Content referencing Park East - Page 3
Avenir Makes Some Progress
The five-story, 104-unit mixed-use building will have 7,000 square feet of first floor retail.
Mar 7th, 2014 by Urban Milwaukee
Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told
Younger residents far more important than empty nesters in driving city growth, and urban areas are surpassing suburbs, speakers at conference note.
Jan 14th, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Future Rises in the Park East
The Avenir or "future" is a new five-floor, 104-unit apartment building rising before us.
Dec 13th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Ground Breaking Day in the Park East
A flock of public officials turned out to celebrate the Avenir, a $20.7 million, 104-unit mixed-use building that begins construction.
Nov 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Strip Club Coming to Downtown?
City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Dave Reid
How a Streetcar Spurs Development
In cities like Kansas City, Cincinnati and Tucson, the creation of an urban streetcar has triggered development.
Nov 3rd, 2013 by Angie Schmitt
The Growing City
Updates on three new developments. Plus: a photographic tour of the Ward hall.
Oct 2nd, 2013 by Dave Reid
A Very Pleasant Opening
Photos and gossip from the ceremonial opening of the Pleasant Street Bridge.
Aug 3rd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Silhouette Now Open
The third building in Mandel Group's ever-growing North End apartment development is now available for move-in.
Aug 2nd, 2013 by Dave Reid
Supervisors Stall $60 Million Park East Proposal
Citing lack of "information," county committee in essence reopens the process of selecting a developer for Park East Block 22.
Jul 16th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Nomad World Cup Village Wins First Match
County committee okays temporary lease for Nomad bar's huge, month-long, outdoor World Cup event on Park East land.
Jul 16th, 2013 by Dave Reid
How to Save the Milwaukee Bucks
A real estate partnership could build a new arena with a far lower public subsidy and more revenue for the Bucks.
May 30th, 2013 by Mike Westling
The North End Phase II
From new buildings to riverwalk improvements, lots of changes are underway.
May 17th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Rocky’s Throne of Stone
Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?
Mar 15th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Walker’s Massive Borrowing Scheme
His increase in road spending and refusal to increase gas tax could leave state paying 25% of transportation budget to debt service.
Feb 19th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Pridemore Thrown Out of School
State Superintendent candidate ejected for interfering with vote at Washington H. S. polling place.
Feb 13th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Show Time at The North End
A glitzy open house at Mandel Group's two new apartment buildings includes a new, locally-produced film called "Spectacle!"
Feb 12th, 2013 by Urban Milwaukee
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
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
Parking, Parking, Parking
More parking for more cars in the Park East corridor.
Nov 16th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Comings and Goings
A veteran union leader steps down, a new post for Nikiya Harris and Glorioso's tries, of all things, beer.
Nov 2nd, 2012 by Michael Horne
Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday
Public invited to ask questions about project.
Oct 29th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The History of Sydney HiH
The life and times of a beloved city icon.
Oct 18th, 2012 by Megan E. Daniels
Winter Approaches at The North End
Construction crews work to complete the second phase of The North End.
Oct 5th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Rush to Judgement
Whew. A county committee quickly approves a barely-vetted proposal for a new hotel.
Sep 26th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Park East Square Loan Approved
Union opposition to Park East Square evaporates.
Sep 20th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Wanna Buy Some Park East Land?
Sensing market interest, Milwaukee County is trying to sell a parcel of land -- for the third time.
Sep 11th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
MSOE Parking Garage
Park East Freeway spur land is becoming 780-stall parking garage
Sep 7th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
They Ruined Our Lives
Union members fight city loan to Wangard Partners, delaying proposed Park East development.
Aug 17th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The North End Continues to Rise
Residential development rises in the Park East..
Aug 3rd, 2012 by Dave Reid
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
One More Chance for the Sydney HIH
Parliamentary procedure buys the Sydney HIH a few more days.
Jul 6th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Potential Sydney HIH Savior Comes Forward with Proposal
Preliminary renderings of what a restored Sydney HIH complex surface.
Jul 2nd, 2012 by Dave Reid
Lower East Side Construction
Friday Photos this week features photography of three Lower East Side construction projects.
