Marty Brooks, CEO of the Wisconsin Center District.
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Content referencing Marty Brooks
After Leak of Pinch Details, Employee in DA’s Office Resigns
Resignation in latest wrinkle in high-profile case.
Feb 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation
Property owner objected to designating East Side properties.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the Police Report on Marty Brooks’ Alleged Pinch of José Pérez
Newly obtained report reveals recorded call, witness statements and why prosecutors closed the sexual assault case without charges.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
CEO Investigated For Alleged Inappropriate Touch of Milwaukee Official
Marty Brooks is alleged to have inappropriately touched another prominent Milwaukee official.
Jan 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Hotel, Theater Demolition Plan Gets Cold Reception
Skepticism about viability, quality of report.
Jan 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Report Suggests Demolishing Historic Building For Convention Center Hotel
Wisconsin Center District could reshape its campus, attract more events with large hotel.
Jan 29th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium
Facing unanimous council vote, Johnson punts on the issue.
Dec 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Committee Says Milwaukee Theater, Arena Are Historic
Decision could affect Wisconsin Center District, whose leader fiercely opposed it.
Nov 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Historic Designations For Milwaukee Auditorium, Arena Is Strategic Move
Aiming to slow redevelopment? It's all about 'transparency' says Ald. Bob Bauman.
Nov 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Future of Panther Arena, High Life Theatre Uncertain
Wisconsin Center District could pursue redevelopment of properties.
Sep 26th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Being Outsmarted, Council May Accept New Convention Center Deal
But the annual payment to city could be less than the salary for the center's CEO.
Jun 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could Kill Revised Baird Center Revenue-Sharing Agreement
Ald. Bauman says city should hold out for more than $500,000 per year.
May 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Two Milwaukee Buildings Win Green Certifications
LEED certification recognizes two large downtown developments.
Mar 5th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Connect Marketplace Highlights Milwaukee as Convention Site
3 day event at Baird Center showcases city to some 1,000 meeting planners across U.S.
Aug 28th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Will Host ‘Super Bowl’ of Meetings… in 2034
Despite decade wait, Visit Milwaukee says hosting ASAE convention is a touchdown.
Aug 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
RNC Host Says Visitors, Locals Need To Spread Across Downtown
"It's quieter than I would like it to be," says host committee COO. MMAC encourages long-term view.
Jul 17th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayors Offer Plea To Republicans For Federal Support
Cavalier Johnson joined by Miami mayor and National League of Cities leader, among others.
Jul 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
$456 Million Baird Center Opens With Big Promises, Vision
100,000 more visitors every year, billions more in spending. See it yourself on Saturday.
May 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
See Inside The Massive Baird Center Expansion
Crews are putting finishing touches, hanging art at $456 million project.
Apr 18th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
‘Top Chef’ Premiere Dished Up Praise For Milwaukee, The Dairy State
The season's first episode highlighted Milwaukee's Lupi & Iris, Blu and a handful of local personalities.
Mar 21st, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Baird Center Selects Artists, Works To Be Displayed
Who are 21 artists and artistic teams to be featured at expanded convention center?
Jan 22nd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
‘Polka Time!’ Escalator Gets Celebratory Sendoff
The 'Polkalator' gave its final ride Friday afternoon.
Aug 18th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Baird Center Reaches Highest Point
Topping-off ceremony for $456 million Wisconsin Center expansion draws dignitaries a year before completion.
May 11th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Makes Deal to Save Literary Artwork
CEO Marty Brooks agrees to compromise to save installation.
May 1st, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center Dispute Goes National
The Bulwark condemns decision to remove artwork while WTMJ defends it.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park
Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Did Brooks Exceed His Authority At Wisconsin Center?
CEO’s decision to remove art works raises questions about governance of public entity.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center Pauses Art Removal
CEO says he thought matter was resolved with grant, only for conflict to emerge.
Apr 14th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Accused of Censorship
Eliminating literary art installation in preparation for Republican National Convention?
Apr 11th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center Won’t Reconsider Removing Literary Artwork
CEO Marty Brooks emails board members to explain why.
Apr 5th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center Will Destroy Literary Artworks
Nationally unique installation done in 1998. Public board didn't vote on its destruction.
Apr 4th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Expanded Convention Center Will Be Named For Financial Firm Baird
Robert W. Baird and Co. is the Wisconsin Center naming rights partner.
Mar 10th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Will Keep Living The High Life
Molson Coors renews WCD sponsorship for three years. Plus: District is giving away a gala.
Jan 23rd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Steel Rises on Wisconsin Center Expansion
$456 million development is largest project underway in Milwaukee
Oct 7th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
FPC Files For Design Approval For Deer District Concert Complex
But opposition emerges and the Wisconsin Center District raises concern.
