Well thats pretty sweet. Its always fun to see high-riseish type developments in the burbs as well as the city. It definitely helps expand the area, and pending a rendering, could look really nice in with the rest of the pseudo-skyline with the mayfair towers and the med college of wisc.

Indeed.

I think the suburbs will be increasing their building height limits.

Thanks to recent efforts in Franklin, the City increased their limits as well. We originally had a 2-story MAX for buildings - NML was a special exception obviously (27th St corridor).

Now we're looking at 3-stories being open with any additional stories strongly considered, especially for 27th Street.

If things go right, 27th Street near I-94 could be bigger and better than the Mayfair District.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/villagecrossingsite.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/villagecrossingstreetscape.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/legendcreek1.jpg

According to my source within the City of Franklin, the developer for the Shoppes at Legend Creek has run into problems with wetland fills at the WDNR level.

From the Business Journal:


Friday, December 14, 2007
Milwaukee Wave to develop soccer academy at Iceport site


The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by David Schuyler (http://www.bizjournals.com/search/results.html?Ntt=%22David%20Schuyler%22&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode matchallpartial)

The Milwaukee Wave (http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/related_content.html?topic=Milwaukee%20Wave) is joining with Continental Properties Co. (http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/related_content.html?topic=Continental%20Properties%20Co) Inc. to establish a soccer training academy on part of the abandoned Iceport site in Cudahy under a proposal to be presented to the city's Community Development Authority Dec. 18.

The proposed plan could also include development of a hotel and retail shops at the 26-acre site to be called Cudahy Station. The development would continue to be anchored by a previously proposed Wal-Mart store, site developer Continental Properties of Menomonee Falls said Friday. Wal-Mart has proposed building a Wal-Mart Supercenter at the site.

Under revised plans, the Major Indoor Soccer League team Milwaukee Wave would join with Continental Properties to develop about four acres of the property into the Milwaukee Wave Premier Training Academy. The academy would feature 60,000 square feet of training space for both indoor soccer and futsal, a five-on-five game that's popular overseas, said Mike Lafferty, chief operating officer for the Milwaukee Wave.

Lafferty estimated that the facility could provide training for 250 to 500 players a day, with the center led by Wave coach Keith Tozer, who would serve as academy director, and the Wave's all-time leading scorer Michael King, who would manage the training programs. The center would provide professional quality training to children and adults.

"We're going to train the kids the way the Wave is trained," he said.
The regional center could serve the estimated 100,000 soccer players who live within 100 miles of Cudahy, Lafferty said.

The center would not be used for league soccer play, and therefore would not compete with two existing soccer league venues in the Milwaukee area, he said.

The academy would be constructed along South Nicholson Avenue at the corner of East Whitnall Avenue, where the skeletal beams erected as part of the failed Iceport project now stand. The Wal-Mart would be built east of the soccer academy.

Other elements of the revised development plan for the Iceport site include a possible hotel and retail developments north of the academy and Wal-Mart. Potential development partners for those projects were not named in a press release from Continental Properties. Potential development costs were also not disclosed.

"We are still working on proposed projects and budgets," said Steve Wagner, senior vice president of the retail group of Continental Properties, in a phone interview.

Continental Properties will present the plan to the Community Development Board of the city of Cudahy on Dec. 18.

If approved, the training academy is expected to be completed by 2009.
"We are excited to develop a 'destination' that has long been a part of Cudahy's long-range planning," Wagner said in a statement. "The Milwaukee Wave will be an excellent partner to complete the development plan of Cudahy Station."

Continental Properties is a developer of commercial, retail and hotel properties. The company acquired the property earlier this year from Sportsites LLC (http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/related_content.html?topic=Sportsites%20LLC), which wanted to develop the Powerade Iceport, a regional ice hockey center with four professional-size ice hockey rinks and one Olympic-size rink. The $35 million project failed when financing fell through after construction began in May 2003.

i'm excited for the walmart

I have a couple of questions regarding Milwaukee's burbs.

Could you explain the history in brief. I know the northern lakefront is pretty upscale but really don;t know about the suburbs to the NW, W, SW, or S.

Is the metro growing more in one direction? And what's your prediction for the future direction of growth?

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/villagecrossingstreetscape.jpg

A vision to behold.
Stunning.
Unique.
A++
:okay:

I have a couple of questions regarding Milwaukee's burbs.

Could you explain the history in brief. I know the northern lakefront is pretty upscale but really don;t know about the suburbs to the NW, W, SW, or S.

Is the metro growing more in one direction? And what's your prediction for the future direction of growth?

On the whole, Milwaukee has a similiar slant as Chicago with its W-NW growth. All sides of the metro have seen strong growth as of late, but the western and NW areas have been seeing the farthest reach from the CBD.

I don't have time right now to answer the rest of your question but I'm sure others would be willing.

I have a couple of questions regarding Milwaukee's burbs.

Could you explain the history in brief. I know the northern lakefront is pretty upscale but really don't know about the suburbs to the NW, W, SW, or S.

Is the metro growing more in one direction? And what's your prediction for the future direction of growth?

You are correct about the North Shore suburbs being more upscale. They would include Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point and Bayside -- in ascending order of "upscale-ness." These communities are bordered by the Milwaukee River to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. Some of the area's largest and finest first mansions can be found along Lake Drive through these communities.

Wisconsin's wealthiest zip code, however, belongs to a community west of I-43 and Bayside and Fox Point: River Hills. This well-healed village is pretty well tucked away and has just a few thousand residents, and its reclusive occupants want to keep it that way. Besides, it is essentially a land-locked area with each property assuming considerable space.

The above five communities all represent the most upscale areas of Milwaukee County. The next wealthiest areas are found at the opposite end of the county to the southwest, namely Franklin, Greendale and Hales Corners. All three areas have boundaries adjacent to sprawling Whitnall Park, the crown jewel of the Milwaukee County Park System.

Wauwatosa, immediately west of the city of Milwaukee, was originally a quite well-to-do suburb, but the eastern half has become very transitional in the past 15-20 years. The western part of "Tosa" is still home to a good number of more expensive homes. After (western) Wauwatosa, the next area within Milwaukee County experiencing positive growth and land values is Oak Creek in the southeastern part of the county. Because of the amount of available land, Franklin and Oak Creek are the fastest (and only?) growing suburbs within Milwaukee County.

Greenfield, in the mid-southern part of the county, is a transitional 'burb between West Allis and Greendale. With some nicer areas to the west, it is largely home to middle class residences. Similarily, Glendale -- immediately north of Milwaukee and west of I-43 -- was once considered a more affluent area, but has experienced transition over the past 20+ years. But there are still nice areas in this community along the Milwaukee River.

West Allis, west of Milwaukee and south of Wauwatosa, is the epitome of a blue collar, middle class suburb -- as is the Village of West Milwaukee just to the east of West Allis. St. Francis, Cudahy and South Milwaukee are three suburbs immediately south of Milwaukee along Lake Michigan with similar middle class features.

And finally, just north and west of Glendale is Brown Deer, an area undergoing transition but once considered a distant suburb to Milwaukee. Despite its geographic proximity as an adjacent neighbor to wealthy River Hills, Brown Deer is, without question, on the other end of the spectrum.

Immediately outside of Milwaukee County, the wealthiest areas of new develoment are:
1. The Lake Country area of Waukesha County which includes Delafield, Hartland, Merton, Chenequa, Okauchee, Pewaukee, etc.
2. The Holy Hill area of Washington County, including Richfield, Erin, Hubertus, Slinger, etc.
3. Southern Ozaukee County communities of Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg and Grafton
4. Eastern Waukesha County including Brookfield, New Berlin, Muskego and Waukesha

Other areas of wealth include southwestern Waukesha County communities of Wales, Genessee, North Prairie and Eagle. Finally, although new growth is virtually impossible because it is land-locked, the village of Elm Grove -- immediately west of Milwaukee County and east of Brookfield in extreme eastern Waukesha County (in fact, many people think it's part of Milwaukee County) is still home to some of the largest homes in the Greater Milwaukee Area. Historically, "The Grove" was forever regarded as the most affluent suburb -- after River Hills, of course. Even with the proliferation of wealth moving into the four areas listed above, Elm Grove is still an extemely prestigious zip code to call home.

In summary, with the exception of significant growth in Franklin and Oak Creek (and downtown Milwaukee, miraculously), Milwaukee County is losing population -- and money -- as people move further and further out...primarily to the four aforementioned areas.

Hope that helps.

Two questions:

1. Anyone know what's being built at 124th and Layton? Really cool architecture with giant wavy wooden beams.

2. Anyone know what's going into the old Seigo's location on Capitol?

Thanks Sky, very informative.

To further continue on the King's extremely well-done overview...

St. Francis is currently seeing an upswing in upscale development. Mandel is planning to eliminate a former WE Energies power facility and replace it with a small food store, offices, retail, and restaurants (Lakeside Market Place I believe it's called). This is right across from new developments along Lake Michigan that are attracting wealth to the small community. Also it should be known that St. Francis will see extreme transition when the Catholic Church begins selling off its land in St. Francis (which has roughly 1/3 of the land there) for development.

Cudahy is also seeing some rebirth around the meat packing plant, thanks to the hopes of the KRM. The Shops at Cudahy Station, where Wal-Mart WANTS to build (Cudahy is opposed to this, exit) is more importantly the new site for the Milwaukee Wave training area.

Franklin is moving ever forward in becoming the wealthiest suburb of the southern metro. Currently, it's "tony" subdivision, Whispering Woods, has been approved and there are buyers for the homes starting at $1 million and reaching as high as $4 million. Franklin is leaning towards being an estate suburb, like Brookfield. However, its leadership is hell-bent on building strip malls - which is something the people are opposed to.

Muskego in SE Waukesha County (bordering Franklin), is also seeing an upswing in upscale development due to its two massive lakes - Little and Big Muskego Lake - dominating the suburb.

To answer Neubrew, I believe 124th & Layton will be a gas station - a very unique one at that. I'm hoping that intersection will see more business come to it. The homes between Layton and I-43 need to go, and there's a huge parcel of land on the SW corner of Layton & 124th that could be a nice place for an office building.

From BrookfieldNOW:


Two buildings proposed, backed for Brookfield Square

Furniture store to relocate at mall

By Alan Hamari
Staff Writer

Posted: Dec. 12, 2007

Brookfield Square patrons could have a few0 more choices among restaurants and retail outlets under two new development plans backed by the city's Plan Commission this week.

The commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of the plan and method of operation for Stir Crazy, a Chicago-based Asian restaurant, and Ethan Allen, which will move its furniture store from its current site on Capitol Drive to the busy shopping center at Bluemound and Moorland roads.

Stir Crazy, an 8,300-square-foot restaurant featuring two outdoor patios, would be built between two other new additions to Brookfield Square - Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and The Fresh Market. It takes the place of Abuelo's, a Mexican restaurant that withdrew plans to build at the site.

