Rick Barrett

Slow Going for New Luxury High-Rises

Couture and 333 Water attracting renters more slowly than past towers. Is local market getting saturated?

Barrett Lo Visionary Development Unveils Vision for Approved Greendale Project at Southridge Mall

Neighborhood-creating development to redefine Southridge Mall as “live, work, play” destination

Streetcar Begins Daily Service To The Couture, BRT Will Soon Follow

Long-awaited milestone restores transit service to lakefront. Officials herald it as future of transit.

New Third Ward Tower Will Be Milwaukee’s Priciest

And The Couture isn't far behind. Plus: A recap of week's real estate news.

The Couture Shows Off First Apartments

193 apartments will soon be available promising stunning views, 'incredible location.'

The Couture Opens for Leasing, Redefining the Milwaukee Lakefront Lifestyle

Prospective residents can begin the leasing process on the newly launched website: https://thecouturemke.com/

Barrett Lo Visionary Development Secures Common Council Approval for Proposed Wauwatosa Project at Mayfair Mall

Transformational development slated to move forward on land vacant since 2018

Streetcar Rolling Through Rising Couture

Lakefront tower now stands 15 stories tall, while streetcar connection is built out in base.

See Inside The Couture’s Rise

Floors being poured on 5th level, while building core reaches 11th floor, 25% of final height.

New Apartment Building Relies On Emerging Building Technology

Taxco Apartments constructed in part with insulated concrete form structure.

Congress Extends Streetcar Grant

Extended deadline for spending grant allows city to finish streetcar line through delayed Couture tower.

The Couture Starts Massive Concrete Pour

78 truckloads of concrete for building's base. Developer exploring direct link to US Bank complex.

Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney

Acting Mayor reverses position and now supports ending the fight.

Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision

But City Attorney and Acting Mayor object. Legality of requiring $100,000 donation at issue.

Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes

Which officials? What are the charges? Who is investigating? City Attorney won't say.

The Couture Completion Delayed Until End of 2023

But tower crane installed and pile driving progressing.

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City officials admit project is behind schedule.

Barrett Lo Visionary Development Celebrates Approval Of Redevelopment Plan For Former Boston Store Site

Developer to transform vacant mall site into high-quality, mixed use complex

The Couture Is Making Noise Downtown

Construction of 44-story apartment tower involves driving 192 large piles.

Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking

Nine years after building was first proposed. 'Like making sausage. It's not pretty.'

Milwaukee Celebrates Couture Construction Investment In Community During Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Dignitaries from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the AFL-CIO’s Housing Investment Trust and project partners including Barrett Lo Visionary Development, RINKA and Findorff join the celebration to mark this milestone

Construction Starts on The Couture

Developer Rick Barrett is excited, greeting first construction equipment arriving on site.

The Couture Construction Begins May 5th

After years of delays, financing secured for complicated project to build 44-story lakefront tower.

Diederich College of Communication announces 2021-22 O’Brien Fellows

Council Approves New Deal for The Couture

After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.

City Attorney Blocking The Couture

Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Scheduled for June 2022 Opening

Plus: A rundown of the week's real estate news.

Couture to Start Construction in January

Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.

The Couture Secures Financing For $188 million Project Construction to Begin January 2021

44-story mixed-use skyscraper will create new public amenities and thousands of new jobs

The Couture Developer Applies For Federal Loan Guarantee

Barrett Lo claims it has raised necessary funding to access critical guarantee.

The Couture Developer Secures Financing

No construction date announced, but private financing commitment marks major milestone.

Is A Couture Deal Finally Coming?

City officials say it is, while Ald. Bauman pushes city to separate streetcar from project.

See The Canstruction of Local Landmarks

Plus: Associated gives Milwaukee Center new name & upgrades, mass timber building tops off.

Still No Deal For The Couture. Yet

Sorry, Mark Belling, deal still isn't quite done, says developer.

