Content referencing Kilbourn Town - Page 3
Milwaukee From Atop the Pabst Silos
A 360 degree view of the city, including the Brewery redevelopment, from high above.
Mar 22nd, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Pabst Office Building Goes Moderne
Striking new design for downtown's first new office building in 10 years
Mar 21st, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Milwaukee was filled with green this past weekend, from politicians to the hoi polloi.
Mar 15th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Old German Beer Hall Mimics Munich
Bavarian-style bar is based on Hofbrauhaus, with strictly authentic beer and pretzels.
Mar 10th, 2013 by Audrey Jean Posten
Inside the Brewhouse Inn
The conversion of the 1877 Pabst Brewhouse into The Brewhouse Inn & Suites is near completion. The photos tell quite a story.
Mar 8th, 2013 by Dave Reid
A Historic Milwaukee Celebration
Plus: A national green award for The Brewery; and bringing fruit trees to Walker's Point.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
Name MPS School After Anti-Nazi Hero?
A push to honor Milwaukeean Mildred Fish Harnack, the only American women resistance member executed by Hitler.
Feb 27th, 2013 by Michael Horne
“Ambassador” Justin Miller
The downtown ambassador helps visitors, prevents crime and answers questions -- but won’t help you get a date.
Jan 29th, 2013 by Peggy Schulz
Evers Vs. Pridemore
The battle between State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers and challenger Don Pridemore.
Jan 28th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Mohammad Shah
I would like to see Milwaukee build our downtown back to how strong it once was.
Jan 14th, 2013 by Newaukee
Pizza and the Park East
Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.
Dec 11th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
The Dead Zones
Two new apartment buildings for Downtown's fringes, and two new coffee houses. All spell progress.
Nov 29th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
Brewery Projects Near Completion
An apartment building and a hotel add more excitement to the redevelopment project at the old Pabst brewery.
Nov 24th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Brandon Jennings’ Very Moderne Digs
Bucks guard is on 25th floor of The Moderne, right by Bradley Center and a floor above Monta Ellis.
Nov 16th, 2012 by Michael Horne
Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday
Public invited to ask questions about project.
Oct 29th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Bryan Babler
Moving to Milwaukee was like breaking out of prison.
Oct 29th, 2012 by Newaukee
Small Pleasures
A number of smaller construction projects are underway to improve downtown properties
Oct 26th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Sydney HiH Retrospective
Gallery Night provided one last opportunity to experience the Sydney HiH.
Oct 25th, 2012 by Urban Milwaukee
The History of Sydney HiH
The life and times of a beloved city icon.
Oct 18th, 2012 by Megan E. Daniels
Doors Open to the Best Place
The Best Place bar and its historic Pabst Brewery structures have been popular stops for Doors Open.
Oct 15th, 2012 by Erik Ljung
Rush to Judgement
Whew. A county committee quickly approves a barely-vetted proposal for a new hotel.
Sep 26th, 2012 by Dave Reid
An Action-Packed Weekend
So much to see: A party on a bridge, 120+ open houses, and President Obama's speech.
Sep 19th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Beer Gardens Back at Pere Marquette
It was off after Sue Black's firing. Now it's back on.
Aug 23rd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies
After three press releases in three days, the alderman holds a news conference with new right-wing allies.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Brewery Building Is a Go
The five-story Professional Center building got final approval for construction at the old Pabst Brewery.
Aug 14th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Will Herb Kohl Blackmail Milwaukee?
The Bucks need a new arena. Time to start threatening to move the team.
Aug 6th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
New Building On Tap For Brewery
Gorman & Company's third building at the former Pabst Brewery will target law firms as tenants.
Aug 2nd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
This is the End, Beautiful Friend
Some thoughts on the bitter end of Sydney Hih.
Jul 28th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Don’t Wreck Sidney Hih
The troubled history of municipal land clearance and why it’s a very bad idea to demolish Sidney Hih.
Jul 23rd, 2012 by John Norquist
The Brewery Construction
Friday Photos this week features photography of three projects at The Brewery.
Jul 20th, 2012 by Dave Reid
One More Chance for the Sydney HIH
Parliamentary procedure buys the Sydney HIH a few more days.
Jul 6th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Downtown Milwaukee Farmers’ Markets
Milwaukee is blessed with not one, but two weekly farmers' markets that add to the vibrancy of downtown.
Jul 5th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit System Facing Nearly 30% Service Reduction
Challenges ahead for MCTS, but good news in Westown, Lake Park, Silver City, and the Menomonee Valley
Jul 3rd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Potential Sydney HIH Savior Comes Forward with Proposal
Preliminary renderings of what a restored Sydney HIH complex surface.