Jun 29th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Wangard’s Park East Proposal Approved Despite Union Fight
Once again it was union versus union.
Jun 27th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Rumblings in the Park East
Unions battle over and delay one project, another project gets a six month extension, and another is underway in the Park East.
Jun 19th, 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
Zoning Committee Votes for Approval of MSOE Parking Garage
MSOE's $28 million, 750 stall parking garage proposal received approval at the February 22nd, 2012 meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting.
Feb 23rd, 2012 by Dave Reid
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
The North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.
Feb 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
The Second Phase of The North End Breaks Ground Tomorrow
Mandel Group will be breaking ground on the second phase of The North End development project tomorrow. In January financing for the project was finalized with the completion of a $54.6 million WHEDA bond sale, and the completion of a direct placement of $7.75 million in tax-exempt bonds by Mandel Group.
Feb 15th, 2012 by Dave Reid
MSOE’s Parking Garage #FAIL
Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee City Plan Commission both unanimously recommended approval of the Milwaukee School of Engineering's parking garage proposal in the Park East. These approvals point out that City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County politicians are anxious to see new development in the Park East. Unfortunately, as currently conceived this isn't a project worthy of approval.
Feb 13th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The North End Phase II to Break Ground in February
Mandel Group will be moving forward with the second phase of the North End development project in February.
Jan 30th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Three predictions for three projects in 2012
We kickoff 2012 with three predictions about how three projects, which have the potential to change Milwaukee's landscape, will unfold in 2012. The projects? The reconfiguration of the Lake Interchange, the Milwaukee Streetcar, and Kohl's potential re-location to downtown Milwaukee.
Jan 4th, 2012 by Dave Reid
City Loan for the North End Phase II Recommended for Approval at Committee
At yesterday's meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meeting Mandel Group's efforts to acquire financing for the next phase of The North End were recommended for approval.
Jul 20th, 2011 by Dave Reid
MSOE Parking Garage Proposal Needs Work
Talks between M&I, MSOE, and Milwaukee County regarding MSOE's proposed parking garage in the Park East have dragged on for months, and it is likely because of a new detail that makes a marginal project into a bad project.
Jun 14th, 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
Mandel Group Receives $24 million of WHEDA financing for The North End Phase II (Renderings)
WHEDA announced today that Mandel Group Inc. will receive a $24.1 in financing to support the development of the second phase of The North End.
Dec 2nd, 2010 by Dave Reid
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.
Nov 18th, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
MSOE Proposes Parking Garage with Athletic Field in the Park East (Renderings)
Milwaukee School of Engineering is proposing the construction of a $30 million, 780-car parking garage, that would have an athletic field on the roof of the building. About 500 of the 780 parking spots would be leased to business and the general public, generating taxable revenue for MSOE.
Nov 10th, 2010 by Dave Reid
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
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
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
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
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
Park East Art Gallery
The Park East corridor is temporarily filled with art, and it’s well worth your time to check out. Approved by the Milwaukee Arts Board, the temporary installation draws attention to the history and unique character of the land formerly occupied by a freeway. Alderman Michael Murphy, chair of the Milwaukee Arts Board, held a press conference today to officially open the project to the public.
Aug 24th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
The Abuse of Historic Preservation
Saving and restoring historic buildings is vital to any city.
Jul 9th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Growth is Good. Let’s Keep it Going
Good news. The City of Milwaukee has been growing over the past decade, albeit slowly, but this recent trend is better than the decades long slide from a high point of 741,324 in 1960 to a recent low below 596,974 in 2000. Since 2000 Milwaukee has seen a small, but significant increase to 604,477 residents. Yes, a growth rate of just 1.3%, but it is a start.
Jul 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UW-Tosa to Fill Budget Gap?
In what can only be characterized as a transparent attempt to prop up Milwaukee County's budget, the Board of Supervisors and County Executive Walker appear poised to push the Milwaukee County Grounds land sale to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee through.
May 17th, 2009 by Dave Reid
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
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
The North End – ONE
UrbanMilwaukee.com was recently taken behind the construction fence for a tour of the first building, ONE, to be complete in Mandel Group's The North End project.