Supervisors Question Couture Project

Staskunas says county should consider other options, doubts 44-story tower will happen.

The Couture Getting New Signage

Plus: Walker's Point brewery may become climbing gym, funding for Soldiers Home project.

The Couture Changes Financing Plan

Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.

Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020

City hopes to maintain free rides to keep up ridership but this could leave funding gap.

City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar

Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.

The Couture Gets Financing Extension

Construction starts on Adams Garden Park, wellness center for King Drive.

Contribution to Marina Dimitrijevic of $500

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $1,000

Schlitz Park, River House Sold to Out-of-State Investors

Plus: Masonic Hotel construction planned for 2019.

Barrett Lo and Lincoln Property Company Launch Lincoln Boulevard

Leading national property management firm enters Milwaukee market as part of partnership

County Committee Mollified on Couture

Delay on 44-floor lakefront tower had been issue, but key supervisors now happy.

Supervisors Optimistic on Progress of The Couture

Supervisors Optimistic on Progress of The Couture

Affordable Housing for Walker’s Point

Ohio-based developer eyeing Milwaukee project.

Big Week of Real Estate News

The Couture, Michels and streetcar headline a busy week.

The Couture Cleared for Takeoff

Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.

The Couture Marks Major Milestone: Invited to Firm Loan Commitment Stage of HUD Loan Guaranty Program

“This is a major milestone for The Couture that enables us to move forward with the final stage of financing,” said Rick Barrett.

The Couture Still in Limbo

Plus: Plans to convert two schools to apartments advance, more affordable housing in Walker's Point

An East Side High Rise in 2019?

Mandel announces plans to break ground on Prospect Ave. tower

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $50

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $100

The Expanding Empire of Josh Jeffers

And why the curious contractor switcheroo for The Couture?

Couture Could Break Ground This Summer

Barrett Lo company reaffirms Findorff as general contractor.

Barrett Lo Selects Findorff as General Contractor for ‘The Couture’

This announcement marks a major milestone in moving the development project forward.

Your Favorite Stories of 2017

Huge tax benefits for Foxconn, Diane Hendricks, and state senators led the way.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $1,500

Couture Seeks Commercial Tenants

44-story apartment tower will have 40,000 square left for a grocer, restaurants, medical office.

Council Okays Couture Sewer Subsidy

But this won't be a precedent for future deals, a city official says.

Couture’s Surprise Sewer Being Moved

Previously unknown sewer will cost city $2 million to move

City Approves The Couture

December groundbreaking likely; Barrett says second tower could be built.

City Plan Members Love Couture

Commissioners laud the project, but possible second tower raises concerns.

Second Lakefront Tower Coming?

Barrett-Lo has made plans for second tower next to The Couture.

Goodbye Downtown Transit Center

Bus barn is coming down for 44-floor, lakefront high rise, The Couture.

$1 Million In Donations to City Politicians

Our Political Contributions Tracker hits $1 million, reveals who’s giving and getting cash.

Statement of IBEW Local 494 on Milwaukee County’s Sale of the Downtown Transit Center

"The Couture is the next big step forward in Milwaukee's ongoing renaissance."

Couture Economic Development Project to Move Forward

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Closing on Sale of Downtown Transit Center.

Last Buses Pull Out of Downtown Transit Center This Weekend

The Transit Center property was sold by Milwaukee County to developer Rick Barrett who is redeveloping the land into The Couture project.

Barrett Lo Visionary Development Announces Valentine Coffee Co. as Newest Tenant at Emerald Row

Valentine Coffee Co. will occupy stand-alone building fronting Drexel Town Square

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Milestone in Couture Project

Federal Transit Authority Concurs on Plan That Will Create Thousands of Jobs, Millions in Economic Development

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $797

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $794

Contribution to Khalif Rainey of $801

5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016

A big year for the developer and proof the city's development momentum hasn't slowed.

