Rick Barrett, president of Barrett Lo Visionary Development.
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Content referencing Rick Barrett
The Couture Names First Retail Tenant
Chicago-based bar and restaurant slated for lake-facing, second-floor space.
Jun 6th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Slow Going for New Luxury High-Rises
Couture and 333 Water attracting renters more slowly than past towers. Is local market getting saturated?
Sep 2nd, 2024 by Nick Rommel
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.
Apr 11th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Mar 3rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Shows Off First Apartments
193 apartments will soon be available promising stunning views, 'incredible location.'
Jan 24th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Rolling Through Rising Couture
Lakefront tower now stands 15 stories tall, while streetcar connection is built out in base.
Jun 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
See Inside The Couture’s Rise
Floors being poured on 5th level, while building core reaches 11th floor, 25% of final height.
Mar 9th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Apartment Building Relies On Emerging Building Technology
Taxco Apartments constructed in part with insulated concrete form structure.
Mar 18th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Congress Extends Streetcar Grant
Extended deadline for spending grant allows city to finish streetcar line through delayed Couture tower.
Mar 16th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Starts Massive Concrete Pour
78 truckloads of concrete for building's base. Developer exploring direct link to US Bank complex.
Mar 16th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney
Acting Mayor reverses position and now supports ending the fight.
Mar 2nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision
But City Attorney and Acting Mayor object. Legality of requiring $100,000 donation at issue.
Feb 22nd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes
Which officials? What are the charges? Who is investigating? City Attorney won't say.
Feb 21st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Completion Delayed Until End of 2023
But tower crane installed and pile driving progressing.
Feb 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay
City officials admit project is behind schedule.
Feb 1st, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Is Making Noise Downtown
Construction of 44-story apartment tower involves driving 192 large piles.
Nov 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking
Nine years after building was first proposed. 'Like making sausage. It's not pretty.'
Jun 16th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Construction Starts on The Couture
Developer Rick Barrett is excited, greeting first construction equipment arriving on site.
May 11th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Construction Begins May 5th
After years of delays, financing secured for complicated project to build 44-story lakefront tower.
May 3rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves New Deal for The Couture
After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.
Mar 19th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Attorney Blocking The Couture
Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.
Mar 17th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Lakefront Streetcar Extension Scheduled for June 2022 Opening
Plus: A rundown of the week's real estate news.
Dec 6th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Couture to Start Construction in January
Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.
Nov 23rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Developer Applies For Federal Loan Guarantee
Barrett Lo claims it has raised necessary funding to access critical guarantee.
Sep 5th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Developer Secures Financing
No construction date announced, but private financing commitment marks major milestone.
Jun 26th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Is A Couture Deal Finally Coming?
City officials say it is, while Ald. Bauman pushes city to separate streetcar from project.
May 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
See The Canstruction of Local Landmarks
Plus: Associated gives Milwaukee Center new name & upgrades, mass timber building tops off.
Dec 15th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Still No Deal For The Couture. Yet
Sorry, Mark Belling, deal still isn't quite done, says developer.
Dec 11th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Supervisors Question Couture Project
Staskunas says county should consider other options, doubts 44-story tower will happen.
Sep 11th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
The Couture Getting New Signage
Plus: Walker's Point brewery may become climbing gym, funding for Soldiers Home project.
Aug 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Changes Financing Plan
Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020
City hopes to maintain free rides to keep up ridership but this could leave funding gap.
Jun 26th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar
Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.
Jun 5th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Gets Financing Extension
Construction starts on Adams Garden Park, wellness center for King Drive.
May 27th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Schlitz Park, River House Sold to Out-of-State Investors
Plus: Masonic Hotel construction planned for 2019.
Dec 23rd, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
County Committee Mollified on Couture
Delay on 44-floor lakefront tower had been issue, but key supervisors now happy.
Dec 4th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Affordable Housing for Walker’s Point
Ohio-based developer eyeing Milwaukee project.
Nov 11th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Big Week of Real Estate News
The Couture, Michels and streetcar headline a busy week.
Nov 4th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
The Couture Cleared for Takeoff
Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.
Nov 2nd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Couture Still in Limbo
Plus: Plans to convert two schools to apartments advance, more affordable housing in Walker's Point
Oct 21st, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
An East Side High Rise in 2019?
Mandel announces plans to break ground on Prospect Ave. tower
Sep 23rd, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
The Expanding Empire of Josh Jeffers
And why the curious contractor switcheroo for The Couture?
Apr 1st, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Couture Could Break Ground This Summer
Barrett Lo company reaffirms Findorff as general contractor.
Mar 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Your Favorite Stories of 2017
Huge tax benefits for Foxconn, Diane Hendricks, and state senators led the way.
Jan 2nd, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Couture Seeks Commercial Tenants
44-story apartment tower will have 40,000 square left for a grocer, restaurants, medical office.
Dec 4th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Okays Couture Sewer Subsidy
But this won't be a precedent for future deals, a city official says.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Couture’s Surprise Sewer Being Moved
Previously unknown sewer will cost city $2 million to move
May 23rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves The Couture
December groundbreaking likely; Barrett says second tower could be built.
Apr 18th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
City Plan Members Love Couture
Commissioners laud the project, but possible second tower raises concerns.
Mar 13th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Second Lakefront Tower Coming?
Barrett-Lo has made plans for second tower next to The Couture.
Mar 3rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Goodbye Downtown Transit Center
Bus barn is coming down for 44-floor, lakefront high rise, The Couture.
Dec 30th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
$1 Million In Donations to City Politicians
Our Political Contributions Tracker hits $1 million, reveals who’s giving and getting cash.
Nov 29th, 2016 by Urban Milwaukee
5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016
A big year for the developer and proof the city's development momentum hasn't slowed.
Jan 7th, 2016 by Dave Reid
The Design Competition That Wasn’t
Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?
Nov 23rd, 2015 by Tom Bamberger
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.
Nov 17th, 2015 by Michael Horne
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.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Boom in Walker’s Point
A new project on South Water St. continues the pace of development.
Apr 6th, 2015 by Dave Reid
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.
Mar 30th, 2015 by Dave Reid
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.
Mar 24th, 2015 by John Lunz
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?
Mar 2nd, 2015 by Dave Reid
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.
Feb 13th, 2015 by Michael Horne
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.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
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."
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Next Stops For The Streetcar
The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
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.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Oct 7th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
From The Moderne
Its signature penthouse, known as “THIRTY 01,” may offer the best view of the city.
Oct 2nd, 2014 by Brian Jacobson
Chicago Firm Unveils Designs for 35-Story Tower
New skyscraper would contain up to 275 apartments in downtown Milwaukee.
Sep 21st, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Unbearable Loudness of Harley Hogs
Why are they allowed to violate noise ordinances? No one seems to know.
Sep 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground
"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.
Aug 26th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jun 19th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jan 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
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
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)
Aug 27th, 2013 by David Holmes
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.
Jun 17th, 2013 by Tom Bamberger
The Hangout Gets Real
The Young Professionals event at City Hall triggers some discussion of race in Milwaukee.
Apr 18th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Young Professionals Discuss Sustainable Milwaukee
Second annual Young Professional Week features a panel discussion at City Hall on April 15th moderated by Urban Milwaukee.
Apr 9th, 2013 by Dave Reid
New Front Door for Lakefront
Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.
Mar 11th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
County Threatened With Lakefront Lawsuit
County committee okays negotiations with The Couture developer, despite a casual threat of lawsuit.
Jul 24th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The Couture Press Conference
Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.
Jul 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jul 12th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront
A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.
Jul 11th, 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
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
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.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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
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 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 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