Jul 2nd, 2012 by Dave Reid
Amtrak Accidents and Customer Service
Also discussion of Downtown Dining Week, some development news, and new tv commercials from MCTS.
Jun 28th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Last Days for the Sydney Hih
Unless a savior comes along before July 6th, it truly will have been the last days for the Sydney Hih.
Jun 28th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Sydney Hih No More
The famous Sydney Hih sign came down, letter by letter, this past week.
Jun 8th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Commission Recommends Historic Designation for Sydney Hih Building, Fuse Still Lit
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of interim historic designation for the Sydney Hih building, though the future of the building remains very much in doubt.
Jun 7th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Slow Demise of Sydney Hih
Sydney Hih could be saved, a witch hunt on North Ave, UWM has a baseball team (?), and Alderman Jose Perez wins a game for the Brewers.
Jun 6th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Tour the Talgo Trains You Might Never Ride
Downtown block parties are coming, use of bike racks on MCTS buses doubles year-over-year, explore the Historic Concordia neighborhood with HMI, UWM gets a zoning change, The Moderne is meeting hiring requirements, and kids can ride free on the Amtrak Hiawatha this summer.
May 17th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Has the Clock Run Out for the Sydney Hih?
The historic Sydney Hih building, which city officials had intended to tear down, may have been saved for another day, due to a legalistic maneuver by alderman and attorney Bob Baumann at a Tuesday meeting of the Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
May 15th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Talgos being Mothballed, Bike Corrals Return, YP Week, and More
Welcome to the fifth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at mothballing the new Talgo trainsets for the Amtrak Hiawatha line, the return of the bike corrals, Young Professional Week, free music from the Milwaukee Public Library, and more.
Mar 21st, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Mar 7th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Kohl’s, The Moral of the Story
For over a year the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and various regional entities worked together in attempt to bring Kohl's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Some have been quick to judge saying the moral of the story is, the city is a failure, and Mayor Barrett can't get the job done. Now, it is true the city didn't win, this time, but is the moral of the story, failure?
Feb 21st, 2012 by Dave Reid
Alderman Bauman’s Milwaukee Police Department – MacArthur Square Plan Worth Exploring
Alderman Bob Bauman, who represents downtown and the near west side, has put forth a proposal to relocate the Milwaukee Police Department headquarters and municipal courts to southeast corner of 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. As part of that proposal the MPD District 1 station would be relocated to W. Wisconsin Avenue between 6th Street and the Milwaukee River and the former MPD headquarters would be redeveloped.
Feb 15th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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
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
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
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
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
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
It’s not that easy being green… It’s that easy saying you’re green
Bein’ green might not be that easy for Kemit, but for some development projects it seems all to easy “bein’ green.”
Sep 1st, 2010 by Dave Reid
Construction to start at The Moderne
Following a long-awaited loan guarantee approval from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, construction will soon begin on The Moderne.
Aug 30th, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Activity at The Moderne Site
The $55.24 million The Moderne high-rise development has begun preparing for construction. Recently, the shipping container building that housed The Moderne's sales office was packed up and removed from the site. Additionally, utility work is ongoing adjacent to the site as the property is being staged for construction.
Jan 4th, 2010 by Dave Reid
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
The Moderne Gains Common Council Approval for City Loans
The Moderne development received approval for $9.3 millions in loans from the City of Milwaukee that led developer Rick Barrett had been seeking.
Nov 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Moderne Project Held for Special Committee Meeting
The Moderne, if approved, would be located at 1141 N. Old World Third St.
Oct 27th, 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
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
The Moderne Likely to Receive Public Financing
The Moderne, the long awaited project on the corner of 3rd and Juneau, is moving ahead. The City, through RACM, is aiming to provide $10,000,000 in financial assistance to the project. A deal that is very likely to be approved. The building is to be largely an apartment building with first floor retail and a few condos at the top three floors. Originally intended to be 80 condos, the project is now 154 apartments and 33 condos spread over 30 floors.
Sep 15th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Zilber Park
The recently opened Zilber Park is a functional, and useful shared feature of The Brewery project. This park might not strike many people as a park in the Milwaukee sense of the word, meaning it has lots of grass and trees, but this is a creatively designed urban park that respects its location and creates an outdoor space ready for activation.
Jun 28th, 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
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
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
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
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
Grand Avenue Mall – A New Implementation
As the retail market struggles nationally and the Shops of Grand Avenue struggles locally, it's time to ask what retail should be in downtown Milwaukee in the next five years. Is it worth investing public dollars in the form of a TIF in Grand Avenue or other mall-like projects downtown, as has been done in the past? Or should the standard be that all retail must interact with the street?
Mar 29th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Kitty Corner, Across the Freeway
This is how County Executive Scott Walker described just how close UW-Milwaukee's new Engineering School could be from the Milwaukee County Research Park.
