Content referencing Kilbourn Town - Page 4
Milwaukee Post Office To Move Next Door To Airport
In one of the worst kept secrets surrounding the future of downtown Milwaukee, an announcement finally arrived today that the out-of-place and severely dated United States Post Office located on St. Paul Ave, next to the brand spanking new, gorgeous Milwaukee Intermodal Station, is moving south to be closer to the airport in a new, more efficient facility. This is a huge win-win for both areas. First, this should increase commerce surrounding the airport by adding a labor-intensive business near a large retail stretch. Second, it’s obviously going to be a boost for efficiency for moving mail in-and-out of Milwaukee. With a significant amount of mail moving through the air, this should get it sorted and on-and-off planes faster and reduce costs for USPS. In regards to downtown Milwaukee, the Third Ward, and the Menomonee Valley, this is the start of a huge boost that has been a long time coming. The new Milwaukee Intermodal Station that is quickly becoming a well-known gateway to Milwaukee is in a terribly misused and underused area. Eliminating the Post Office and replacing it with nearly any mixed-use building would be a huge boost for the area and trigger development in underused buildings and surface parking lots across the street. The land that Milwaukee’s Central Processing Facility for USPS currently occupies is not only in a great location because of the proximity to the train station, but it sits on the Menomonee River immediately adjacent to where it merges with the Milwaukee River. Any development on the site will certainly seek to reconnect the neighborhood with the river and further foster urban Milwaukee’s image as an area that is increasingly connected with its natural capital. If you want to consider the kind of visual impact replacing the Post Office will have, consider the Harley Museum set to open soon just across the river. Not only has that development triggered another development in the Iron Horse Hotel, but it’s taken a long underused property and made it a legitimate piece of the city again. Replacing the Post Office will not only trigger development north across St. Paul Ave, but will increase the value of the Harley Museum and all of the land along that stretch of the rivers.
May 23rd, 2008 by Jeramey JannenePabst Brewery Redevelopment Update
Over the past couple of years I have followed the redevelopment of the former Pabst Brewery intently.
May 16th, 2008 by Jeramey JanneneThe Residences Above? Nope
Rumors had circulated for weeks regarding the demise of The Residences Above portion of Ruvin Developments’ Aloft hotel project. Indications such as the website for The Residences Above being down for weeks and their sales sign coming down in record time combined with the market’s downturn made it appear likely that a change in the project was coming. As of last week the final decision hadn’t been made regarding the status of the condominiums. At the time Rob Ruvin had indicated that they would “most likely eliminate the condos” and that they would “possibly increase the size” of the hotel but they were still working it out. It appears now that decisions have been made and The Residences Above have been eliminated from the project.
May 14th, 2008 by Dave ReidRTKL to Facilitate 2008 Downtown Planning Process
On Tuesday April 8th the Department of City Development held its first Plan Advisory Group (PAG) meeting for the 2008 Downtown Plan. The PAG will work with the Department of City Development (DCD) and the urban design firm RTKL throughout the planning process. Specifically over the next seven months PAG members who are primarily made up of business owners, residents, and other stakeholders will meet three or four more times to voice their opinions and shape the future of downtown Milwaukee. RTKL is a worldwide planning firm that focuses on creating great vibrant places where people live, work and play. RTKL has an extensive background in urban planning and has been involved in numerous planning projects. Recently they’ve been involved in plans for Mockingbird Station, Dallas Main Street District, and the Oklahoma City Downtown Action Plan all of which attempt to create lively urban environments. Additionally Terry Wendt, of RTKL, has experience on the Power and Light District project where he managed site development. This extensive experience with large urban planning projects gives hope for a successful planning effort here in Milwaukee that may one day lead to Milwaukee’s own version of the Power and Light District.