Ethan Allen plans to close its 14,800-square-foot store at 14750 W. Capitol Drive before its lease expires in two years and move to a new 19,800-square-foot store south of Fleming's along Moorland Road. The Plan Commission in April 2005 originally approved the site for Organized Living, which has since gone bankrupt.

The plans now move to the Common Council for approval.

Plan Commissioners enthusiastically backed both proposals. Fifth District Alderman Gary Mahkorn said Stir Crazy, which has 13 restaurants across the Midwest, East Coast and South, would bring a "tasteful, unique perspective" to the area with its creative architecture.

Mayor Jeff Speaker praised plans for the new Ethan Allen store, saying it would add another architectural element to the important Bluemound/Moorland intersection.

"I like the way the building looks," he said. "I think it's going to be a nice addition to that corner."

Commissioner Paul Wartman thanked Ethan Allen for staying in Brookfield and said he hopes the city finds a suitable replacement for the store on Capitol Drive.

In a letter to the city, Michael Manes of Ethan Allen said the owner of the Capitol Drive site has already had some parties express interest in the site.

From MequonNOW (http://www.mequonnow.com/story/index.aspx?id=698207):


TIF district eyed for Town Center

Special financing would cover improvements

By Mary Buckley
Staff Writer

Posted: Dec. 19, 2007

A tax-incremental financing district that would help develop the city's Town Center appears to be economically feasible.

A project plan for the district, presented by Ehlers & Associates to the Mequon Common Council last week, predicts the district would generate sufficient tax increments to pay off debt and close five years earlier than the 20 years allowed.

The city and the village of Thiensville want to create a pedestrian-friendly development where people will live, work and meet for recreation.

The TIF district would include the areas north and south of Mequon Road from the Milwaukee River to Wauwatosa Road, extending along Cedarburg Road to include the civic campus to the north and about a block south of Mequon Road. The district would also include a tract of land along Industrial Drive and Buntrock Avenue, south of Mequon Road.

Tax-incremental financing, or TIF, is a mechanism which allows municipalities to borrow money to fund infrastructure improvements for an area that otherwise would be difficult to develop or redevelop. The increased property tax revenue from the improved land is then diverted from the tax roll to pay off the loan.

Public infrastructure improvements can include water mains, lights, streetscaping and, in some cases, relocation costs for existing businesses in the district.

City officials are also talking about burying overhead power lines in the area, with the exception of the American Transmission Co. transmission lines along the Interurban Trail. The estimated cost is $2.2 million along Mequon Road and $226,000 on Cedarburg Road.

Jim Mann of Ehlers said a TIF district would spur development.

"The TIF (district) would likely cause faster redevelopment in a shorter time frame," Mann said.

Alderwoman Pam Adams said she believes the long wait while the city and village discussed the Town Center proposal has created a pent-up demand for the area.

"I think we have created a competitive atmosphere," Adams said.

Alderman Dan Abendroth said the rezoning of the Town Center area has created interest, citing the proposed Mequon Brewery as an example.

Alderman John Wirth, who is on the Planning Commission, disagreed.

"The brewery developer made it clear he expects us to be doing some of these things," Wirth said.

After much discussion, council members agreed burying wires should be considered. They also asked for projected costs for services that would be necessary for new businesses and more information on the TIF boundaries - what properties should and should not be included.

The council will meet in January to consider other potential ways to fund Town Center improvements.

In February, the panel plans to decide on the public improvements for the Town Center and how they will be financed.

Skyking's roundup was pretty good. Although I'll also add that there is also growth on the far northwest side of Milwaukee with middle and upper middle class homes being built within the last 5(?) years or so and continuing...

Plus Brown Deer's last few remaining areas to be built up have or will be developed soon. Many people see that Brown Deer is one of the most diverse suburbs in the Milwaukee area and they buy/build there because of it. It's also great for first time home owners because while it's hard to find homes as inexpensive as you can in some other suburbs, like West Allis for example, it still has many reasonably priced houses.

From this week's Business Journal (http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2007/12/24/editorial2.html):


Wave plan needs approval


The Business Journal of Milwaukee

Something good may finally happen at the abandoned Powerade Iceport site in Cudahy.

As The Business Journal reported Dec. 14 on its Web site, the Milwaukee Wave is joining with Continental Properties Co. Inc. to establish a soccer training academy on part of the site.

The academy would be built along South Nicholson Avenue at the corner of East Whitnall Avenue, where the skeletal beams erected as part of the failed Iceport project stand.

The site had been proposed for the Iceport, a regional ice hockey center with four professional-size ice hockey rinks and one Olympic-size rink. The controversial $35 million project failed when financing fell through after construction began in May 2003.

The project would be paid for out of an existing tax incremental financing district. That move makes sense and should be approved by Cudahy aldermen because it will help attract additional tax-paying tenants to the development because of the traffic it will create.

I don't have time to post a link right now, but there have been some pretty significant developments on the exurban sprawl front out of Oconomowoc the past few days. (Pabst Farms)

Yes there has. The developer came out with a report on how/what the Pabst Farms Town Centre will be designed and look like.

Here are some images...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/PFTCreport2.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/PFTCreport3.jpg

I noted on my blog about the first image...

The photo below - horrendous. I think everybody knows where I stand on this: Alternative parking options! Imagine all the potential retail/office/mixed use space that could be added to this project if some of the parking lot went above or below the ground in some spots. While I see the pedestrian amenities for the main portion of the open air mall, the big boxes outlining the project are seperated by massive asphalt parking lots, with what seems to be absolutely NO trees or pedestrian links. I also notice that they're not really using the water features present to their advantage. The only spot that looks great is the restaurants surrounding the man-made pond in the middle.

And of the broader image...

Here's a larger view of the development, which shows two new items: The Aurora hospital to the south (complete layout) and the unfortunate "free space" for more big boxes to the east of this development. Talk about downgrading if that's the case. Hopefully there would be residential options present. I also can't help but ask the question: Why can't the hospital complex and the Town Centre be connected through various walkways across I-94? See, that's what happens when you rely on massive asphalt parking lots to do all the work when it comes to parking; no ingenuity comes out of it.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but it makes Franklin's "Crossroads" plans not too hideous...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/Crossroads2.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/Crossroads3.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/Crossroads6.jpg

After looking at the new Pabst Farms plans, it fits the description of a town center that Pabst Farm was looking for (not including big box area) compared to GGP's enclosed mall.

I have to agree that there is too much parking between the box strip and the mall itself. I would have liked to see more cohesiveness in the design and more walkability.

Now the interesting part is whats going to happen with this plan. In Friday's Metro in the JS, a battle seems to be heating up between Oconomowoc and DDR over the placement of the box stores. Oconomowoc doesn't want the stores there since 67 is there "gateway" and they don't want people to see the backside. DDR responded in "You don't know what you're talking about, we do." in the sense that retailers want that location on the corner and that they (DDR) have the work experience to know that retailers go in the corner of developments. And now, if they don't move the box stores, Oconomowoc may not pass the plans as is. So who knows how long this plan may stick.

On another thought, I wonder what type of department stores they are going to attract. I researched DDR and not one of their properties have anything of Von Maur, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales. I have a feeling that it will be JCPenney and Macy's as the 2 main department at the mall portion. I say them because they are some of the few department stores that are building new stores, the more upscale ones, not so much and that DDR has no contracts or history of working with the higher end department stores. Of course, this one project could always be a first, so who knows.

benscrape: I agree with you in asking questions on just what stores exactly will be lured to this development. It's promised as an upscale mall, but I've heard that all before.

Here's my thoughts on the big buildings.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/PFTCreport2.jpg

For the three anchor stores connected directly to the open air mall, I'd say...

Boston Store (God forbid one mall in Wisconsin wouldn't have one)
Macy's
Bloomingdale'sFor the outlying stores (along the offramp/Hwy 67), I predict something like this...

Kohl's
The Container Store
Best Buy
Circuit City
IKEA (largest store parcel present)
Pier One Imports
David's Bridal
Gander Mountain
Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Linens N Thingsetc, etc, etc...

Now, my dream stores would go in this fashion:

Main three anchors:

Bloomingdale's
Von Maur
NordstromThe outlying stores would be:

IKEA
Macy's
Boston Store
The Container Store
Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Best Buy
The Sports Authority
Linens N Things
Pier One Imports
Barnes & Nobleetc, etc, etc...

PFTC has room for up to 15 restaurants. I predict these dining choices will locate there:

Cheesecake Factory (pond location)
Devon Seafood Grill (pond location)
Bar Louie (pond location)
Maggianos Little Italy (pond location)
McCormick & Schmick's (pond location)
Applebees
TGI Friday's
PF Chang's
1st WI location for Bahama Breeze (potential pond location replacement for CF)
Bravo!
Bonefish Grill
Carabba's
Olive Garden
Fleming's Steakhouse
Tumbleweed

^^^very high hopes my friend. There isn't the population or the density to support anything of true quality at PF

^^^very high hopes my friend. There isn't the population or the density to support anything of true quality at PF

True. Unfortunately if we followed that logic this subject wouldn't even be discussed.

This developer wants to build a shopping mall at Pabst Farms, one of upscale nature. It is in Lake Country, which is booming with tons of estate subdivisions (due to the lakes).

If I was the developer of that site, those retailers and restaurants would probably be at the top of my list...especially if I wanted both family-friendly and upscale at the same time.

Let the debate begin...I think?

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/fbcrossing.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/fbcrossinginterior.jpg

From my Metro Milwaukee Development News blog:

It's about time a developer comes forward with density, style, and with a true gateway feeling in the suburbs.

Not shocking to many, Brookfield is the suburb to get this prize, on probably one of the busiest intersections in Waukesha County: Moorland and Greenfield Roads.

Read more here. (http://suburbanmilwaukee.blogspot.com/2008/01/fountain-brook-crossing-brookfield.html)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/fbcrossing.jpg

That rendering is extremely misleading. The street shown is Greenfield Avenue, except at less than half the actual width. At that intersection, at that viewing angle, there is a right turn lane, three through lanes, two left turn lanes, and then the other three through lanes for the other direction, for a total of nine lanes wide. (Actually, that's the lane configuration for each leg of this intersection.) The pedestrians shown in the rendering must be their projected total number of pedestrians per day.

I'm glad, though, that some suburbs (listen up, New Berlin!) are starting to realize they need taller and more dense, along with more pedestrians. We won't have open land for long.

^^At least they got the right cars to represent the suburb: a BMW, Mercedes Benz car, Mercedes Benz SUV, and a Spyder (I think that's a Spyder)

FYI, Kramerica: If you mentioned New Berlin because the lawsuit, you're absolutely correct. But then I hope you don't support NBCRG. Deer Creek Conference Center is supposed to be the same height, but on the kitty-corner (across from Walgreens).