Mar 24th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Design Your Own Streetcar Route
UrbanMilwaukee would like to issue you a challenge. With the announcement that Mayor Tom Barrett with the help of Congressman David Obey and Senator Herb Kohl managed to get 60% of the $91.5 million for his streetcar vision, it’s time to think about what the final route may be. There is a simple reality any Milwaukee streetcar proposal must deal with though, there is only enough money for an initial 3 miles. So here’s the game. 1. Create a Google Account or use an existing one. 2. Create a route (not longer than 3 miles) using Google Maps. Don’t know how to do this? There is an introductory video. 3. Paste a link to your route in the comments of this post. 4. Wait until Wednesday afternoon, at that point we’ll put together a poll so we can vote for the best one. Can’t wait to see what you come up with, whether it’s a line to Bay View or UWM, or perhaps a completely different loop around downtown.
Mar 23rd, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Five Reasons to Look Forward to Summer in Milwaukee
What did I miss?
Mar 20th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Plan to Allow Plants
In some cities residents have been allowed to plant a variety of plants and flowers in the area between the curb and the sidewalk in an effort to beautify the neighborhood. This practice has generally been illegal within the City of Milwaukee but this may soon changes as file number 081117 intends to implement a planting policy that would allow planting within this strip of land. The file originally intended to allow this new policy within the 13th District but Alderman Robert Bauman recommended the 4th district to be included as well. After some discussion the file was amended to allow this planting practice throughout the City of Milwaukee. It was approved and will now go before the full Common Council. After being held at the January 28th, 2009 meeting of the Public Works Committee, the file which would allow the City of Milwaukee to apply for a 2009 Stormwater Best Management Practices Partnership grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District that will be used in part for the construction of a green roof on the central library was brought back before the committee. It appears the confusion over the value of moving forward with this file was cleared up as it was quickly approved this time with no discussion and will now go before the full Common Council.
Feb 22nd, 2009 by Dave Reid
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.
Feb 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
What is the Problem in the Park East?
Changes proposed to lure developers to Park East lots.
Jan 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
The Park East Park? Absolutely Not
In response to the announcement of the failing of The Residences of Palomar, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran an editorial talking about the idea of building a temporary park in the Park East land reclaimed from the former freeway spur. The idea is a bad one.
Jan 13th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Palomar Canceled?
Haven't seen any official announcement yet, but we've heard from a credible source close to the project that the The Residences at Palomar project has been canceled. We'll update this post as we learn more. At the moment, calls in to the project are going unanswered.
Jan 12th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jan 9th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Activity at the Aloft Site
A new development team, the Milwaukee River Hotel LLC which includes Ed Carow of Wave Development, has taken over development of the $27 million Aloft hotel. This change in the development team has visibly jump started the project.
Nov 11th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Aloft Hotel Project Gains Momentum
Despite delays, alterations, and setbacks the 160-room Aloft hotel project has finally started to overcome some of these hurdles.
Oct 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Commission Approves Expansion of BID 21
In stark contrast to the previous City Plan Commission meeting, this meeting featured no heated debates but it did see the approval of two resolutions aimed at improving downtown Milwaukee. Resolution 080617 proposed the expansion of Business Improvement District (“BID”) 21. This expansion has been in the works for the past four years and went through a lengthy process of approval within the BID membership. The expansion includes Schlitz Park, The Brewery, Manpower, East Point, the Park East and two other tax exempt areas. Although these properties currently don’t represent a large addition to the BID tax base, these additions were made looking to the future. Additionally, Beth Nichols, the executive director BID 21, explained that in order to bring more retail options to downtown Milwaukee the BID has recently hired a retail strategist and will be adding a retail coordinator soon. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee. Resolution 080515 proposed creating the first Neighborhood Improvement District in Wisconsin. It was explained that the key difference between a Business Improvement District and a Neighborhood Improvement District (“NID”) is that the NID can include residential properties with eight units or more whereas a BID can’t include residential properties. This NID would include The Brewery neighborhood and would pay for, the upkeep of pocket parks, streetscaping, alleys, the Pabst sign, and storm-water management facilities. This resolution was approved and will now go before the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee.
Sep 18th, 2008 by Dave Reid
RedPrairie Moves Further Away From Talent Sources
Red Praire's relocation story has been funny, especially now that they've finally decided to move to Delafield. To understand what's going on it appears you don't have to read between the lines, you just have to read the lines.
Aug 22nd, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Does Downtown Milwaukee Need More Street Trees?
Ask yourself what's missing along most of Wisconsin Avenue as it crosses through downtown. Then take a look at Milwaukee's lower east side. There is one key piece missing.