Mar 18th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcars Coming to Milwaukee
With the recent news of the federal approval allowing the City of Milwaukee to move forward on a modern streetcar system we thought it would be good to see what one of these systems might look like.
Mar 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
UW-Milwaukee Should Expand in “Our Backyard”
Normally people oppose projects because it is in their backyard,
Mar 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Is it Time for Milwaukee to Consider a Combined City-County Government?
Municipal government plays a vital role and provides necessary services, but sometimes you can have too much, or in this case too many.
Mar 5th, 2009 by Dave Reid
MORE Hurdles Proposed for Development Projects within Milwaukee
In what appears to be a rush to significantly alter development efforts within the City of Milwaukee, Alderman Hamilton is proposing additional requirements for development projects that accept more than $1 million in Tax Incremental Financing.
Mar 1st, 2009 by Dave Reid
Palomar or Streetcar?
Tom Daykin did some digging and was able to uncover that the final request from Gatehouse Capital Corp. was $18 million in public money for the Palomar.
Jan 22nd, 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
Potential Changes to the RFP Process
Milwaukee should explore how land sales are managed in order to achieve the highest and best use. If Milwaukee can become better at converting land from public and vacant to private and developed it will only be a benefit to the entire city by building a better urban fabric and raising the city tax base.
Nov 28th, 2008 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
Sydney Hih Nomination Held at Historic Preservation
This Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") meeting included agenda items for the high profile projects, The Palomar, The Brewery and the Goll Mansion redevelopment.
Sep 30th, 2008 by Dave Reid
A Closer Look at The Flatiron Condominiums
The Flatiron Condominiums, the first development to take place in the former Park East Freeway corridor, is a five-story, 38-unit condominium.
Sep 25th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
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
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
Committtee Approves North End’s Job Training Plan
Dick Lincoln from the Mandel Group presented resolution 071618 which is the job training program portion of The North End development that receives funding from TIF No. 48. He explained that it would be “a little bit different than traditional workforce development” in that in focuses more on mentoring and coaching of emerging businesses to “take them to the next level.” Specifically, the program will help emerging business develop business and management skills so these firms can enter into larger contracts and participate in The North End project. This resolution was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council. Resolution 080209 changed the operating plan and structure of Business Improvement District No. 41 which represents the Downer Avenue business district. The changes would enlarged the board from five to seven members and it would adjust various line items within the proposed operating plan to allow the BID greater flexibility in their future operations. Although this resolution seems inoucous enough it gives the appearance as though these changes are connected to New Lan Enterprises’ controvsional re-development efforts on Downer Avenue. It appears this way because while Alderman Nik Kovac has worked to expand BID No. 41 both Boris Gokhman and Joel Lee have had their appointments to BID No. 41 held in committee. This resolution was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council.
Jun 4th, 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
The 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 Reid
Finally Activity at Park East Square
On December 21st 2007 RSC & Associates signed an agreement to purchase a parcel of land, known as Block 26, in the Park East Freeway corridor from Milwaukee County. It was believed at the time of the sale that RSC & Associates would break ground on two new hotels within a 90 days. Understandably development projects take a time and as this project nears its third year, finally there is a small sign of progress at the site. RSC & Associates have begun erecting the construction fence. Although this project has had a troubled history with its lengthy delays, numerous changes, and squabbling in the press, potentially this project will be getting in the ground and the next development in the Park East will begin to rise this summer.
Apr 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
The North End Development Enters New Phase
For most of the past year Mandel Group‘s $185 million The North End development consisted of demolition and remediation. A historic winter, a fire, and significant environmental issues may have slowed progress at the site but signs of actual construction can now be seen. Along the Milwaukee River a portion of a new river wall has been constructed and the process of driving piles for the foundation has started. This first phase of construction will include 83 apartments and 15,000 square feet of retail space. This summer should see this new neighborhood begin to take shape and rise out of a formerly blighted property.
Mar 31st, 2008 by Dave Reid
New 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 Jannene
Aloft 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 Reid