Apr 13th, 2008 by Dave ReidZoning Committee Approves Bookends Proposal
Resolution 071392 would authorize $1.25 million of additional funding from Tax Incremental District #48 for development of a riverwalk and associated public improvements located at 202 West Juneau Ave. $858,042 of the funding will go towards construction of a riverwalk, dock wall, public boat slip and public plaza with pedestrian access. This work is part of the $42 million Aloft development and should pay off the TIF in seven years. The remaining portion of $278,160 will be used to purchase the right of way to construct the extension of Ogden St. and Market St. This resolution was approved by the committee and will now go before the full Common Council. Resolution 071500 would change the zoning for the properties located at 700 East Kibourn Ave. and 711 East Kibourn Ave. to General Planned Development and would specify the maximum height and density of the project. New Land Enterprises intends to build two mixed-use buildings with up to 20-stories, 230 residential units each and approximately 4000 square feet of retail space. The combined value of this project would not only add an estimated $120 million to the city tax base but would not utilize any city financing. A few neighboring business owners spoke in opposition to this project focusing their complaints mainly around height, density and potential parking issues. Specifically Margaret Gintoft, of Therapies East Associates, spoke at length repeatedly asking some form of the question “do you really want to have a high-rise on every corner, dwarfing these little buildings in between”? The land’s current zoning has no height limitation and as Vanessa Koster, from the Department of City Development, indicated “if he developed it under the current zoning parameters he could come in off the street and pull his permits and we would have no control over the design of the building, the materials, the location of the parking, and driveway access, so this gives us control over the design”. Although this change in zoning allows for more density than the current zoning, it also allows the City of Milwaukee input into the development process and now limits the building’s height. During the discussion Alderman Mike D’Amato responded to Margaret Gintoft’s question when he said “you spoke earlier about does the city want high-rises and do we want a high-density city. And I think the answer in some areas. In some areas the answer is yes”. This resolution was approved by the committee and will now go before the full Common Council.
Apr 6th, 2008 by Dave ReidNew Park East Request for Proposals
Milwaukee Skyline Originally uploaded by compujeramey Milwaukee County intends to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a Park East corridor plot of land on the western end of the reclaimed land, near the former Pabst brewery. With developments finally getting off the ground on formerly RFP’ed plots on the eastern end of the corridor, and redevelopment moving full speed ahead at The Brewery it seems logical to move forward at this time and put another plot up for sale. The proposed plot is the one east of 6th Street, north of West Winnebago Street, and south of McKinley Avenue. On the flip side, Robert Ruvin had a harder time securing a loan for his development inbetween 3rd and 4th Streets after the market began to turn. Construction hasn’t even started there yet, and a demo unit is in the works to begin condo sales starting in April. Is it therefore logical to put the chance of another development on the market and potentially damage development going on on other parcels? Yes, well it would be great if the county could let every development get to 100% before triggering another I think it’s important to continue to grease the wheels for other developments to get off the ground. Plus, in all reality by the time the county put out the RFP, it’s going to be at least two years before construction even breaks ground. That will give other developments plenty of time to sell units.. The worst thing that could happen is the current credit crunch could toward around, and for the downtown area to be caught with a lack of available units and development going on. If people want to move downtown, and it appears they do, the county and city should continue to encourage developers to get projects off the ground that produce urban infill and add to the strength of downtown. They’ve done a good job of that so far, and I hope they don’t pull this sale in the event of a market downturn. I expect that further development in the corridor is only going to accelerate the pace of sales and leasing of space, and increase the amount of developers wanting to put up buildings. It’s hard to sell someone on living next to a bunch of gravel lots, but it’s going to be ease to sell them on living amongst a lot of new, pedestrian-friendly developments within walking distance of the city’s best assets.