Aug 12th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
North Powerhouse Demolition
The Urban Milwaukee authors have been closely following the destruction of the North Powerhouse along the Milwaukee River. We've accumulated a nice collection of photos tracking the demolition progress. The building was built in the late 1920s and used by the city to help distribute steam throughout downtown Milwaukee.
Jul 28th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
What’s The Cost of Parking in Downtown Milwaukee?
What's the cost of parking in downtown Milwaukee? It might just be more than the cost of plugging the meter. The low cost of parking in Milwaukee might actually be preventing new development from happening downtown.
Jul 24th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Public Works Committee Approves Vehicle Registration Fee
The meeting began with public hearings regarding assessable road improvements and lead into Alderman Robert Bauman‘s opening discussion of resolution 080034, the proposed municipal vehicle registration fee. This resolution would change the assessable portion of road improvement costs from 60%, which on average is an assessment of $2500 to the abutting property owner, to 0% being assessed to the property owner by shifting these costs onto a $20 municipal vehicle registration fee. Additionally assessment rates for alley improvements would drop from 90% to 60% and for sidewalks it would drop from 70% to 50%. This proposed resolution came about in response to property owners regularly voting to delete road projects due to high assessment costs. The postponing or deletion of road repair projects has lead to crumbling streets, a proliferation of potholes and higher reconstruction costs in the future. The Committee voted to approve this resolution with Alderman Joe Dudzik opposing the measure and it will move forward to the Finance and Personnel Committee.Resolution 080304 is an agreement between the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Discovery World and Summerfest with the intention of improving access to Discovery World and Summerfest. The plan includes the widening of North Harbor Dr., new sidewalks, new landscaping and various pedestrian improvements. This resolution passed with little discussion and will now go before the full Common Council.Alderman Bauman continued his efforts of improving the pedestrian experience in the City of Milwaukee by bring resolution 050096 forward. The resolution would repaint West State St. and West Wells St. reducing traffic lanes down to one in each direction which would help to slow traffic, improve the streets walkability, and make driving conditions less of a hazard during winter months. At the Department of Public Works request he had held off on this resolution until the near completion of the Marquette Interchange project. This resolution passed and will now go before the full Common Council.
Jul 16th, 2008 by Dave Reid
The Ghazi Company’s EpiCentre Project Involved in Legal Fight
The Ghazi Company's proposed Catalyst project in downtown Milwaukee has been one of the most talked about projects in recent years but issues with The Ghazi Company's EpiCentre project in Charlotte have raised new concerns over the fate of Catalyst.
Jul 7th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Committee Considers Wells Street Conversion
Resolution 080295, sponsored by Alderman Robert Bauman, is the next in a line of files where he has worked to improve the pedestrian experience within the City of Milwaukee. The resolution would complete the conversion of Wells Street to two-ways which he explained would improve the pedestrian environment by slowing traffic. Additionally he pointed out other benefits of two-way streets including that it will “help in connection with retail and commercial activity on the streets”. The portion had been left uncompleted due to property owner concerns as well as concerns over road configurations that would not of been ideal in connection with existing highway ramps. These ramps have since been removed during the Marquette Interchange reconstruction and are no longer a concern of the Department of Public Works. This file was held to allow for more details regarding cost but it appeared to have broad support on the committee. A second file sponsored by Alderman Bauman was file 080294 which proposed the re-striping of West Saint Paul Ave. to improve safety during winter conditions and access to the Intermodal Station. These changes became needed after West Saint Paul Ave. was recently converted to two-way access. This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Jun 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Holds Alley Vacation
Resolution 071564 proposed the vacation of two “paper” alleys to support the Palomar development project within the Park East. Apparently Alderman Bob Bauman read Mary Louise Schumacher‘s article in the Journal Sentinel, History lost in Park East bait-and-switch, because he stated that “I see this as a bait and switch” referring to the dramatic change in design that the Palomar project has undergone since it was originally proposed before Milwaukee County. The original design included the utilization and preservation of both the Sydney Hih and the Gipfel Brewerys whereas the latest design would demolish the Sydney Hih structure and move the Gipfel Brewery to another site. The committee voted to hold this file in attempt to exert some influence over this development. Normally the City of Milwaukee would have influence over development projects that involve land sales and zoning changes but as the new design required neither this is an unusual course of action. Resolution 080211 was a communication from the Public Policy Forum regarding their report on the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). The report indicates that in coming years MCTS will have completely spent all of a $44 million reserve of funds and will be projecting deficit spending. It goes on to show how MCTS has spent capital funds to support operational budgets and by doing so has deferred the purchase of 150 new buses. These deferments have pushed maintenance costs higher and will help create a $18 to $20 million dollar hole in upcoming budgets.
May 29th, 2008 by Dave Reid
