City of South Milwaukee receives $250,000 state grant to support revitalization of downtown building
WEDC investment to help fund renovation of Bucyrus Club
MADISON, WI. JAN. 19, 2021 – The City of South Milwaukee is receiving a $250,000 state grant to help renovate a historic property in downtown South Milwaukee.
The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support renovations to the Bucyrus Club banquet and meeting center and museum, more than 100 years after the first Bucyrus Club opened in the building.
“This is a transformational project for our downtown and city,” said South Milwaukee Mayor Erik Brooks. “I can’t thank the WEDC enough for their support. These funds will go a long way toward making this game-changing project a reality, and ensuring future generations know the heritage of Bucyrus in South Milwaukee through the Bucyrus Club.”
The city is partnering with South Milwaukee Industrial Museum LLC, Skyline Catering, and the Bucyrus Foundation on this project, which is estimated to be completed in June 2021. The city purchased the property in February 2020 after it sat vacant for more than five years with water damage.
Once renovated, Skyline Catering aims to bring a variety of events to the building, including small community group events, wedding receptions, large corporate events and public events. The building will also be home to the South Milwaukee Industrial Museum, which plans to feature rare artifacts, models, images, and other items from the collection formerly located on the Bucyrus campus. Bucyrus, a mining equipment manufacturer most famous for building the shovels that dug the Panama Canal, called South Milwaukee home for more than 100 years and employed thousands of people at its facility before Caterpillar acquired the company in 2011.
The owner of Skyline Catering is estimating 20-25 new hires for Skyline’s staff once the building is renovated. The volunteer-led South Milwaukee Industrial Museum plans to work closely with Skyline Catering to make the facility a unique regional destination.
WEDC’s Community Development Investment Grant Program supports community development and redevelopment efforts, primarily in downtown areas. The matching grants are awarded based on the ability of applicants to demonstrate the economic impact of the proposed project, including public and private partnership development, financial need, and use of sustainable downtown development practices.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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