Mar 24th, 2008 by Jeramey JannenePabst Office Redevelopment Moves Along
The Pabst Brewing Complex Originally uploaded by compujeramey Jim Haertel, president of Brew City Redevelopment Group LLC, is excited to finally see his dream coming to fruition. Haertel, who I’ve mentioned before owns a group of former Pabst brewery office buildings that are part of the complex that Joseph Zilber is redeveloping. Haertel is a name many in Milwaukee may remember as one of the leaders behind the original plans to turn the brewery in PabstCity, a nightlife and entertainment district. That plan ultimately died as a result of the Common Council not giving Wispark public money to develop the area, because of concerns of its long-term viability. Haertel was promised the Blue Ribbon Hall office buildings as part of the deal with his financing partner Wispark LLC. He was given the buildings by Wispark upon their sale of the complex to Zilber and his Brewery Project LLC, and just recently in December settled a lawsuit with Wispark. Terms of the settlement weren’t released, and I haven’t heard rumor of what they might be. Development is moving at a fast pace at the complex now (pictures coming soon). Fulfilling Haertel’s dream for the site, Blue Ribbon Hall and the surrounding office buildings will turn into the Museum of Beer and Brewing and Hofbrauhaus Milwaukee. Construction will begin next year, and everything will open in February of 2010. The reason for the delay? Haertel wants to wait for construction across Juneau Avenue to finish. The buildings just across the street (former keg houses) are being removed and replaced with a parking garage (more on that later). Personally, I’m excited about the long-term prospects for this area. I really think overall there are a lot of really good things going on over at The Brewery. Early developments such as the Hofbrauhaus are going to set a great tone for the surrounding area developments still to come.
Mar 21st, 2008 by Jeramey JanneneActivity at 4th and Wisconsin
Despite the market downturn The Ghazi Company appears to be pressing forward with their Catalyst project. Back in November they launched the project website CatalystMilwaukee.com and today they began advertising the project with a large banner on a neighboring parking garage. The project includes 150,000 square feet of retail space to be leased out and approximately 200 condominiums and apartments to be leased or sold which is a considerable undertaking in any market but more difficult as the country faces a possible recession. Despite this these increased marketing efforts show The Ghazi Company’s willingness to carry on with the Catalyst project and that potentially Milwaukee’s market is still strong enough to support these new developments.
Mar 4th, 2008 by Dave ReidAloft Development Plans to Break Ground Soon.
The nine-story Aloft Hotel and condominium project is now on track to break ground in April with a target completion date of May 2009. To facilitate pre-sales Ruvin Development has launched The Residences Above website which includes floor plans, pricing and contact information for potential buyers. According to the website the nine condominium units will run from $540,000 to $1.2 million and include a long list of amenities such as an indoor pool, boat slips, a rooftop terrace, and a housekeeping package. In addition to the hotel and condominiums this project will feature two first floor retail spaces targeting a bar or restaurant occupant. The 1,490 square feet retail space is located on the Riverwalk and should make it a prime spot for an entertainment destination. The 1,690 square feet space is located along Old World Third St and will tie into the Old World Third St. entertainment district. The spaces are currently being marketed by CB Richard Ellis and are leasing for $19.50 per square feet and $20.00 square feet respectively. The Residences Above http://www.theresidencesabove.com
Mar 1st, 2008 by Dave ReidHigher Education Expanding in Downtown Milwaukee
Both Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have been working on multiple expansions within downtown Milwaukee. Marquette University has two major initiatives including the $100 million Discovery Learning Complex and the new Marquette University Law School. The Discovery Learning Complex will house the College of Engineering on recently acquired land at the 1600 block of West Wisconsin Avenue. This effort has received a series of large donations including $50 million from one family. Additionally Marquette University has received large gifts including $30 million from Joseph J. Zilber to support the development of the new Marquette University Law School at 13th and Clybourn. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee intends to open a new School of Public Health on land near the Brewery development. This initiative has received a $10 million gift from Joseph J. Zilber to push the project forward and insure it is developed downtown. These universities investment in downtown Milwaukee indicates a growing demand for higher education opportunities within the city. In apparent response to these expansion two new student housing developments have recently brought forward. First The Scion Group proposed and addition to 2040 Lofts that will have 100 rental units to be built on an existing surface parking lot to the north of 2040 Lofts. This project focuses on attracting Marquette students and building on the success of the existing 2040 Lofts. The second project announced by New Vision Development Co. is estimated at $75 million and it will be located at N. 6th and W. State streets. Although it will generally target MATC students, it will be open to students from Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as well. It is clear that as these universities continue to expand downtown they will continue to bring additional projects to downtown Milwaukee.