^^At least they got the right cars to represent the suburb: a BMW, Mercedes Benz car, Mercedes Benz SUV, and a Spyder (I think that's a Spyder)

FYI, Kramerica: If you mentioned New Berlin because the lawsuit, you're absolutely correct. But then I hope you don't support NBCRG. Deer Creek Conference Center is supposed to be the same height, but on the kitty-corner (across from Walgreens).

I think the SUV is a BMW X5, and the coupe is a Mazda RX8. I like the rendering though, I hope they build it just like that.

FYI, Kramerica: If you mentioned New Berlin because the lawsuit, you're absolutely correct. But then I hope you don't support NBCRG. Deer Creek Conference Center is supposed to be the same height, but on the kitty-corner (across from Walgreens).

I live in New Berlin about 1.5 miles from there, in a late 1960's subdivision just off the New Berlin Trail. I haven't followed the DCCC lawsuit, mainly because New Berlin is full of idiots who don't want anything to change. I'm not really sure what the NB CRG is or what their position is. I'd have to quit my full-time job to follow all the lawsuits and the complaining. The majority see density and height and pedestrians as enemies. Those who live on the "rural" west side are the main culprits, with some enabling by the east siders. I say "rural" because it isn't really rural when you're at most two miles from a completely developed suburban or urban area, and you're surrounded on three sides by it.

I love New Berlin for the location, which is prime within the metro area. But I wish our active citizens and leaders had more of the Oak Creek approach. They are in favor of development, don't require huge five acre lots in half their city, and have sidewalks.

To be clear about my position, I hope the Fountainbrook Crossing building gets built close to as-shown. The building itself looks nice, although the rendering is unrealistic about the roads and the pedestrians. And for the Deer Creek CC, I hope that gets built as tall as possible.

Also: I don't think any of the dozen neighbors surrounding me have European cars. Those cars are for the downtowners.

From the Business Journal:


Stark Investments may build St. Francis office complex

Stark Investments (http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/related_content.html?topic=Stark%20Investments) has acquired 20 acres south of its St. Francis headquarters on South Lake Drive and plans to build two 100,000-square-foot office buildings valued at $30 million to accommodate growth at the hedge fund management firm.

Read more here. (http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2008/01/14/daily37.html?t=printable)

Is this the end of development in the suburbs?

U.S. Bowling Congress to move from Greendale to Texas
The United States Bowling Congress board of directors announced that it has given the approval to start negotiations with all parties involved to move the organization's headquarters from Greendale to Arlington, Texas.

The decision, made Sunday during the board's meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is contingent on negotiations for buildings and land near the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) complex, along with any incentives offered by the City of Arlington and State of Texas. The BPAA board also must approve the plan, and is scheduled to do so at a meeting Wednesday during the it mid-winter meetings in Myrtle Beach.

"After carefully considering the facts, including taking into account the long history of USBC and its predecessors in the Milwaukee area, the board came to the conclusion that it was in USBC's best business interests to join with BPAA in Arlington creating an international bowling campus," said USBC president Jeff Bojé.

The USBC headquarters will move to Arlington unless there is a breakdown in the negotiations relating to the property, according to the organization. The USBC is expected to move within a year. In addition to office space for approximately 235 overall employees, the new complex would include a combined equipment testing and international training center.

Is this the end of development in the suburbs?

U.S. Bowling Congress to move from Greendale to Texas
The United States Bowling Congress board of directors announced that it has given the approval to start negotiations with all parties involved to move the organization's headquarters from Greendale to Arlington, Texas.

The decision, made Sunday during the board's meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is contingent on negotiations for buildings and land near the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) complex, along with any incentives offered by the City of Arlington and State of Texas. The BPAA board also must approve the plan, and is scheduled to do so at a meeting Wednesday during the it mid-winter meetings in Myrtle Beach.

"After carefully considering the facts, including taking into account the long history of USBC and its predecessors in the Milwaukee area, the board came to the conclusion that it was in USBC's best business interests to join with BPAA in Arlington creating an international bowling campus," said USBC president Jeff Bojé.

The USBC headquarters will move to Arlington unless there is a breakdown in the negotiations relating to the property, according to the organization. The USBC is expected to move within a year. In addition to office space for approximately 235 overall employees, the new complex would include a combined equipment testing and international training center.

This is certainly a major BITE! I can't say I'm at all surprised by this, based on all we've heard recently, taxes being as big an issue as anything apparently. It also seems Milwaukee isn't cool enough for HQ like this anymore, and Texas is oh, so hip and trendy. Sounds like the USBC will become part of a larger development, and probably get the incentives they were after.

Oh well, hate to say it, but bowling is a pretty dead sport compared to the past -- especially around these parts. I say good bye USBC, good bye bowling, and don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out of town!

This is a shame, however, from a few angles:
1. The loss of another HQ (Miller is next, I'm afraid)
2. The loss/movement of jobs
3. The loss of Greendale's #2 taxable entity (after Southridge) - and that hurts that community immensely, and the county less directly.

I'm just wondering what will replace the USBC in that building? It's a wonderful structure.

I just hope some developer doesn't walk in and tear it all down for a strip mall because of Southridge across the street...

I'm just wondering what will replace the USBC in that building? It's a wonderful structure.

I just hope some developer doesn't walk in and tear it all down for a strip mall because of Southridge across the street...

I doubt you'll see that happen, as the strip mall on the SW corner of S. 76th and W. Grange Ave. is already in need of tenants. On the other hand, that building was built for the USBC, I believe, or was it orginally for the Women's Bowling Hall of Fame? Therefore, it is sort of a "wonderful structure," but it will take just the right tenant(s) to be able to use it as is. Otherwise, it may end up being reconfigured, and end up resembling little of its original self.

Bottom line, it's a big hole to fill -- sort of like the one across the street, the eastern half of the former Gimbels/Marshall Field's/Younkers anchor store at Southridge. More significant tax dollars going bye bye...OUCH!! Greendale and Milwaukee County are going to have to get really creative pretty soon.

Bottom line, it's a big hole to fill -- sort of like the one across the street, the eastern half of the former Gimbels/Marshall Field's/Younkers anchor store at Southridge. More significant tax dollars going bye bye...OUCH!! Greendale and Milwaukee County are going to have to get really creative pretty soon.

I guess Greendale is REALLY going to up the pressure on Simon to revamp Southridge into a Bayshore Town Center now...

Do they really have much of a choice? Other suburbs surrounding it are also a tad bit concerned about this as well.

I guess Greendale is REALLY going to up the pressure on Simon to revamp Southridge into a Bayshore Town Center now...

Do they really have much of a choice? Other suburbs surrounding it are also a tad bit concerned about this as well.


They'll need to open their pocketbooks. Glendale residents took a gamble and financed quite a bit of the Bayshore project.

Frankly, I think it showed some vision and courage that deserves credit.

I was actually looking at the size of the IKEA lot in Schaumburg and the USBC lot could fit an IKEA quite well.

Quad/Graphics Inc., the largest employer in West Allis, is planning a $14 million expansion to its plant on Highway 100 that could create an additional 80 jobs.

The West Allis Plan Commission on Wednesday approved the plans for the 225,000-square foot expansion, which will include a 75-foot high penthouse. Construction could start this spring.

The main portion of the addition will be used primarily for production and warehousing. The expansion will also include space for offices, mechanical support equipment and finishing and printing operations.

The penthouse, which is the equivalent of seven stories high, will overlook Highway 100. It will be used mostly as a recycling center, City Planner Kristi Johnson said. With no other seven-story buildings in the area, it may be able to be seen from miles away, city officials say.

The company also plans to add a 324-stall parking lot on the north end of the property at 555 S. 108th St.

The West Allis facility opened in 1994 with 300 employees. The plant, which is just under 1 million square feet, now employs about 900 people. It is one of five plants that Quad/Graphics, one of the nation's largest commercial printing firms and one of Wisconsin's largest employers, operates in the state.

The city and Quad/Graphics still need to finalize details about landscaping and some architectural details before construction can begin, Johnson said.

TIFs seems to be where every suburb is going in order to get great town center developments these days. So I see exactly where you're coming from.

As for QG, it's just the final headline to close a great development week for the suburbs, IMO.

1. Stark Investments expanding in St. Francis
2. Franklin's $70 million medical complex on 27th Street
3. A pharmecutical firm building a huge plant in Germantown ($30 million?)
4. QG possibly expanding in West Allis ($14 million)

Now what did exit_320 say?
Is this the end of development in the suburbs?

I think the response can easily be said: Absolutely not!

Now what did exit_320 say?

Is this the end of development in the suburbs?


Has exit_320 been sarcastic in the past?

Yes

Terrible use of sarcasm, unfortunately.

I was actually looking at the size of the IKEA lot in Schaumburg and the USBC lot could fit an IKEA quite well.

I was thinking more along the lines of Wisconsin Ave. for IKEA. :)

I hope you are kidding Ace! IKEA require massive surface parking lots something a downtown area should avoid at all costs.

IKEA is a passing fad that relied solely on yuppies and hipsters. People are starting to realize what **** their furniture is, and since it's becoming less cool to be "IKEA cheap," I don't see any reason we would want one of those monstrosities, especially downtown.

Well hey - IKEA has been rumored to want to locate anywhere BUT Downtown Milwaukee. Sorry, Ace. The Grand wasn't big enough! :lol:

Well hey - IKEA has been rumored to want to locate anywhere BUT Downtown Milwaukee. Sorry, Ace. The Grand wasn't big enough! :lol:

Yeah, big box retail generally can't pay the rents in downtowns for the large spaces they need.

Ikea thrives on cheaper suburban sites with easy freeway access, while not taking one bit away from them as a destination retailer.

Well hey, Target builds in downtown locations, Jesse.

As for IKEA, I can't think of a downtown building that could house all that square footage...

Well hey, Target builds in downtown locations, Jesse.

As for IKEA, I can't think of a downtown building that could house all that square footage...

Yes, that's why I said generally. They also only do that type of development in very specific situations. If you look at the rents that those retailers look for and what is being charged, those retailers tend to avoid downtowns.

That's not even touching the issue with parking.

It's not that it's impossible, just that its more complex. A word most businesses or investors aren't eager to hear.

As for Ikea, I don't think they are looking to re-use a building in the suburbs either.

As for Ikea, I don't think they are looking to re-use a building in the suburbs either.

As far as I know IKEA has never reused a building in the US, it would be a new build. Unless they moved into the old federal building downtown.. it already is IKEA blue

Good points made, Jesse.

As for the federal building...that's funny.

Most big box retailers can't afford to buy their own lots without taxpayer help. I am still waiting for people to realize that they are subsidizing the lowest quality of development with their taxes.

Well, it's not an IKEA, but we will now be able to buy high end imported cars!

From the Business Journal:
Luxury car buyers in metro Milwaukee will no longer have to go to Chicago to find a Maserati or an Aston Martin.

