Supervisors Announce Support for Couture Project

Supervisors David Bowen, Khalif Rainey and Martin Weddle announced their support for the $122 million downtown Couture project, saying the 44-story development will lead to economic development and jobs for minorities and the entire community.

“This will not only move downtown Milwaukee forward, but more important it will create jobs for the community,” said Bowen, vice chairman of the Economic and Community Development Committee. “This project will also add the tax base and economic development in our downtown. I’m excited that this project will have a great impact on the entire community.”

Rainey, a member of the committee, said it is important that the project creates jobs, and he said the project would “re-define” Milwaukee’s skyline as one of the largest downtown developments in decades. He added that the current Downtown Transit Center, site of the proposal, is under-utilized and could be put to better use.

“Two thousand family-supporting careers will be created through this project,” Rainey said. “This project stands to re-define and redevelop Milwaukee’s skyline and future. Furthermore, it will be a significant addition to the tax base. Supporting this project was easy for me because I believe in a strong and vibrant downtown, one that is a destination not only for the community, but for those visiting our community.”

Weddle, a member of the committee who represents the district in which the proposed site is located, said he was especially encouraged that the developer has committed to 25 percent for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

“It’s important to me that the entire community benefits from this massive project,” said Weddle. “The commitment to DBEs helps guarantee that minorities and small businesses will get a piece of the business for the project. This project can only mean good things for the City of Milwaukee – the entire community, not just the downtown.

“Over the past several months the residents of my district have expressed time and time again that they want to see a growing downtown, one that offers good jobs and good destinations. The Couture has my support, and I’m excited for the entire community.”

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