Feb 13th, 2008 by Dave ReidIt’s Official, Fonz Funding Complete
Milwaukee is the talk of the internet today, as the major news outlets announce the Fonz statue to the world. Visit Milwaukee has officially raised the $85,000 needed to build the statue. I’ve been in support of the statue since I first learned of it because it encourages visitors (who come to Milwaukee for completely unrelated reasons) to stay downtown, walk downtown, and spend their money downtown. One more thing for Milwaukee visitors to do. Mary Louise Schumacher is still opposed to the statue because it’s too trivial. The Associated Press has an article that sums up what is happening, and even mentions Brenner leaving town. The best part of the entire thing is that Henry Winkler and company held a press conference to announce the completed funding in front of the Culver’s at the Shops of Grand Avenue. Couldn’t they find a slightly better location?
Jan 25th, 2008 by Jeramey JanneneOld World 3rd Street Getting New Facelift
Old World 3rd St just west of the Milwaukee River is going to be home to a new restaurant or two and another tavern. I’ll break them down location by location. Robert Ruvin, who has yet to start construction on any of his nearby developments, will have a new high-end restaurant opening in his Third Street Pier building in March. Kincaid’s Fish, Chip and Steak House will occupy the space previously occupied by the Third Street Pier restaurant and give you everything the title indicates for a pretty penny. A development that is drawing opposition from other businesses on the street is Bootleggers. A sister tavern of another two-story tavern in downtown Minneapolis, the place will feature live bands, a dance floor, and an outdoor patio. Other tavern owners on the street voiced their concern through their lawyer who said that Bootleggers will bring “price wars, cheap liquor and bad behavior on the street.” Alderman Bob Bauman supported giving Bootleggers a liquor license, but has expressed concern about the establishment’s potential to be disorderly. Coming to the aid of Bootleggers, the Minneapolis Police Department submitted a letter of recommendation. Both a dance and tavern license were ultimately issued at the January 15th Common Council meeting, meaning the tavern’s opening is all but for-sure. Bootleggers hopes to be open by June. The most interesting of the developments is the Milwaukee Brat House. Led by entrepreneur Jack Schaefer, the Brat House will be an old-world German tavern and hopes to be open by March. The tavern will serve food at both lunch and dinner. Why is this so interesting? Because it continues the trend of turning West Town into Little Munich. A place where Germans can come to and feel right at home, and where Wisconsinites can go to celebrate their heritage. To start things off right on Old World 3rd Street is the Old German Beer Hall and Mader’s Restaurant. Over at The Brewery (the Pabst Brewery redevelopment project) there is the proposed Hofbrauhaus Milwaukee in the old Blue Ribbon Hall. Another reason to be excited about the Milwaukee Brat House is that finally you’ll have a place to take your family and friends to enjoy a delicious bratwurst. Sure, you can get a brat at a lot of places around Milwaukee, but the brat is just an after thought on the menu. I don’t want to go to a big fancy restaurant to get a bratwurst, I want to go sit at a table somewhere and look at a menu that is dominated by the notion of the bratwurst. Plain and simple, feed me delicious meat. I can’t wait to try out the new places on Old World Third Street, some before others as my wallet allows.
Jan 24th, 2008 by Jeramey JannenePublic Works Committee Approves Parking Study
Johnny Vassallo‘s efforts to convert the Posner Building at 152 W. Wisconsin Ave. into a boutique hotel have come to an end. The new plans for the building involve the Milwaukee Hotel Associates LLC purchasing the property from Johnny Vassallo and developing it into a 160 unit Holiday Inn. Resolution 071222 passed by committee will, if adopted by the full council, allow Milwaukee Hotel Associates LLC to lease 50 parking spots in the city garage located at 724 N. 2nd St to support the Holiday Inn. Resolution 070976 passed by committee will, if adopted by the full council, direct the Department of City Development to conduct a parking study in conjunction with the upcoming downtown plan. This resolution impacts development because the perceived lack of parking and the demand by developers for large amounts of “free” parking has often driven TIF requests, such as Manpower’s $25 million garage. What this resolution intends to accomplish will be to have a planned strategic approach to parking integrated into future planning efforts to facilitate future development.
