should exist. Under current law, a Wisconsin brew pub can operate only two locations if it produces more than 4,000 barrels of beer a year. The budget proposal lifts that production ceiling to 10,000 barrels and allows up to six locations. That change was sought by Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., a Madison-area brew pub operator that opened its third location earlier this year. Meanwhile, McCabe’s new brewery, at 613 S. 2nd St., is designed to ramp up production of the Louie’s Demise brand for sale in packaged form at liquor stores and other retail outlets. Other regional craft brewers, including Chicago-based Goose Island Beer Co. and Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing Co., started as brew pubs, and McCabe wants to follow that same path. However, the new law “caps our overall growth,” he said. Also, the new law bans a licensed brew pub operator from also owning a brewery that produces beer for packaged sales, said McCabe and Russ Klisch, president of Lakefront Brewery Inc. McCabe said that might force him to convert the 2nd St. brewery into a brew pub – a move that would require a large investment. Klisch said he fears the production limit might require him to close Lakefront Palm Garden restaurant, which operates at his brewery, 1872 N. Commerce St. Lakefront Brewery this year will produce around 9,600 barrels and is expected to exceed 10,000 barrels in 2008, he said. The new provision could be changed by Gov. Jim Doyle through the line-item veto process, McCabe said. Another possibility is filing a lawsuit to challenge the law, he said. The proposed limits initially surfaced this summer and are supported by some of the state’s craft brewers and brew pub operators. The changes also are supported by the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association Inc., whose members buy beer from breweries and then sell it to retailers. The law could help fend off possible lawsuits challenging the lack of a state brew pub license, association officials say. The wholesalers group also said the 10,000-barrel limit allows plenty of room for brew pubs to grow. The only places I can imagine that are in favor of it are Great Dane and Water Street Brewery because they don’t appear to be interested in selling their beer off-site via production at a brewery. I can’t figure out why this law exists. It seems anti-business and anti-logic to not allow Milwaukee’s (and Wisconsin’s) only locally-owned breweries from expanding their operations in ways that increase employment and generate tax revenue. They produce a quality product and are assets to both the restaurant and brewing community. Urban Milwaukee supports the repeal of this ridiculous […]

Plenty of Horne: The Governor’s Party
Plenty of Horne

The Governor’s Party

Governor Jim Doyle was the guest of honor at a fundraiser at Mocean's on September 16.

The Roundup: Buffett Tour on Hold
The Roundup

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

The Roundup: Kennedy Walks
The Roundup

Kennedy Walks

Substantial Fine for Possession of Forged Artwork

The Roundup: Feds Stop Funding School, Library Internet and Phone Service
The Roundup

Feds Stop Funding School, Library Internet and Phone Service

Two months ago, the federal grants stopped.

The Roundup: Drink for Free
The Roundup

Drink for Free

One of the joys of electoral politics is that the polls eventually close on election day and then it is up to us to flock to the parties.

The Roundup: Selig Take A Hit
The Roundup

Selig Take A Hit

Washington Post Trashes Commissioner and Journal Communications. Plus: The Mea Culpa of Charles J. Sykes and Thompson’s Boycott of Miller Park.

The Roundup: Mary Glorioso’s Death a Shock to Brady Street Community
The Roundup

Mary Glorioso’s Death a Shock to Brady Street Community

A car accident Saturday claimed the life of Mary Glorioso, 83, the matriarch of the family, a long-time fixture of the Brady Street neighborhood. Glorioso died Monday evening as the result of severe trauma she suffered in an automobile accident. Glorioso and her husband Joe opened Glorioso Brothers, 1020 E. Brady Street in 1948. The firm, which remains in business, is an importer and retailer of Italian foods and goods, and was a catalyst in the Brady Street rejuvenation. The family resides a block from the store. It was while walking between the two that Mary Glorioso was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of E. Brady Street and N. Astor Street. A diminutive woman who walked with the aid of a cane, Mary Glorioso always crossed at that intersection, between Regano’s Roman Coin tavern and the Brady Street Pharmacy, often with the aid of neighbors or store employees. “We are all shocked,” an employee of the store said Tuesday. Joe Glorioso was in seclusion. His brothers Ted Glorioso, who operates Glorioso’s Gold Imports from a shop above the store, and Eddie Glorioso, who works at the store’s deli counter were also unavailable for comment. Joe and Mary Glorioso were familiar names to readers of the Italian Times. Virtually every issue of the monthly newspaper of the Italian Community Center mentioned an example of the Gloriosos’ frequent gifts to the building fund there in memory of departed friends. Now, Mary Glorioso will be the one memorialized. Mrs. Glorioso also frequently oversaw operations at the store, and was usually no more than a step or two away from her husband. The two were an extremely devoted couple. A call to Bruce Scott, public information officer for the 5th District of the Milwaukee Police Department did not yield any information about the accident. “This is the first I’ve heard of it,” he said. Members of the Brady Street Business Improvement District have put traffic concerns on the agenda for their Wednesday meeting. Just a week or so another pedestrian suffered injuries after being struck by a car on Brady Street and dragged about a half a block. Information on funeral arrangements for Mary Glorioso will be in Wednesday’s newspaper. Trolley Returns Milwaukee Downtown BID #21, along with a host of participating businesses will bring back the downtown trolleys starting May 26th. The Milwaukee Trolley Loop travels one-way in a clockwise direction with departures every minutes. The circuit takes about 36 minutes to complete. It runs from 5th and Wisconsin Avenue at the south and west to Brady Street and Farwell Avenue at the northeast as it zigs and zags its way through town. The major shopping streets of downtown and the Historic Third Ward are included in the route. It makes about 20 stops along the way. The trolley will run Wednesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fare is $1.00. Seniors and the […]

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