Aug 25th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center Expansion Costs Grow By $36 Million
It's now a $456 million project, with $20 million in additional borrowing.
Aug 24th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Wins 2024 Republican National Convention
It's official. GOP will pick its presidential nominee in Milwaukee.
Aug 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
VISIT Milwaukee Has New Plan To Drive Tourism
Strategy includes Milwaukee-focused TV show, traveling visitor center and more.
Jun 30th, 2022 by Sophie Bolich
$420 Million Convention Center Expansion Moving Forward
Biggest construction project in Milwaukee is just under two years from completion.
Jun 17th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released
11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.
May 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Expansion Over Budget
WCD exploring value engineering, additional bonding, federal grants and cutting features.
May 20th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside Milwaukee’s Biggest Construction Project
Mayor, Wisconsin Center CEO tour convention center expansion. Johnson says Milwaukee will land RNC.
Apr 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Pabst Theater Group Adds Fifth Venue
PTG becomes exclusive booker and operator of Wisconsin Center's Miller High Life Theatre.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Completes Renaming Old World Third To Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Milwaukee fixes a 1984 "injustice" by extending King Drive through Downtown.
Jan 17th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion
$420 million project is intended to boost business, fully realize Wisconin Center's potential.
Oct 28th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
“Beyond Van Gogh” Is Highest Grossing Event in Wisconsin Center History
And now its run is extended through January 9.
Oct 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
See Inside Convention Center Expansion
Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.
May 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Who Wants To Name the Wisconsin Center?
National group hired to sell naming rights as part of center's expansion plan.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Shows Off Wisconsin Center Vaccination Hub
Public could be vaccinated there in future weeks. Effort starting with frontline workers.
Jan 11th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Riverwest Hostel Becoming Cooperative Housing Facility
Plus: Wisconsin Center District sells debt for expansion.
Dec 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Gives Final Approval for $420 Million Expansion
District will issue bonds this year in order to complete expansion in 2024.
Oct 9th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Virtual DNC Dims City’s Moment in the Sun
Lost chance to show Milwaukee can compete with the bigger cities.
Aug 17th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
State Fair Park Selected for Overflow Care Facility
Exposition Center will house extra hospital beds. Local leaders requesting state and federal government act quickly.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Convention Center, State Fair Park Could Become 1,200 Bed Facilities
"Alternative care sites" could be operated by federal government.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
DNC Postponed To Mid-August
"I consider this extremely good news," says Mayor. Democratic Party remains committed to Milwaukee.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center District Authorizes $420 Million Expansion, Raises Hotel Tax
District still aiming for 2023 opening even though bonds can't be sold.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
State Has 1,221 COVID-19 Cases, Exploring Field Hospital Locations
State says data on hospitalization coming soon.
Mar 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Center Faces 50% Revenue Cut
But CEO Marty Brooks still pushing to expand center, issue bonds during pandemic.
Mar 30th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Could Get Cash From Convention Center Expansion
Wisconsin Center District still pushing for expansion even though it can't sell bonds.
Mar 29th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Convention Expansion?
9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.
Mar 24th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center Expansion Paused
Market uncertainty will prevent necessary bond sale to finance Wisconsin Center expansion.
Mar 22nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
11 Key Details About the Convention Center Expansion
Plus: Rite-Hite moving to city, Mitchell Street mystery, Lower East Side projects still alive.
Mar 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Wants $5 Million of Hotel Tax Per Year
Council may rescind support for convention center expansion without its historic cut of tax restored.
Mar 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
UWM Gets Okay to Partially Demolish Columbia Hospital
Plus: Council could delay convention center expansion, MSOE expanding nursing facilities.
Mar 1st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
City Okays Convention Center Expansion
Cost of $300 to $375 million. Murphy questions whether it will fill more hotel rooms.
Feb 11th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Gilbane, CD Smith Will Build Wisconsin Center Expansion
Plus: State's first Tesla showroom, architecture firm mulls expansion, Pabst Mansion demolishing house
Jan 12th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center Moves Forward
District board hires Atlanta-based architectural firm for $300 million project.
Dec 20th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Timber Tower Grows Taller
Plus: Convention center expansion advances, MSO moves 631-ton wall, Brewers invest in The Avenue
Aug 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center Expansion Advances
No new taxes used, with grand opening planned for 2023.
Aug 17th, 2019 by Alana Watson
Evers Budget Overlooks Convention Center
Wisconsin Center District plans downtown expansion by 2020, still hopes for state funding.
Mar 8th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Mad Hot Ballroom Teaches Dance, Life Lessons To Students
1,000 students took to the dance floor to show off their best moves.
May 31st, 2018 by Sophie Bolich