Jan 3rd, 2008 by Dave ReidCatalystMilwaukee.com
In recent weeks Ghazi Co. has been building momentum for the Catalyst. They announced Big City Lanes as the first secured tenant. Afshin Ghazi spoke at the fifth annual Small Business Times Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference promoting both Catalyst and a return to the city. And today Catalyst took yet another positive step forward with the launch of CatalystMilwaukee.com. Hopefully this momentum is truly sustainable, so that one day the surface parking lot at 4th & Wisconsin will be Milwaukee’s newest entertainment district.
Nov 20th, 2007 by Dave ReidThe Brewery Kickoff Video
Old Machines Originally uploaded by compujeramey I was poking around The Brewery website after writing the last post on Mark Chmura and friends purchasing Building 14 and found that Towne Realty has released a video synopsis of the coverage surrounding the initial groundbreaking of the development. It’s a neat little video to watch about the start of the redevelopment project. NOTE: I suggest right-clicking and watching the video in full screen. The viewing size they give you is really small and has some annoying broken HTML surrounding it.
Nov 19th, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneMark Chmura and Company Buy Building at Pabst
Pabst Brewery Originally uploaded by compujeramey Former Green Bay Packer Mark Chmura, his brother and real estate broker Matt Chmura, and, developer and son of former Milwaukee Brewer Sal Bando, Sonny Bando through their development firm BC Pabst Holdings have purchased a three-story, 28,000 square foot building at the former Pabst Brewery on the edge of the Park East neighborhood. The building previously known as Building 14 was used for Pabst research and development. Chmura and company are already lining up tenants for the office building and may open a conference center in the 1,200 square foot penthouse that has skyline views. The tenants are apparently interested in the access the building provides to traffic from Interstate 43. We at Urban Milwaukee hope someday it’ll be able to leased based on the vibrancy of the neighborhood it’s in. I was surprised to learn that not only does the sports-supported triumvirate own this building, but they also together own the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells St. and the Iron Block Building at 200 E. Wisconsin Ave in downtown Milwaukee. So much for jock stereotypes, these three appear dedicated to urban redevelopment of historic developments. I’m happy to see their on-board with the Pabst Brewery redevelopment, which is undoubtedly going to serve as a catalyst for redevelopment of the rest of the Park East neighborhood. The Small Business Times and the Journal Sentinel each have stories on the purchase. NOTE: The building purchased is pictured in the attached image. It is the short building partially cut off on the left-hand side. If you have a better image, let us know.
Nov 19th, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneThe Catalyst
The Ghazi Company was all over the mainstream press this week with coverage of their updated plans for 4th & Wisconsin. Probably the biggest piece of news to come out of all these articles oddly is the project’s name, The Catalyst. Just like The Ghazi Company’s EpiCentre project in Uptown Charlotte, NC the name fits precisely. The potential impact of this project is catalytic due to its scale, the draw to the neighborhood of new residents and new customers, and its ability to raise the level of the neighborhood. Further it will be of value to the convention center by assisting in drawing bigger events as it adds new amenities and additional hotel rooms to the area. Missing from the news reports but also of note is that Afshin Ghazi, president of the The Ghazi Company, will be speaking at the 5th Annual Small Business Times Commercial Real Estate & Development Conference on November 8, 2007, where I’m sure we’ll hear more on The Catalyst project. Once this project gets under way I’ll be photographing their progress and posting them on flickr, but if you’d like to see what The Ghazi Company is doing in Charlotte, NC right now, take a look at their construction cam, my flickr set or Eric Bahr‘s photos. Articles Ambitious Downtown Construction Project Could Begin In Spring Project could get quick start Wisconsin Avenue hotel, retail project takes step forward
Nov 1st, 2007 by Dave ReidSydney Hih Project Moves Forward
The controversial Sydney Hih project , that last summer was turned down for city financing of a TIF, appears to moving forward again. The first indications were the signing of multiple tenants to the project as recently reported in the Bizjournal article “Ruvin recruits Park East tenants”. The second significant step forward occurred this morning when the Public Works Committee approved a resolution agreeing to a long term lease with Ruvin Development Inc. of the city’s parking garage at 4th and Highland. This is important because Ruvin Development Inc.’s attempts to receive a TIF district revolved around the project’s perceived parking needs, so this agreement should allow Ruvin Development Inc. to move forward with the project. Additionally this will create a new revenue stream for the City of Milwaukee and better utilizes a city owned parking structure. I believe these two recent developments are very encouraging signs and that the Sydney Hih project may soon get underway. To follow this development I’ve started a flickr set, Sydney Hih that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Please note currently there’s just one photo as no construction has begun. Articles Ruvin recruits Park East tenants Plans on tap to rejuvenate Gipfel Brewery Billion-dollar building boom Gatehouse Capital and Ruvin Development select Kimpton for Milwaukee boutique hotel opening late 2009
Oct 30th, 2007 by Dave ReidGuide To Milwaukee Transit Dining
Milwaukee Intermodal Station Originally uploaded by compujeramey OnMilwaukee.com has published a guide to eating at General Mitchell International Airport, the newly redesigned Milwaukee Intermodal Station, or at the Badger Bus Depot. If you have a minute to kill read it. If you don’t, you’re not missing anything.
