Installation of Hoan Bridge East Side Lights Begins, Bringing Full Illumination to Milwaukee’s Iconic Bridge by July 2025
MILWAUKEE, WI – On 414 Day, Milwaukee’s own citywide celebration, Light the Hoan is excited to announce that the installation of the east side, harbor-facing lights on the Hoan Bridge will officially begin this month. With the project slated for completion by June 2025, this milestone will fully illuminate the bridge, enhancing Milwaukee’s skyline and lakefront for generations to come. Lighting the east side will extend the joy and visibility of this now-iconic landmark to even more people across the city. It will captivate new audiences, including visitors to Discovery World and lakefront destinations like Henry Maier Festival Park, Lakeshore State Park, Veterans Park, and the South Shore Beer Garden. Boaters in Milwaukee’s harbor and passengers on incoming cruise ships will also be welcomed by the bridge’s brilliant display.
“We’ve seen incredible momentum from the community, and we’re excited to bring the east side of the Hoan Bridge to life,” said Erika Smith, Executive Director of Light the Hoan. “Every donation and partnership has played a role in making this moment possible, and we’re optimistic about what’s ahead for both Light the Hoan and the entire Milwaukee community.”
“The Hoan Bridge is more than a piece of infrastructure – it’s Milwaukee’s bridge,” Smith continued. “Over the past five years, it has become a symbol of our city’s resilience, progress, and creativity. This next phase of lighting is something we can all celebrate — as it will now be visible from Milwaukee’s south lakefront and even to those flying into the city.”
The east side lighting is more than just a visual enhancement – it’s about impact. The Hoan Bridge has become a symbol of light, and this expansion will allow Light the Hoan to engage even more people, create new opportunities for interactive programming, and continue using the bridge to highlight Milwaukee’s brightest stories.
“Our goal is to complete the project by June so that Milwaukee can enjoy a fully illuminated Hoan Bridge just in time for the city’s vibrant summer season filled with festivals, gatherings, and lakefront events,” Smith added. “We know how much this means to the city, and we’re working hard to make it a reality.”
Businesses and organizations can still be part of this iconic landmark achievement through sponsorship opportunities, including the first lighting celebration. Individuals can contribute by donating or dedicating a bulb, a lasting way to commemorate this historic moment and be part of Milwaukee’s shining future.
The official east side lighting ceremony date is still to be announced, but one thing is certain: Milwaukee’s skyline is about to shine brighter than ever.
For more information on how to support or sponsor the project, visit LightTheHoan.com.
ABOUT LIGHT THE HOAN:
Light the Hoan is an official non-profit 501c3 organization, and was a community-driven initiative dedicated to illuminating Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge. Every bulb represents a story, a tribute, or a celebration, bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations to create a shared vision of light and connection. Bridge lights have been shining nightly since October 2020.
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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