The Mancuso family, which runs Lake Forest Sportscars in Lake Bluff, Ill., plans to open a Milwaukee-area dealership in May at the former site of a Land Rover dealership in Glendale. The dealership, 5856-58 N. Green Bay Ave., will later add Ferrari to the lineup, said owner Rick Mancuso.

The dealership will sell cars for $100,000 and up. They will be stored indoors overnight for security.

Mancuso called opening a dealership here a "logical step" and said the Lake Bluff location already has customers from the Milwaukee area.

"Milwaukee has a demographic that suits our product lineup," Mancuso said.

That location just does not make much sense to me. I think there are plenty of other places that would suit a high end car dealership better.

Regardless, I think thats awesome! I can't wait to drool on the outside of their windows!

I've been wondering why this land wasnt developed yet... Woo hoo!

New Brookfield development is announced

Brookfield - An assisted living center, extended stay hotel, health club, condominiums, retail and office space, and a possible corporate headquarters were proposed today for development on prime vacant land stretching from I-94 to Blue Mound Road west of Calhoun Road.

Ajay Kuttemperoor, president of VK Development Corp., which owns the land, unveiled the company's long-awaited site plans for the more than 60 acres, fenced off along Blue Mound Road, that formerly housed a WTMJ radio transmission tower and the Ruby family farms.

Specifically, the plan calls for 78,000 square feet of retail space, 528,000 square feet of office space, a 150,000-square-foot 24-hour health club (a Madison chain, the Princeton Club), an 80-unit assisted living center, 212 condominiums units and a 128-suite extended stay hotel, likely a Marriott or Hilton.

VK Development would need a road easement from the Elmbrook School District in order to build a planned road into the new developments off Golf Parkway at the southern end of Swanson School's athletic fields.

After residents overwhelmingly shot down the company's request three years ago to buy Swanson School to add that land to the overall development and build a replacement school on a different site, the company no longer has any plans to acquire the school.

As a concession to the neighbors and local historical preservationists, the company would save the Ruby farmstead and its yellow horse barn with a cupola that is visible from I-94.

Kuttemperoor said the entire project should add $200 million to $250 million to the city's $6.5 billion tax base.
He would not comment on the corporate office headquarters being courted for a site fronting I-94, saying the company is considering other sites and has no timetable on a decision.

I've been wondering why this land wasnt developed yet... Woo hoo!

New Brookfield development is announced

Brookfield - An assisted living center, extended stay hotel, health club, condominiums, retail and office space, and a possible corporate headquarters were proposed today for development on prime vacant land stretching from I-94 to Blue Mound Road west of Calhoun Road.

Ajay Kuttemperoor, president of VK Development Corp., which owns the land, unveiled the company's long-awaited site plans for the more than 60 acres, fenced off along Blue Mound Road, that formerly housed a WTMJ radio transmission tower and the Ruby family farms.

Specifically, the plan calls for 78,000 square feet of retail space, 528,000 square feet of office space, a 150,000-square-foot 24-hour health club (a Madison chain, the Princeton Club), an 80-unit assisted living center, 212 condominiums units and a 128-suite extended stay hotel, likely a Marriott or Hilton.

VK Development would need a road easement from the Elmbrook School District in order to build a planned road into the new developments off Golf Parkway at the southern end of Swanson School's athletic fields.

After residents overwhelmingly shot down the company's request three years ago to buy Swanson School to add that land to the overall development and build a replacement school on a different site, the company no longer has any plans to acquire the school.

As a concession to the neighbors and local historical preservationists, the company would save the Ruby farmstead and its yellow horse barn with a cupola that is visible from I-94.

Kuttemperoor said the entire project should add $200 million to $250 million to the city's $6.5 billion tax base.
He would not comment on the corporate office headquarters being courted for a site fronting I-94, saying the company is considering other sites and has no timetable on a decision.

Great, more conjestion along Bluemound Rd. This Kuttemperoor guy continues to pimp the land in Brookfield, adding to his ungodly riches in the process. I say good for him, but I can't see how anybody who lives and/or works within five miles of this proposed development can be too excited. Yes, it adds to the tax base of Brookfield and Waukesha County, but at what cost. Is suburban density what we really want?

I am not excited about this. Sorry. :ohno:

Is suburban density what we really want?


Yes!! Well, at least in that spot yes. It made no sense to have a farm field there, surrounded by modern times... :okay:

Great, more conjestion along Bluemound Rd. This Kuttemperoor guy continues to pimp the land in Brookfield, adding to his ungodly riches in the process. I say good for him, but I can't see how anybody who lives and/or works within five miles of this proposed development can be too excited. Yes, it adds to the tax base of Brookfield and Waukesha County, but at what cost. Is suburban density what we really want?

I am not excited about this. Sorry. :ohno:

I do live within 5 miles of this and we will soon be moving. Not for this reason, but I would have concerns with the traffic flow. Calhoun will be expanded this summer, but it will still be VERY difficult to get in and out of this place unless they do more to the roads nearby. What VK wanted was an exit ramp off 94 at calhoun. Now I see why.

What VK wanted was an exit ramp off 94 at calhoun. Now I see why.

Actually, an exit ramp there would help a lot more than just VK... A ramp in the middle of the strip would help alleviate congestion on Bluemound.

Actually, an exit ramp there would help a lot more than just VK... A ramp in the middle of the strip would help alleviate congestion on Bluemound.

AFAIK, Brookfield is still pushing for the Calhoun Rd interchange. I think it would be a good idea. Not only will it relieve congestion on Bluemound, it will also relieve congestion on Moorland.

At a public information meeting a few years ago, there were several options for the interchange. The one I liked best was a split diamond interchange. There would be ramps to/from the east at Calhoun Rd and ramps to/from the west at Brookfield Rd with one-way frontage road connecting them on each side of the freeway. Seemed like the best way to get traffic off of Bluemound.

AFAIK, Brookfield is still pushing for the Calhoun Rd interchange. I think it would be a good idea. Not only will it relieve congestion on Bluemound, it will also relieve congestion on Moorland.

At a public information meeting a few years ago, there were several options for the interchange. The one I liked best was a split diamond interchange. There would be ramps to/from the east at Calhoun Rd and ramps to/from the west at Brookfield Rd with one-way frontage road connecting them on each side of the freeway. Seemed like the best way to get traffic off of Bluemound.

I'm still waiting for a BRT line from Waukesha down Blue Mound Road.

Yes!! Well, at least in that spot yes. It made no sense to have a farm field there, surrounded by modern times... :okay:

I'm guessing you are not a home owner in the vicinity of this propoal. Yes, the land was ripe for some development, but yikes, even with a Calhoun exit from I-94, congestion will dramatically increase if this entire plan goes in. Not sure what this will do to residential property values around there, but I'm glad it's not me.

King wouldn't be happy about this project.

You know, growth and more tax dollars flowing into the State of Wisconsin..."tax hell."

Anyways, this project needed to happen. Calhoun Road will be expanded regardless. As for the homes, I wish I was a homeowner. I'd sit on it and wait patiently for a developer to come knocking on my door after the proposals (and possible on/offramps) are built.

Talk about a huge property value JUMP.

And yes, we do want suburban density. Taller buildings are a good thing, King. Isn't that what you keep touting on the other thread?

King wouldn't be happy about this project.

You know, growth and more tax dollars flowing into the State of Wisconsin..."tax hell."

Anyways, this project needed to happen. Calhoun Road will be expanded regardless. As for the homes, I wish I was a homeowner. I'd sit on it and wait patiently for a developer to come knocking on my door after the proposals (and possible on/offramps) are built.

Talk about a huge property value JUMP.

And yes, we do want suburban density. Taller buildings are a good thing, King. Isn't that what you keep touting on the other thread?

Oh man, Brew. Just when I thought we were starting to connect -- almost like "blood brothers" -- you go and fall back into the abyss of goofy arguments.

You're right about more tax dollars flowing into Diamond Jim's pockets, but I never said something shouldn't be developed there. It's been well-documented that the Bluemound Road corridor has been over built for some time. A project of this magnitude will significantly challenge the over-burdened infrastructure. I'm sure the engineers in Brookfield can accomodate this, but it will be interesting to watch.

Why did this project "need to happen?"
Sit and wait patiently for a developer? What?!
A huge property value jump? For who?
As for your support of suburban density...how dense can it get before it gets to the point of diminishing returns? Seems Bluemound Road development is already stretched pretty thin.
And, taller buildings in the suburbs? Downtown yes. Brookfield no. :ohno:

Hang tough, Brew. We'll get though this.

^^ If you've ever been to a place like Atlanta, you'd see how suburban density has to potential to work out very well. Its not as good as density downtown, but it sure beats the typical suburban/exurban new developements we're used to seeing in Milwaukee. Developements like this can even begin to add a sense of urbanity to the suburbs, moving closer to what's happening to the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

AFAIK, Brookfield is still pushing for the Calhoun Rd interchange. I think it would be a good idea. Not only will it relieve congestion on Bluemound, it will also relieve congestion on Moorland.

At a public information meeting a few years ago, there were several options for the interchange. The one I liked best was a split diamond interchange. There would be ramps to/from the east at Calhoun Rd and ramps to/from the west at Brookfield Rd with one-way frontage road connecting them on each side of the freeway. Seemed like the best way to get traffic off of Bluemound.

After the federal funds were approved to expand the bridge and widen Calhoun, they may not have another opening for 15-20 years to get that off-ramp. And frankly, I don't think they have the room without destroying neighborhoods.

You're right about more tax dollars flowing into Diamond Jim's pockets, but I never said something shouldn't be developed there. It's been well-documented that the Bluemound Road corridor has been over built for some time. A project of this magnitude will significantly challenge the over-burdened infrastructure. I'm sure the engineers in Brookfield can accomodate this, but it will be interesting to watch.

Why did this project "need to happen?"
Sit and wait patiently for a developer? What?!
A huge property value jump? For who?
As for your support of suburban density...how dense can it get before it gets to the point of diminishing returns? Seems Bluemound Road development is already stretched pretty thin.
And, taller buildings in the suburbs? Downtown yes. Brookfield no. :ohno:


Dense development in already developed areas means that much less virgin land needs to be developed. That's a good thing.

If we keep building more density, that will just make something like light rail more attractive. Maybe you don't like to use mass transit, but some people do, and that will take cars off the road (to your benefit) and increase the customer base. (to the businesses' benefit) Low density development can never be served efficiently with mass transit.

Bluemound has plenty of capacity left. The Greenfield Ave widening to the south, along with the Brookfield Rd extension, has diverted some traffic. Plus this year, WisDOT is going to eliminate some median openings and some left turns onto Bluemound from private driveways, which should increase capacity even more. See: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/us18bluemound/index.htm

It seems many city leaders use the phrase "We don't want another Bluemound Rd". And I'm not sure why. What a great tax base. I'd just recommend having a close parallel route for those people just trying to get through.