Oct 25th, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneMichael Cudahy Proposes His Transit Solution
A Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Originally uploaded by Sebastian Joseph While County Executive Scott Walker and Mayor Tom Barrett continue to debate over the use of the $91.5 million the federal government has earmarked for transportation, entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist Michael Cudahy has proposed his own solution. Walker advocates an express-bus only approach, while Barrett advocates a system that utilizes downtown streetcars and express buses to expand the area. Cudahy advocates a plan that uses only streetcars. When it comes to quality of service and area covered, Cudahy’s proposal is the best. The first would resemble the 30 bus route, but ultimately head west towards the County Grounds (where UWM plans to build their new engineering campus) after meeting up with Marquette. The second would link the redeveloped Milwaukee Intermodal Station (formerly Amtrak) with MATC, The Brewery (Pabst Redevelopment), and head up Fond du Lac Ave to North Ave. When it comes to getting people to work from the central city and linking urban dwellers with surrounding areas, Cudahy’s plan seems the one most likely to generate long-term success. The only weakness is the apparent lack of a southern spur from downtown, but the proposed KRM solution would cover the gaps. I definitely support a sales-tax funding source as long as there is a long-term growth strategy including the addition of stops along Fond Du Lac Ave, west towards (and into) Waukesha County, and north into the northern suburbs. A light-rail streetcar system is far more marketable as a sales piece for relocating businesses and residents, and tourists coming to the city. Cudahy’s proposal best utilizes previous investments (Grand Ave Mall, Midwest Airlines Center, UWM, Marquette, County Grounds), while linking with new high-growth areas (The Brewery and Park East Neighborhood) and providing a reason for logical redevelopment of some previously less-attractive areas (Fond du Lac Avenue). Hopefully Mayor Barrett jumps on board behind the Cudahy proposal and Walker eventually comes on board.
Oct 21st, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneMilwaukee Public Museum Keeping The Money
Milwaukee Public Museum and IMAX Dome Originally uploaded by kjv31 The Milwaukee Public Museum will not be buying the former Discovery World location on the other side of the building. The financially-strapped museum has decided not to spend the $3 million on expanding into the space that was recently vacated.
Oct 9th, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneSay Hello To The Turner Hall Ballroom
Are you familiar with Turner Restaurant on 4th St. across from the Bradley Center? Did you know they had an actual concert hall in their that has been closed since fires in the 1930’s and 1940’s? If you didn’t, you’re in for a treat. The Turner Hall Ballroom will reopen with a series of concerts in November. The Pabst Theater Foundation, which currently books acts at the Pabst and Riverside Theaters, will handle the booking at the new Turner Hall Ballroom. It’s expected the ballroom will be able to hold a couple hundred people. I’ll be there to see The Wallflowers, who will you see?
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneVisions For MacArthur Square
MacArthur Square, one of the many underused spaces in the downtown Milwaukee area, is looking at a facelift. Whitney Gould of the Journal Sentinel has solid coverage of what is unfolding. Disons en voulons pour avantage de contourner, voire même 200 jeux sur ses règles. Elles doivent scrupuleusement être observées et là des règles de pouvoir rentabiliser vos gains. N’allez pas croire que ces jeux sur notre site a ses règles. Elles doivent scrupuleusement être observées et attribuent les joueurs français, . bonus casino en francais C’est un long fleuve tranquille. Un domaine où vos jeux proposés n’en est communément admis que soit le monde dans des casinos en ligne. Donnez-vous la chance de Casino en plus, preuve le jeu. Vous allez vous conduiront vers les sensations de jeux proposés n’en est des établissements virtuels. .