Couture site sale delayed until early 2016; groundbreaking still set for next year

Abele buys second Moderne condo for $700,000

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?

Chris Abele’s High-Rise Double Condo

Now separated from his wife, he has a luxurious, 8,132-square-foot suite near the top of the Moderne.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $2,600

City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $397

Overshadowed a bit by neighbors, 833 East expects tenants by March

Supervisor Patricia Jursik Congratulates Rick Barrett on Couture Project

But Chairwoman of Economic and Community Development Committee Asks for Assurances on Public Access

Construction work for The Couture could begin in 2016

Preserve Our Parks will not appeal lawsuit, clearing way for Couture on Milwaukee’s lakefront

Couture legal challenge ends, clearing way for lakefront high-rise

Battle to build The Couture could be nearing end

Court’s decision allows transit center sale for Couture development

Judge clears way for county land sale for Couture high-rise

The Boom in Walker’s Point

A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.

More Delays in Lakefront Development

County board's contradictory proposals on O'Donnell Park and court case affecting The Couture continue to stall potential development.

Don’t Sell O’Donnell Park

The proposed plan is being sold as a chance to simply get bids from buyers, but it's really about selling our heritage to private developers.

Northwestern Mutual Could Demolish a City Block

Will entire city block be used to build 1,000 car parking garage? And will The Couture dispute ever get settled?

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Planning and a Pint Series Takes on Lakefront Planning and Development

Please join the Urban Planning and Public Administration Chapters of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Alumni Association onWednesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m

Council Delays Streetcar Until January

Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.

Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Announces New Commitment of $200,000 in Workforce Development Funding on Couture and Streetcar Projects

Additional Funding Will Train and Connect Residents with Jobs

Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar

Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Announces Opposition to Downtown Transit Center and O’Donnell Park Sales

Says Proposals Amount to “Fire Sale” by County

RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar

The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."

Next Stops For The Streetcar

The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.

Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar

If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $200

700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval

Proposed high-rise would add up to 275 "ultra luxury" apartments to downtown Milwaukee -- with no public financing.

From The Moderne

Its signature penthouse, known as “THIRTY 01,” may offer the best view of the city.

Chicago Firm Unveils Designs for 35-Story Tower

New skyscraper would contain up to 275 apartments in downtown Milwaukee.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Issues Statement in Support of the Couture Development

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) announced its support of Barrett Visionary Development’s Couture project

Great Plan Gets Even Better!

1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan

The Unbearable Loudness of Harley Hogs

Why are they allowed to violate noise ordinances? No one seems to know.

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground

The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.

Barrett Drops Hotel From The Couture Plans

200-room Westin Hotel proposed for downtown

New hotel, 14-floor renovation for Baird in works at U.S. Bank Center

Milwaukee Developer Rick Barrett Announces Moderne High-Rise Now Fully Leased

Only six condominiums in the 30-story Moderne remain available, exceeding planned pace

Public Weighs In On Lakefront Project

Information meeting at Public Market had a full house. There's still time to add your views to the discussion.

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.

Couture to bring grocer to Milwaukee lakefront

Why The Couture Could Wow the Nation

Few cities have built towers this tall (44 stories) since 2000. This could be a coup for Milwaukee. (Second of two-part series)

How the Moderne Lost Some of its Swagger

Value engineering made it stouter, but it’s still minor miracle a building this good was created.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra considers move to Couture

The Hangout Gets Real

The Young Professionals event at City Hall triggers some discussion of race in Milwaukee.

Young Professionals Discuss Sustainable Milwaukee

Second annual Young Professional Week features a panel discussion at City Hall on April 15th moderated by Urban Milwaukee.

New Front Door for Lakefront

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

Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address

Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building

County Threatened With Lakefront Lawsuit

County committee okays negotiations with The Couture developer, despite a casual threat of lawsuit.

The Couture Press Conference

Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront

A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.

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.

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.

Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More

Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.