Anyways, this project needed to happen. Calhoun Road will be expanded regardless. As for the homes, I wish I was a homeowner. I'd sit on it and wait patiently for a developer to come knocking on my door after the proposals (and possible on/offramps) are built.

Talk about a huge property value JUMP.

I disagree. Residential properties on Calhoun Rd will not see a value jump. They probably won't see a decrease either. As long as they're zoned residential, those aren't going to be desireable properties. And there's no guaruntee that developers will come in to convert to commercial. It may be too difficult (need to buy lots of properties) or the city may not allow it.

Also, to address Skyking2's comment about the need, I agree with him. There is no NEED to develop this right now. But eventually it should be and will be developed, and if this proposal (I haven't studied it carefully) is a good one, then it should move forward. The only need is for a high-quality development on this prime piece of land.

It seems like a pedestrian underpass should be built for Swanson School.

Oh man, Brew. Just when I thought we were starting to connect -- almost like "blood brothers" -- you go and fall back into the abyss of goofy arguments.

Goofy? Hardly. They're reasonable.

You're right about more tax dollars flowing into Diamond Jim's pockets, but I never said something shouldn't be developed there. It's been well-documented that the Bluemound Road corridor has been over built for some time. A project of this magnitude will significantly challenge the over-burdened infrastructure. I'm sure the engineers in Brookfield can accomodate this, but it will be interesting to watch.

Bluemound Road overbuilt? Not the right term, King. Bluemound Road was too sprawled out - making it a problem.

If all the stores on Bluemound Road were put on lands that would have cut that strip in half, we wouldn't be hearing other leaders harp about "We don't want a Bluemound Road in our suburb!"

Why did this project "need to happen?"
Sit and wait patiently for a developer? What?!
A huge property value jump? For who?
As for your support of suburban density...how dense can it get before it gets to the point of diminishing returns? Seems Bluemound Road development is already stretched pretty thin.
And, taller buildings in the suburbs? Downtown yes. Brookfield no. :ohno:

Hang tough, Brew. We'll get though this.

King (and Kramerica), I think you forget the key facts here:

1. Location, location, location: In-between I-94 & Bluemound Road (US 18).

2. Across the street from possibly a corporate HQ, hotels, condo buildings, a health center, etc.

3. On potentially a future on/offramp (I-94 & Calhoun Road)

Property values might not jump in the technical term, but look at their house value when a developer wants to purchase their land to build anything from more offices to condominiums. When our hometown guy bought a home to build a Target strip mall - he gave them a McMansion in return. Expect something similar or better for the Calhoun Road homes.

^^ If you've ever been to a place like Atlanta, you'd see how suburban density has to potential to work out very well. Its not as good as density downtown, but it sure beats the typical suburban/exurban new developements we're used to seeing in Milwaukee. Developements like this can even begin to add a sense of urbanity to the suburbs, moving closer to what's happening to the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

Why go to Atlanta when Chicago's suburbs do the same thing? Schaumberg. Skokie. Evanston. Vernon Hills. Lincolnshire. Need I go on?

Why go to Atlanta when Chicago's suburbs do the same thing? Schaumberg. Skokie. Evanston. Vernon Hills. Lincolnshire. Need I go on?

Because the suburbs you mentioned all follow the street grid to a certain degree (which I agree is better than Atlanta's). However, the type of developement brought up here will be placed in a purely suburban fabric and will attemp to create some density out of it, which is what Atlanta is doing very well these days.

King (and Kramerica), I think you forget the key facts here:

1. Location, location, location: In-between I-94 & Bluemound Road (US 18).

2. Across the street from possibly a corporate HQ, hotels, condo buildings, a health center, etc.

3. On potentially a future on/offramp (I-94 & Calhoun Road)

Property values might not jump in the technical term, but look at their house value when a developer wants to purchase their land to build anything from more offices to condominiums. When our hometown guy bought a home to build a Target strip mall - he gave them a McMansion in return. Expect something similar or better for the Calhoun Road homes.

Key: when a developer wants to purchase their land. Until that happens, the property value is not high. And there is no guaruntee that a developer will ever want their property. Sure, if an owner can wait it out for 20 years, they've got a great chance that a developer will come knocking in that time. But not too many can wait that long, not to mention they will be living in a cruddy location until the time comes. Remember, most people own a home in order to have a nice place to live.

I'm just saying it isn't the panacea or bonanza you make it out to be.

I don't know. Whenever a developer builds something over here, like NML or Wheaton, other developers quickly move in and gobble up surrounding areas.

I see this happening on Calhoun Road. But it's OK to have negative thoughts...

I don't know. Whenever a developer builds something over here, like NML or Wheaton, other developers quickly move in and gobble up surrounding areas.

I see this happening on Calhoun Road. But it's OK to have negative thoughts...

I'm not extremely familiar with the area around Northwestern Mutual, but from what I can see, there weren't existing developments surrrounding it. New developers were basically on virgin land, with maybe a home here or there. There were no 'neighborhoods' around it. But on Calhoun, the homes you talk about being prime for redevelopment are part of existing neighborhoods. That's a lot more difficult for developers to deal with than a few isolated homes.

Ruby Farms aerial: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=43.031318,-88.128762&spn=0.013709,0.023839&t=k&z=16
NML aerial: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=42.905975,-87.955449&spn=0.013737,0.023839&t=k&z=16

BROOKFIELD - After nearly an hour of debate, the Brookfield Common Council on Tuesday narrowly approved a measure to allow the development of the tallest building in the city. The vote, done by written ballot, was 8-6.

For full coverage of this story, please pick up a copy of today’s Freeman.

Anyone have "full coverage"?

Ah, nevermind... Answered my own question :)

The 127,000-square-foot building, known as Fountain Brook Crossing, would house a number of office and medical specialty firms, as well as some retail space. The office building would sit atop a two-level parking garage and reach 97 feet, making it the tallest structure in the city.

http://wmhleasing.org/images/rendering_photo_3.jpg

Ah, nevermind... Answered my own question :)

The 127,000-square-foot building, known as Fountain Brook Crossing, would house a number of office and medical specialty firms, as well as some retail space. The office building would sit atop a two-level parking garage and reach 97 feet, making it the tallest structure in the city.

http://wmhleasing.org/images/rendering_photo_3.jpg

I don't get why Brookfield was so afraid of what is essentially a four story building anyway. Lots of healthy suburbs in other metros have clusters of high rises.

Ah, nevermind... Answered my own question :)

The 127,000-square-foot building, known as Fountain Brook Crossing, would house a number of office and medical specialty firms, as well as some retail space. The office building would sit atop a two-level parking garage and reach 97 feet, making it the tallest structure in the city.

http://wmhleasing.org/images/rendering_photo_3.jpg

I sure don't see how you get 97 feet out of that building? :ohno: Even with that little riser over what appears to be the main entrance, that does not look like a building that is taller than either of the structures at Moorland and Bluemound -- one of them being the North Shore Bank HQ Building. I am skeptical, and like any good "doubting Thomas," will need some proof that this will be Brookfield's tallest. This doesn't even look taller than the Brookfield Suites Hotel and Convention Center-- which will be it's neighbor to the north.

Oh, it is.

It's the optical illusion you get in that rendering. Look at the people walking on the sidewalk - the stone wall alone is at least 15-20 feet tall!

Brookfield has an old guard that pushes panic buttons whenever tall buildings get built.

I don't know, I think some are in denial that Brookfield is almost within the inner ring of Milwaukee suburbia now...

Remember, 30 years ago they were in the middle of nowhere! :lol:

Oh, it is.

It's the optical illusion you get in that rendering. Look at the people walking on the sidewalk - the stone wall alone is at least 15-20 feet tall!

"Oh, it is." That's my proof?!
So, you're including the landscaping as part of the height of the building? If that's the case, then, it may be that tall -- just doesn't look like it.

it isn't landscaping, that is a two level parking garage.

"Oh, it is." That's my proof?!
So, you're including the landscaping as part of the height of the building? If that's the case, then, it may be that tall -- just doesn't look like it.

I never saw a person so angry over the proposed height of a building...calm down.

And, ummm...why shouldn't any other features be included in the height of the building?

I don't think we need to toss in 5 million different measurements relating to a building's height here.

If the parking garage helps push it up, then it helps push it up. The ruler isn't going to start counting 20 feet in the air, you know.

I don't know, I think some are in denial that Brookfield is almost within the inner ring of Milwaukee suburbia now...

Remember, 30 years ago they were in the middle of nowhere! :lol:

Brookfield an inner ring suburb? Ha. That's depressing.

I never saw a person so angry over the proposed height of a building...calm down.

And, ummm...why shouldn't any other features be included in the height of the building?

I don't think we need to toss in 5 million different measurements relating to a building's height here.

If the parking garage helps push it up, then it helps push it up. The ruler isn't going to start counting 20 feet in the air, you know.

Ummm, Brew, I'm not angry about the height of this proposed building, it just doesn't appear to be 97 feet, that's all. The illusion -- even with the two-story parking structure -- is not one of 97 feet. I'm sure if the architect says it's 97 feet from street level, it it. What I got a kick out of was your rather technical explanation of "Oh, it is." Sorry if you took umbrage to it. Fact is, I could care less about this development.

Ummm, Brew, I'm not angry about the height of this proposed building, it just doesn't appear to be 97 feet, that's all. The illusion -- even with the two-story parking structure -- is not one of 97 feet. I'm sure if the architect says it's 97 feet from street level, it it. What I got a kick out of was your rather technical explanation of "Oh, it is." Sorry if you took umbrage to it. Fact is, I could care less about this development.

If you truly "cared less about this development," you wouldn't be discussing it.

It's kinda like how right-wing bloggers dub my blog "irrelevant" but yet had the nerve to post numerous comments and do things that others dubbed "hijacking" material.

It's all about common sense here.

Now, if the developer is approaching the city with a 97-foot tall building, I'm pretty sure the developer is being quite truthful on the height. I mean, lying to the city over height is a tad ridiculous. Furthermore, wouldn't you think the developer, if he wanted to lie so blatantly, would have made the height shorter instead of taller? Brookfield's issue is the height at this time...if the developer decreased the height his world would be a much better place!

Once again, common sense!

Brookfield an inner ring suburb? Ha. That's depressing.

Thanks for making me grin! I mean, don't you live in Mequon? :lol:

:guns1:

If you truly "cared less about this development," you wouldn't be discussing it.

It's kinda like how right-wing bloggers dub my blog "irrelevant" but yet had the nerve to post numerous comments and do things that others dubbed "hijacking" material.

It's all about common sense here.

