Removing Downtown Section of I-794 Would Generate Billions in Disposable Income, Hundreds of Millions in Taxes, Add 3,000+ Housing Units and Improve Long-Term Outlook of Region, New Report Shows

Milwaukee (Nov. 21, 2024) – Rethink 794, in collaboration with renowned urban planner Larry Witzling, released new estimates Thursday showing that removal of the of I-794 section through Downtown has the potential over 30 years to generate $475 million in property taxes, $3 billion in downtown disposable income, $60 million in city sales tax and the creation of 3,000+ new housing units.

Witzling’s analysis emphasizes “development capacity” over the next three decades, showing how blocks can be filled out with new developments and additional parking structures. Many parcels further west may also become available for growth, further enhancing the city’s potential.

Replacing I-794 with a boulevard promotes safer traffic speeds and improves pedestrian safety, creating a more walkable and bike-friendly environment. The introduction of a multi-modal system will better integrate various transportation options, enhancing connectivity between Downtown Milwaukee, the Third Ward and surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the initiative tackles parking concerns by expanding the parking supply through new structures and implementing smart parking management solutions.

“How can we imagine a long-term future for the I-794 section between the Hoan Bridge and 6th Street?” asks Witzling, an urban planner in Milwaukee for 50 years and a professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. “Not only can we avoid spending $300 million in taxpayer dollars rebuilding this small section of I-794, we can enable development there, generating 3,000 housing units and billions in local spending that adds state tax dollars.”

Witzling estimates that the land can conservatively accommodate 3,000 new residential units along with amenities, public places and other attractions that will increase Milwaukee’s reputation as a next-generation, destination city. He bases his estimate on decades of slow-growth changes in downtown, including along the Park East corridor – a plan which he contributed to 20 years ago.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) study area includes 10 blocks of potential developments for housing, retail, offices, hospitality and public spaces. The Rethink 794 study suggests this land can easily accommodate 10 fully developed blocks, each with a capacity of 300 units including parking.

Moderate changes in infrastructure will be needed according to Witzling. “The area already includes a great infrastructure framework with a strong street grid,” he said. “Even with Clybourn Boulevard widened to four lanes, there would be plenty of room for housing and expanded public places to support existing and new uses. As with the Park East Freeway removal in 2002-2003, development would likely see some ebb and flow as local stakeholders and new investors engage the opportunities.”

“The key is to develop multiple options and a strong management process to ensure equity and broad stakeholder involvement over 30 years,” Witzling said. Stakeholders should come together to build a strategic development plan around common interests in the corridor, he said.

The Rethink 794 study assumes building types, rents and prices will be mixed and would include the city’s initiative for 20% affordable housing to expand choice and access to the great amenities this area offers.

“Of course, this is a conversation about transportation, but I think that’s only half the question — the other half is about land use and what we want to become as a city and region,” said Taylor Korslin, a volunteer with the Rethink 794 initiative.

“Building thousands of housing units on this land would help achieve Mayor Johnson’s goal of growing more residents in Milwaukee,” said Carl Glasemeyer, transportation policy director of 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin. “The additional tax revenues that new residents and businesses generate will help fund improvements across Milwaukee.”

The analysis is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/16kU_MgxQ_PINXPf1VaUNprMVLpIdRM-_/view?usp=sharing.

Rethink 794 is a community-driven initiative composed of local advocates, volunteer professionals, and environmental and transportation advocacy groups. Rethink 794 advocates for the removal of the East-West portion of I-794 and better use of the land underneath to connect communities, provide housing, economic opportunity, and public space. Rethink 794 is calling for a more responsible approach to the I-794 corridor, which would require repairs costing nearly $300 million tax dollars if the stub end is not removed. The campaign is focused on winning approval of Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s “Freeway Removal: Concept 2” as its preferred alternative. Learn more about Rethink 794 at the project’s website, rethink794.com.

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.