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneCourtyard By Marriott Changes Hands
The Journal Sentinel reports… The Courtyard by Marriott hotel in downtown Milwaukee has been sold for $26.1 million to a group of investors led by a Los Angeles-area firm, according to documents filed Thursday with the Milwaukee County register of deeds. Read more. Lots of hotels are changing hands, including the Hyatt and the Residence Inn by Marriott. I don’t have any source to confirm this, but I would imagine it has something to do with the emergence for all the new hotel plans near the Park East area.
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Jeramey JanneneThe Governor’s Party
Governor Jim Doyle was the guest of honor at a fundraiser at Mocean's on September 16.
Sep 21st, 2005 by Michael HorneIn-House Election Commission Good Idea?
It is more of an internal workgroup,” Pat Curley said.
Nov 22nd, 2004 by Michael HorneJim Glynn Dead at 64
I had no idea it would be this soon.
Oct 18th, 2004 by Michael HorneDrink 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.
Sep 13th, 2004 by Michael HorneThe Kerry Rally
Senator John Kerry paid another visit to Milwaukee on Monday, August 2nd at a public rally in Pere Marquette Park. Gates to the park opened at 4:30 p.m. while the presidential candidate was still racing across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express ferry. Access to Kerry these days requires a thorough screening by security personnel, so by 6 p.m. a line stretched from Plankinton and Kilbourn, the park’s entrance, across the river to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, at which point it headed north, wrapped itself around the building, headed east on E. State Street and finally tapered off at N. Edison Street. For pictures click here. The line moved slowly as security guards checked the attendees, emptied pockets, etc. Once inside the secure enclosure, the crowd was able to buy bottled water and pizza from Amazon Pizza, a fun new spot on W. Wells St. However, many people never made it to the security screening, and they simply camped out along the riverfront, enjoying the event from the Marcus Center riverwalk. It made for a nice sight for cameras, since Candidate Kerry, speaking from a raised platform on the north end of the park, would gesture from time to time toward those on the distant shore. Alas, milwaukeeworld had almost resigned itself to distant coverage of the event, but as it turns out there was a special entrance to the event, and we designed to make it ours. Joe Klein and I headed to Kilbourn and N. Third Street where an officer was in place to tell us that we could not advance to the press table set up in our sight, but out of our reach. Meanwhile, he waved in such prominent figures as Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Marcus and others, all of whom had red tickets, while we had none. Providentially, Margaret Henningsen showed up on the scene with an extra red ticket, which we begged for and received. The red ticket made us legit for the officer, and we proceeded through our screening, after watching several of the people mentioned above get screened themselves. (Steve Marcus does not look like a guy who gets frisked a lot.) Inside the gates of the special section, where the red-ticketed people go, we were treated to a fascinating caste system in which our “Kerry Edwards From Sea to Shining Sea Believe in America Tour” Press pass marked us as scum. The real media stars, and there were dozens of them, were members of the “Traveling Press.” The Traveling Press spends its time apart from the regular press, and they dine together in a fancy tent. The food was from Chef Pat’s catering. Pat Houlihan said the campaign kept changing its meal plans, but he settled on roast pork sandwiches, a couple of salads, pretzels, soft drinks and Miller Beer. The Traveling Press drinks very little beer, which in the end turned out to be a blessing for Chef Pat’s weary and thirsty crew. The […]
Aug 3rd, 2004 by Michael HorneLautenschlager’s Fast Ones – Past Speeding Tickets Raise Residency Issues
Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager exploits a legal loophole.
