King Library to close May 6 as new mixed-use development begins

The current Martin Luther King Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library will close tomorrow – Saturday, May 6 as construction of the mixed-use development that will include the new King Library is set to begin. The project is being built in partnership with General Capital Group and Emem Group at the site of the current branch and adjacent land. It is anticipated the new branch will open by October 2024.

A farewell celebration will be held on May 6 from noon – 4 p.m. at the current King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., and feature an all-ages story time, music, refreshments and craft projects.

A temporary library will open on Monday, May 22 in the King Commons building located at 2767 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. The temporary space will include a collection of popular materials, a book drop, laptop computers and Wi-Fi.

6^th District Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is thrilled that construction on the new facility is right around the corner. “The mixed-use library model has proven successful in other areas of Milwaukee, and I cannot wait until this new development that will include the new King Library is ready to open this fall,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “Libraries are vital for communities to thrive, and soon area residents will have access to a one-of-a-kind public space

The $38.8 million development package includes a four-story, 42-unit building with an 18,000-square-foot library and retail space on the first floor, and a four-story, 43-unit apartment building at the block’s northern end. It also includes adaptive reuse of an existing church and retail building into eight live-work units.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.