Now, if the developer is approaching the city with a 97-foot tall building, I'm pretty sure the developer is being quite truthful on the height. I mean, lying to the city over height is a tad ridiculous. Furthermore, wouldn't you think the developer, if he wanted to lie so blatantly, would have made the height shorter instead of taller? Brookfield's issue is the height at this time...if the developer decreased the height his world would be a much better place!

Once again, common sense!

You are becoming annoying once again. Eat more fiber.

You are becoming annoying once again. Eat more fiber.

hahahahahhaha :lol:

Sorry Brew... that was funny.


But King is right... this looks pretty much the same as all the other buildings out in Brookfield... what's to get excited about? Being 10 ft taller then the last building?

Thanks for making me grin! I mean, don't you live in Mequon? :lol:

Cedarburg, and not by choice. At least there's a core to this city. ;)

Nah, but seriously, when I travel the city by car or foot or bicycle going West of say Highway 100 or North of Silver Spring or South of Greenfield it starts to feel very modern-suburban and disconnected from the city very fast, at least to me. To imagine that now we can consider Brookfield to be in a central area of the metro is pretty harrowing to me.

You are becoming annoying once again. Eat more fiber.

I'm glad to be bugging you! See, while I'm annoying only SOME of the time, you seem to gather annoyance ALL the time.


But King is right... this looks pretty much the same as all the other buildings out in Brookfield... what's to get excited about? Being 10 ft taller then the last building?

Hey - you guys complain when a suburb builds a strip mall due to its "sprawl"ness. Now you guys complain when a developer actually goes up instead of out. Can you people PLEASE make up your minds?

And then some wonder why suburbanites get soooo irritated with Milwaukee... :bash:

And then some wonder why suburbanites get soooo irritated with Milwaukee... :bash:[/QUOTE]

Really? Thought your were better than a comment like this.

I'm glad to be bugging you! See, while I'm annoying only SOME of the time, you seem to gather annoyance ALL the time.



Hey - you guys complain when a suburb builds a strip mall due to its "sprawl"ness. Now you guys complain when a developer actually goes up instead of out. Can you people PLEASE make up your minds?

And then some wonder why suburbanites get soooo irritated with Milwaukee... :bash:

What on earth are you talking about?
Look, I'll cut you some slack -- maybe it's the harsh winter, or Leap Year, or the planets just aren't lined up right. But once we hit March, c'mon big guy, we need you back with the living...

A huge blow for Milwaukee

It's official: USBC is splitting
By Don Walker
Tuesday, Mar 11 2008, 08:32 AM

Confirming what many had long suspected and feared, the United States Bowling Congress anounced Tuesday that it was moving its headquarters from Greendale to Arlington, Texas.

The USBC notified staff early Tuesday morning. The 2.3-million organization, the sport's governing body, will now move to Texas and partner with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America. Under the plan, the USBC will purchase a building near BPAA headquarters, with an eye toward building a testing and training facility on vacant land nearby.

The move was viewed as a major disappointment in Milwaukee, where officials hoped to keep the group here.

We'll have more to come.

I wouldn't really call it a huge blow.. it sucks, but it is nothing like when Miller checks out

Regardless, the future of milwaukee is not with the bowling congress or miller. it is with companies like Rockwell and Johnson Controls who are doing innovative research. I sure hope we put together a financial package for them to expand like we did the bowling congress and are probably doing with miller.

don't get me wrong, I want all companies and all jobs. but maybe you could call this the end of the beer, brats and bowling image we have that people complain about so much? and again, I love beer, brats and bowling. i'm just saying, maybe this is the kick in the ass we need to really start focusing on innovative companies that compete in the global economy.

Maybe MilwaukeeD... but our business climate and the expenses they incur from the state will not even alow that to happen. It's time this state becomes more business friendly.

coldwake, i am glad that you are on the forum and you have many great comments. but, can you be more specific about our tax climate? some recent reports have shown that almost half of corporations in wisconsin pay NO taxes because they have various tax shelters.

in addition, milwaukee has no city income tax (which most east cost cities have) and one of the lowest sales taxes of major metro areas. sure, the property taxes are higher than many places, but you have to look at the taxes on balance.

As much as I would like to blame the government, the Bowling Congress screwed us. No loyalty to a city that has been home to you for years? I can understand Miller's situation.

Its not a huge blow, but just more chipping away at what made this city unique.

Just to throw my 2 cents in

MilwaukeeD actually the report said 2/3 of corporations in Wisconsin pay NO income taxes.

MilwaukeeD, I will be able to respond later tonight or tomorrow when I have more time but in the mean time do you have a link to that report?

The report http://www.wisconsinsfuture.org/taxes/CorpTaxCompWithNumbers_files/frame.htm

Sorry, totally forgot about responding here!

I did read that article... but all it's saying is that a whole mess of companies get away without having to pay taxes which then pulls down the average amount of taxes paid for by corporations.

Many of the companies that don't pay taxes are ones that have been in wisconsin for a long time (things like manufacturing as one example) and have gotten legislation that allows them to end up paying little or nothing in taxes. Meanwhile, there are some industries that don't have all those exemptions and they pay high taxes.

Using the statistic of % of total tax income is completely irrelevant. Hell if our economy totally bombs and we have 1 company left (I know, this is impossible because people wouldn't have incomes... whatever, bear with me) we could tax them 100% of their earnings. They'd only be about .0001% of the states tax revenue. Does that mean we would have low corp tax rates? Ah... no.

Just like when they talk about personal income tax. they put a jibe in there at higher income earners saying that they pay a lower percentage of their income towards taxes. However they pay a whole lot more in real dollars. Sometimes I feel that lower income people live off the backs and earnings of people who make a decent income (and 70,000 isn't rich these days). Keeping in mind that I am not in a very high income bracket myself! I'm just fond of the ideal of a flat tax I guess. :)

So anyway... our tax climate is good as long as you fall into certain categories... but if you don't then what are the statistics? The article (and the presentation that is based on it) does not actually say. Do any of you actually know what our corporate income tax rate is? I don't... that would be a good example and would have the final say in this. And I mean without the exemptions that some industries can take advantage of.

So basically what I want to know is; what is the average % of corporate income paid to taxes by companies that can't take advantage of the exemptions?

Also!!! As a side note... why would the article (and presentation) brag about our fees and useage based taxes (sales tax) being lower? So everyone pays a high amount for EVERYTHING and a low amount when something is taxed based on how much they use it? Bleh... nevermind thats a whole new rant.

The article says that 2/3 of corporations in Wisconsin pay ZERO dollars in income tax. i.e. their effective tax rat is 0%. So I would say for the majority of corporations in Wisconsin it is pretty nice.

I am as concerned about the companies paying 0% as I am those that pay too much.

How are we going to expand business in those industries that can't take advantage of those tax laws? Also, when they can't, how much do they pay?

How does our 2/3 compare to other states? If it's a lot, why do we have so many?

There's a lot of questions that I would like answered here... unfortunately I'm sure I'll find the answers to very few of those questions.

Well at least we know the typical suburban big box probably has tons and tons of incentives that ultimately give us no tax revenue.

That's why it's a big plus to tout smaller, ma and pa businesses to locate - it provides us needed income.

Much like the new announcement of Azana Salon & Spa opening up at the Fountains of Franklin:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/Azana.jpg

:sleepy: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sorry Brew, I'll try to stop trolling! :lol:

*sigh*

Ya know, even if a suburb proposed a complex of multiple 10 story buildings, I'd still be hearing you having problems with it.

Look beyond the city borders, Coldwake!!

Hey, I don't have a problem with this development!

It just doesn't look much different then the last 20 or so. Even that monster supertall in Brookfield looks just like this one. :)

Mhm...

And how exactly are new proposals Downtown different from one another?

Mhm...

And how exactly are new proposals Downtown different from one another?

I believe the question should be, how are they the same?

FINALLY!

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=740307

Now can ERNIE do something about his mish mash dealership?
It is the flagship EVS.

Amen to that, hybridy!

Well, well...

The 27th Street Corridor has a name...

The Boomgaard District!

Umm...

The Boomgaard District!



:wtf:

Why? Because its so Booming?!?!:okay:

:wtf:

Why? Because its so Booming?!?!:okay:

Are you talking about 27th in Oak Creek?

Are you talking about 27th in Oak Creek?

That was my assumption. The rest of 27th Street is in Milwaukee, and this is the Suburban thread. Maybe there is an historical reference in that name, but it does sound phony.

Yes. The Boomgaard District is what the 27th St. corridor for Franklin and Oak Creek is being named. Boomgaard is Dutch for "orchard." It was named in reference to the apple orchards that pretty much ruled the area for decades.

The Zizzo Group came up with the name for marketing and why for the life of me that both Franklin's and Oak Creek's common council passed this, is in my opinion, just mindboggling.

I appreciate going for heritage for the naming, but the Boomgaard? All I can do is shake my head at this one.

The FranklinNOW blogs are extremely critical of Boomgaard. It also seems those commenting on the blogs are also very critical.

I suspect that if the name can be changed, it will...and it should. As people noted, what an embarrassment.

I like the name I made for it... I call that area "Big Box Alley".

I like the name I made for it... I call that area "Big Box Alley".

:applause:

Does anyone know anything about the construction at Kopp's in Greenfield? I was in town recently and I saw that they seem to be making a second outdoor seating area [I'm guessing], where the Amoco gas station used to be at the southwest corner of 76th and Layton. And by "second out door seating area," I mean less formal and hopefully well landscaped, as they did for their sunken seating area immediatly north of their building.

On this topic, Can someone give me some good instructions? I have a photo or two that I had hoped to share, but I can't figure out how to upload my photos. I've tried, but it asks me for a URL when I would like to upload them from my hard drive.

thats funny, the kopps in brookfield is being completely redone. Maybe "Kopps" is remodeling.

It looks like a strong possibility that Park East area's loss is Delafield's gain.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=786051

This will most likely considerably scale down the MLG project in the Park East area, if it hasn't been already.

Actually I think RedPraire had stopped being connected to the MLG deal long ago. That said the most interesting thing about this is look were the RedPraire CEO lives... hmm wonder why Delafield is on the list now... hmm

FINALLY!

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=740307

Now can ERNIE do something about his mish mash dealership?
It is the flagship EVS.

Drove by the Falls Inn a couple of weeks ago. Tear down is underway. Kind of odd seeing it gutted out like that. That place used to host a number of our underage drinking parties back in highschool. Here is a pic I snapped whilst passing by...

http://trussinme.com/pics/mke/8102008/4.jpg

Actually I think RedPraire had stopped being connected to the MLG deal long ago. That said the most interesting thing about this is look were the RedPraire CEO lives... hmm wonder why Delafield is on the list now... hmm
Yeah, the J/S article did mention that once the previous CEO left last year RedPrairie was no longer interested in the Park East site.

Give the new CEO credit. Why wouldn't you put your new place to work right within a very short driving distance from home? Saves gas!!! And time of course.