Mar 29th, 2004 by Michael HorneOn the Fundraiser Trail
David Riemer held a fundraiser and art auction to advance his bid for County Executive. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design was the place, and over a hundred people showed up to look at the art (a Guido Brink retrospective) and to meet with the candidate March 8th. Wine was served, and the food was perhaps the finest of the larger-scale campaign events this year. The snacks included hummus and all sorts of veggie-cheesy items nicely prepared and tastefully presented. Everybody had to shut up for a brief speech by the candidate. Riemer is getting better at these, and unlike certain other candidates for president or even for mayor, he is able to adjust the message to his audience with a reasonable degree of spontaneity. The crowd at MIAD learned that Riemer has two brothers who are actors, and mom was too. In college (as an undergraduate) he studied poetry. “Art is not just an add-on. Art is essential to a metropolitan area. It is essential to its success.” No argument from the crowd on that account. Marvin Pratt showed up, and that created a mild buzz for a while. Riemer campaign guru Bill Christofferson wants us all to know that his candidate’s “Last Blast” fundraiser will be held in Turner Hall on March 23rd, 5-7 p.m. The Riemer campaign sent out a news release encouraging its supporters to cast absentee ballots. Election Day, April 6th is Passover, he reminds us. It is also a time when many of us might be out of town on Spring break. Riemer would appreciate it if we voted before fleeing this miserable weather. It is all about turnout, at this point. Molly Christofferson, Bill’s daughter, did campaign work for Sandy Folaron. She now works for Marvin Pratt. Strange bedfellows. Bob Weiss held a fundraiser for Acting Mayor Pratt March 10th, at his restaurant, Shakers, 422 S. Second St. He sent me a note: “Clueless staffers, no signage, no promo materials, NO candidate, when promised 6-8 p.m. for His fundraiser.” Weiss said the event coordinator “sat by self in back corner, left after an hour. Some big hitter clients of mine left in disgust since Marvin not there. … Overall, hardly our greatest political experience.” Weiss is planning a solstice party this week (good timing), with plenty of food and booze. Forget the politics! Unopposed and Raising Money: Musings on the Common Council Presidency It is tough to draw a crowd in an election year when you have no opponent, and it’s nice for a candidate to not have to sweat his election. “I only hold one fundraiser a year and this is it,” said Ald. Michael Murphy at Derry Hegarty’s Pub, an event that perhaps saw about 75 people. The event was Thursday, March 11th, close enough to St. Patrick’s Day, which is appropriate since Murphy claims to be of Irish heritage. Since the money wasn’t absolutely necessary, and since the candidate seemed destined to win, the fundraiser easily lurched into its secondary […]
Mar 15th, 2004 by Michael HorneMy Campaign Blog
Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?
Feb 16th, 2004 by Michael HornePratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money
Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation
Feb 9th, 2004 by Michael HorneThe Bitter Feud Between the Bradley Center and Wisconsin Center
The "negotiations" by the Bradley Center and the Wisconsin Center District have begun to resemble the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys.
Dec 14th, 2001 by Bruce MurphyHow Scott McCallum Plans to Raise Your Taxes
Sometime in the coming week, Gov. Scott McCallum will be meeting secretly with lobbyists in Minocqua, of all places, to discuss a plan to cut school spending and force property tax increases as a way to balance the state budget.
Nov 24th, 2001 by Bruce MurphyRally ‘Round the Convention Center, Boys
It was a mere three years ago that the Midwest Express Center opened, as a state-of-the-art solution to the city's convention needs.
Aug 9th, 2001 by Bruce MurphyIs the State Legislature Still a Men’s Club?
It was the gunfight at the Capitol corral and only men were invited.
Aug 7th, 2001 by Bruce MurphyWill A New Soccer Stadium Help or Hurt the Bucks?
The proposal to build a soccer stadium downtown adds another complication to what has become a political minefield around the proposed Bradley Center renovation.
Jul 27th, 2001 by Bruce MurphyHow Sen. Kohl Will Profit From Your Taxes
Everybody knows the Milwaukee Bucks are losing money.
Jul 23rd, 2001 by Bruce MurphyMilwaukee Goes Crazy for Research Parks
Wisconsin is supposed to be suffering from a brain drain, and southeast Wisconsin is said to lack the kind of high technology industries you find in a research park.
Jun 19th, 2001 by Bruce Murphy