Give the new CEO credit. Why wouldn't you put your new place to work right within a very short driving distance from home? Saves gas!!! And time of course.

Because their job isn't to give themselves the perfect commute.

Drove by the Falls Inn a couple of weeks ago. Tear down is underway. Kind of odd seeing it gutted out like that. That place used to host a number of our underage drinking parties back in highschool. Here is a pic I snapped whilst passing by...



I thought I read in the local Falls paper that this was going to be a renovation. I don't know for certain, but it definetely looks like they'll be renovating.

Well, I suppose they aren't technically leveling the whole thing...but it surely is gutted at this point. Far as I know they are still planning on "rebuilding" it into this...

The Falls Inn on Main St. in Menomonee Falls is being gutted to its concrete shell and being rebuilt. The outdoor swimming pool will be turned into a indoor pool.


Demolition already has started on the Falls Inn. The new hotel is targeted to open Jan. 1.
- Seems like an ambitious deadline to me

http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/news/img/apr08/falls2_042008_big.jpg

Dave (twoaday) wrote a great article on the affects of zoning regulations on drunk driving.

http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2008/08/23/a-better-approach-to-reduce-drunk-driving/

hate to revive this old thread but its relevant;

Oconomowoc mayor unhappy with Pabst Farms retail plans
He faults developers' approach to getting tenants
By Joe Taschler of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jan. 12, 2009 8:42 p.m.

Oconomowoc - Mayor Maury Sullivan said he was dissatisfied with plans to develop Pabst Farms Town Centre as an economic downturn ravages a number of the nation's retailers, especially the high-end stores sought for the development.

Although Sullivan said discussions on the development were nowhere near acrimonious, "I think there are disagreements out there that need to be addressed."

Even if the bumps are smoothed out, the economic downturn might make it impossible to deliver the upscale regional shopping destination originally envisioned for the development, at least for now.

"The market has fallen apart," said John Melaniphy, president of Melaniphy & Associates, a Chicago retail, shopping center and restaurant consulting firm. "Most upscale developments have come to a screeching halt."

A public information session is set for 7 tonight at the Olympia Resort & Conference Center on the progress of developing Town Centre.

Scheduled to open by 2010, the retail development is proposed as part of the 1,500-acre Pabst Farms residential and commercial complex in Waukesha County. A $25 million freeway interchange at the site near I-94 and Highway P is also planned.

Developers Diversified Realty Corp. is developing the retail property in partnership with Pabst Farms.

No tenants have been signed for the property, said Thad Nation, a spokesman for Pabst Farms and DDR.

Nation said DDR and Pabst Farms were proceeding in keeping with the general development plan that Oconomowoc approved in March.

"We are committed to building this center as it was proposed," Nation said. "We're working to put together the very best high-end retail center we can."

That seems to be where Sullivan and the developers begin to disagree.

"Even if the national economic conditions were right, the approach they are taking is not what was promised, not what was approved," Sullivan said.

The developer is looking at landing anchor tenants - usually department stores/mass merchandisers - then "junior anchors" - national chain stores that have a specialty such as sporting goods or electronics - and, finally, specialty stores, including the higher-end retail businesses.

"You don't build retail on spec," Nation said. "You build it as things get leased."

As to whether the center can open in 2010, Nation said, "It all depends on leasing."

Sullivan said he was dissatisfied with the strategy.

"What you are left with are mass marketers that are indistinguishable from other mass marketers," Sullivan said. "It duplicates shopping options in other (nearby) communities."

He said he has nothing against any particular retailer, but "They offer no plan for the upscale component."

Nation said the discussions taking place with the city were productive.

"The city wants this development to succeed, and we want it to succeed," Nation said.

Melaniphy predicted the Town Centre development wouldn't happen until 2012 at the earliest.

"I'm really not surprised, and I think it's going to be a long crawl uphill," Melaniphy said.

"You look at the history of (retail) sales, things just don't leap back."

Until consumer spending picks up, retail expansion will probably remain stalled.

"Positive consumer spending is what motivates the retail companies to expand," Melaniphy said.

If you go
The Olympia Resort & Conference Center is at 1350 Royale Mile Road, Oconomowoc. The informational meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

A 2nd Woodman's Grocery Store is locating in the Milwaukee area. They will be located on the west side of 124th Street (Highway 145) at the Leon Road/Bradley Road intersection. This is a 33 acre site that used to be the Starlite drive-in movie site. A business park surrounds the site to the north and west with US 41/45 to the south and Dretzka Park in the City of Milwaukee to the east. This is a great location for a new grocery store because of no competing businesses in the area and it will benefit the far northwest side of Milwaukee to break up the monopoly of Pick 'n Save in the area. Here is the article from JSOnline:

Woodman's plans to open store in Menomonee Falls

By Doris Hajewski and Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jan. 21, 2009

Woodman's Food Markets Inc. wants to open its second Milwaukee-area store in Menomonee Falls, a move that would create one of the area's largest supermarkets.

Janesville-based Woodman's has proposed a store with just more than 238,000 square feet for 33.4 acres at the northwest corner of N. 124th St. and Leon Road, said Matt Carran, community development director. That site is just off U.S. Highway 45, and is south of Westbrook Corporate Center.

"We hope to have it open next year, if everything goes as planned," said Clint Woodman, vice president of the Janesville-based supermarket chain.

Woodman's is known for its large stores and low prices. The employee-owned company operates 12 stores in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including one in Oak Creek that opened last March. In 2007, with 11 stores, Woodman's had sales of about $1&enspbillion.

The Menomonee Falls store will jump ahead of another planned for Sun Prairie in the company's expansion plans, Woodman said. A fall 2010 opening is the goal for Menomonee Falls, Woodman said.

"The Menomonee Falls site presented itself," he said. "We thought it was a better opportunity to build in Menomonee Falls first."

The company now hopes to open in Sun Prairie in 2011. Woodman's has been opening a new store every two years, but the company has opened other stores at a quicker pace in the past.

Woodman said the company's Oak Creek store, which opened last year, was the biggest opening ever, exceeding expectations.

He confirmed an analyst's estimate of about $1.8&enspmillion in sales per week for the Oak Creek location.

The store proposed for Menomonee Falls would include a gas station and liquor store and would look almost exactly like the one in Oak Creek, Woodman said.

The Plan Commission is to review the proposal at its Feb. 3 meeting.

Supermarket consultant David Livingston said a new Woodman's in Menomonee Falls would hurt surrounding grocers, including Pick 'n Save and Sentry stores.

"I don't think any of these stores would close but they will be significantly impacted," Livingston said. "I think Roundy's will be forced to lower their prices to a more competitive level. Roundy's lowered prices at their stores on Milwaukee's southeast side after Woodman's opened."

Livingston said Sentry stores, which are independently owned, would have a harder time competing with Woodman's. Roundy's is in a much better position to react to Woodman's because it is better capitalized.

The Kopp's at 76th and Layton has a relatively new eating area. The site used to have an Amoco station. When the station closed, Kopp's purchased the land, and created this. On this midday visit, the site was going unused, though I'm told the logs were added only shortly before these month-old pictures, and I don't think any other seating existed previously.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3781143165_ff44afbf09.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3781142337_c82b8b11ef.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3781952710_a8e4426ba4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3781951744_022e431bf1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3781950928_f8cd098a17.jpg

The moveable seating is a nice idea.

The Catholic Family Life Insurance Company will be moving from its building in Shorewood on the NW corner of Capitol and Newhall by the end of this year. They are in the process of merging with Catholic Knights and they are moving to their office tower in Downtown Milwaukee. It will be a huge loss of a great long standing business in Shorewood. Which now brings up the options for what to do with the Catholic Family Life property. Lots of things could happen with the place. It could become space that the village could use for government offices, the Post Office could move one block west and use the site or even convert the place into a multi-family residential building. Many options are available though in this economy it will take some time before something happens at that site.

I was just at the 76th street Kopps today and the new seating area was deserted (no pun) even though it was 70's/80's and sunny. It just seems way too open to all the traffic and it doesn't look like you should be using it. They don't even have a garbage can in the entire area.

Maybe they should put in a little landscaping beyond grass and mulch...

Just looking at the picture that area looks very confusing. I would not instinctively know that it is an eating area, especially given the suburban setting.

Jesse276 and araman0, I agree with your comments. I'm guessing Kopp's simply didn't want to overspend when they already have a nice seating courtyard, and that they merely seized the opportunity to acquire this land when its former occupant, Amoco, closed. Also, this could be as much a cleanup (or capping) of any spills/leaks from its previous use, as it is a new eating area for Kopp's.

Maybe if it were adjacent a transit stop, the space would be more frequented, but even then it would function more as a public plaza than a private establishment's eating area.

On another note, I noticed a remnant from the gas station on the south wall: a sign for the car wash. While it may seem like an oversight right now, I hope they keep it, as it would serve as a reminder of a previous historic use.

Is there any effort in the Metro Milwaukee area to underground overhead cables, such as the ones you can see in the photos of Kopp's?

Look at the hottie coming out of Kopps! That would make me want to go there!

Is there any effort in the Metro Milwaukee area to underground overhead cables, such as the ones you can see in the photos of Kopp's?

It really depends on the area and what its priorities are. Generally in more upscale areas you wouldn't see that, or in some renovated areas they have put them underground. It's not a concerted effort to get rid of the visual clutter, but there is some movement in the right direction.

It has now been two years since Bayshore officially became Bayshore Town Center. There are so many new places opening up there. More than 2,500 people either live and/or work in Bayshore Town Center. I like the concerts during the week as well as activities for kids and adults alike. Also many new shops and restaurants are opening up each month. Recently, a Subway sandwich shop, Coa mexican restaurant and Smoothie King opened up for more food variety with Panda Express coming soon and Erehwon opening up later this week sells outdoors gear and supplies. Also the addition of a Bryant and Stratton College and a Vici Beauty School with their Capilli Salon is really building up Bayshore Town Center as the place to be. At this pace, Bayshore Town Center could put in a request to the City of Glendale to have them renovate and expand the north end of the town center along Bayshore Drive and Corrigan Drive. All things are positive at Bayshore Town Center.

Wal-Mart to break ground in Muskego

By Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 16, 2009

Wal-Mart will break ground Wednesday on its new supercenter in Muskego.

The 156,000-square-foot store, at the southeast corner of S. Moorland Road and W. College Ave., is expected to open in fall 2010. There will be 320 new jobs at the store.

The company also has a supercenter under construction in Waukesha.

Wal-Mart to break ground in Muskego

By Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 16, 2009

Wal-Mart will break ground Wednesday on its new supercenter in Muskego.

The 156,000-square-foot store, at the southeast corner of S. Moorland Road and W. College Ave., is expected to open in fall 2010. There will be 320 new jobs at the store.

The company also has a supercenter under construction in Waukesha.

This is on the north side of Muskego in a rural pocket surrounded by residential subdivisions, a business park and I-43 along the Muskego and New Berlin border. This area along College Avenue between Janesville Road and Racine Avenue has a huge potential for new parks, commercial and residential development being centrally located for both communities. With freeway exits within a few miles at Moorland Road and at Racine Avenue this area has strong potential for reviving the economy and bringing in new jobs to the area. The Wal-Mart is a start, many others will join in.

Developers quietly continue to put infrastructure in place

Oconomowoc — The economic times we find ourselves in call for liquor licenses and sanitary sewers as opposed to upscale retail projects.

So goes the Pabst Farms development.

As the U.S. economy has stumbled through the worst downturn since the Great Depression and brought retail expansion to a standstill, the developers at Pabst Farms quietly have continued to put the infrastructure in place to support the retail portion of project known as the Town Centre.

Their message is simple: Just because there are no big retail businesses rising from the farm fields of western Waukesha County doesn't mean the project is kaput.

"It's far from dead," said Bill Niemann, executive vice president of Pabst Farms Development Inc.


the rest here; http://www.jsonline.com/business/78577677.html

The article mentioned new retail complexes potentially built in 2013. Is suburban Milwaukee's population growing fast enough to support extra retail?

The article mentioned new retail complexes potentially built in 2013. Is suburban Milwaukee's population growing fast enough to support extra retail?

There is plenty of new retail development, but the article is referring to major retail developments like malls or lifestyle centers. The problem with that specific development in Oconomowoc is that there just isn't the population density out there to support anything beyond a power center with the usual target/home depot/local grocery/walmart.

That is somewhat significant development, but there just aren't enough people in the area to support a new mall. If they had been able to enter the market before Mayfair and Brookfield Square began upgrading, it might have had a chance, but it's just too out of the way for many in the metro.

The location of this this mall would be similar to the newish lifestyle center built in Middleton outside of Madison. Low density, high income. Except, I believe, they're shying away from big box.

The location of this this mall would be similar to the newish lifestyle center built in Middleton outside of Madison. Low density, high income. Except, I believe, they're shying away from big box.

I disagree with your analogy to Middleton. That suburb has been building up for years and contains some level of density within its borders. Also, it is what, maybe 15 minutes (7 miles) from the center of the Madison metro?

Looking at pabst farms in Oconomoc, it's on the far western edge of the metro, the area surrounding it has only seen development relatively recently without any significant density nearby. I won't even look at this from Downtown Milwaukee, but even from Wauwatosa it's 25 miles (30 minutes).

The demographics aren't there for this development and with the sprawling nature that this area has attempted to cultivate, I don't think they'll ever have the density.

ps - originally pabst farms didn't want to do big box either, but they don't really have a choice anymore, there aren't any 'mall' retailers that they can lure.

Maybe they will get a Walmart to build out there.

I disagree with your analogy to Middleton. That suburb has been building up for years and contains some level of density within its borders. Also, it is what, maybe 15 minutes (7 miles) from the center of the Madison metro?

Looking at pabst farms in Oconomoc, it's on the far western edge of the metro, the area surrounding it has only seen development relatively recently without any significant density nearby. I won't even look at this from Downtown Milwaukee, but even from Wauwatosa it's 25 miles (30 minutes).

The demographics aren't there for this development and with the sprawling nature that this area has attempted to cultivate, I don't think they'll ever have the density.

ps - originally pabst farms didn't want to do big box either, but they don't really have a choice anymore, there aren't any 'mall' retailers that they can lure.

yeah, but Milwaukee is much MUCH bigger than Madison and therefore its suburbs are bound to be more numerous and further out-- Madison doesn't really have a "metro" so to speak, as it's not really large enough to call it that (what with 3 or 4 "suburbs" only).

with HSR service, the Oconomowoc project COULD possibly market to shoppers in the city, although they'd have to offer something much more than big box stores for it to work-- if they put an IKEA there, it would draw shoppers, but Milwaukee's IKEA will probably get put in Brookfield or somewhere closer to the metro core.

Ooooh them's fight'n words!

I disagree that Madison does not have a metro, although it is definitely a metro much smaller than Milwaukee.

From a geometrical standpoint, Milwaukee does have the advantage of only being able to grow out in a semicircle, giving the metro a larger radius than a city that can grow in a full circle such as Madison or Minneapolis. IMO this gives cities like Milwaukee and Chicago a larger feel than peer cities wih similar populations.

Also, it is what, maybe 15 minutes (7 miles) from the center of the Madison metro?

Are you nuts? The square to Greenway Station is more like 30-40 minutes w/o traffic.

Madison doesn't really have a "metro" so to speak, as it's not really large enough to call it that (what with 3 or 4 "suburbs" only).

Oh, don't be such a city-snob (growing up in Milwaukee myself I know the tendency); I'm sure you're actually not.

I think you'd be surprised at the reach of Madison's employment and cultural draw, even reaching beyond the borders of Dane County. In addition, communities like Middleton, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Mt. Horeb, and others, while not approaching the magnitude of a West Allis, or Wauwatosa, still have meaningful cores, identities and histories, more so than a good number of Milwaukee's newer bedroom 'burbs. (Yeah, I'm a snob too).

Finally, even though this is the fastest growing region of the state, I'd always hope that development emphasis weighs quality at least as much as quantity.

Are you nuts? The square to Greenway Station is more like 30-40 minutes w/o traffic.

I admit I don't live in Madison, but whose ass are you pulling those numbers out of. I don't believe google is god, but I'm seeing 7 miles or about 15 minutes in google maps.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=madison,+wi&daddr=43.091958,-89.490166+to:Greenway+Station,+Middleton,+WI&geocode=FRw-kQIdctir-in_GSA6bVMGiDGYQUi6tfwMTg%3B%3BFQmPkQIdLeep-ilns0d4NK8HiDEWbZg7fpO9Lg&gl=us&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&sll=43.076412,-89.476433&sspn=0.063698,0.173035&ie=UTF8&ll=43.079922,-89.478493&spn=0.063694,0.303154&t=h&z=12

yeah, but Milwaukee is much MUCH bigger than Madison and therefore its suburbs are bound to be more numerous and further out-- Madison doesn't really have a "metro" so to speak, as it's not really large enough to call it that (what with 3 or 4 "suburbs" only).

with HSR service, the Oconomowoc project COULD possibly market to shoppers in the city, although they'd have to offer something much more than big box stores for it to work-- if they put an IKEA there, it would draw shoppers, but Milwaukee's IKEA will probably get put in Brookfield or somewhere closer to the metro core.

Milwaukee is much bigger than Madison, but pabst farms is at the edge of the metro. Whatever is built there needs rooftops and if you look at a circle around the area, you come up with too many farms to make a regional mall work. As I said, even if many of these farms are developed, the densities will still be too low to support this.

Middleton and Oconomowoc are not apples to oranges, The Oconomowoc of Madison would probably be Waunakee or the west side of Verona. No one will be building regional malls there in the forseable future, because those areas just don't have the potential for population growth or quick access to the rest of the metro, to justify a lifestyle center or traditional mall.

Oh, don't be such a city-snob (growing up in Milwaukee myself I know the tendency); I'm sure you're actually not.

I think you'd be surprised at the reach of Madison's employment and cultural draw, even reaching beyond the borders of Dane County. In addition, communities like Middleton, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Mt. Horeb, and others, while not approaching the magnitude of a West Allis, or Wauwatosa, still have meaningful cores, identities and histories, more so than a good number of Milwaukee's newer bedroom 'burbs. (Yeah, I'm a snob too).

Finally, even though this is the fastest growing region of the state, I'd always hope that development emphasis weighs quality at least as much as quantity.

Your petty flame reflects when you left the metro, you can't see beyond Wauwatosa and West Allis. There are many other suburbs and city neighborhoods in the Milwaukee area that do retain their sense of place, while offering access to the best cultural offerings in this state.

It sure seems much development in the exurban towns around Madison has spawned some growing pains in Madison proper. I hear more and more talk about crime and Madison's inability to respond. Although this is probably something that could fill a whole thread...

Your petty flame reflects when you left the metro, you can't see beyond Wauwatosa and West Allis. There are many other suburbs and city neighborhoods in the Milwaukee area that do retain their sense of place, while offering access to the best cultural offerings in this state.

Read a little more carefully and react a little less automatically and you'll see that I in no way denigrated Milwaukee neighborhoods, its cultural offerings, or the many suburbs that have serious character, and even poked fun at my own ego balloon along the way.

My many posts about Milwaukee speak for themselves too.

I hear more and more talk about crime and Madison's inability to respond. Although this is probably something that could fill a whole thread...
Crime is a serious concern in Madison, notwithstanding that all of the recent homicides were domestic types, and have been cleared. But that is one area where Madison is definitely the molehill to Milwaukee's mountain. Just for the record.

I admit I don't live in Madison, but whose ass are you pulling those numbers out of. I don't believe google is god, but I'm seeing 7 miles or about 15 minutes in google maps.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=madison,+wi&daddr=43.091958,-89.490166+to:Greenway+Station,+Middleton,+WI&geocode=FRw-kQIdctir-in_GSA6bVMGiDGYQUi6tfwMTg%3B%3BFQmPkQIdLeep-ilns0d4NK8HiDEWbZg7fpO9Lg&gl=us&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=12&via=1&sll=43.076412,-89.476433&sspn=0.063698,0.173035&ie=UTF8&ll=43.079922,-89.478493&spn=0.063694,0.303154&t=h&z=12

Not to be nit-picky, but that link does not have you starting at the square. Starting from the square Google has the drive at 21 minutes.

Add in your typical traffic and construction, and 30 minutes is very feasible.

Not to be nit-picky, but that link does not have you starting at the square. Starting from the square Google has the drive at 21 minutes.

Add in your typical traffic and construction, and 30 minutes is very feasible.

feel free to come on out and make the drive yourself-

Crime is a serious concern in Madison, notwithstanding that all of the recent homicides were domestic types, and have been cleared. But that is one area where Madison is definitely the molehill to Milwaukee's mountain. Just for the record.

It's exactly this mentality that has allowed there to be a crime problem in Madison in the first place and will prevent the community from acknowledging the problem to fix it. You can compare Madison to Milwaukee crime all you want, but once again it's apples to scones. Start another thread if you want to talk about it more.

Downtown office tower expected in "near future"
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 10, 2009 10:08 a.m. | Construction of a new downtown office tower is expected to happen in "the near future," broker Dan Wroblewski, Inland Cos. vice president, said at this morning's 2009 Commercial Real Estate Market Update.

Wroblewski, speaking to around 300 people at the Italian Community Center, said there is pent-up demand for high-end office space downtown. He was among the speakers at the update, which was presented by the Wisconsin chapter of NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association and the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin.

Wroblewski told me after the event that there are suburban tenants looking to move downtown, as well as downtown tenants that are planning to expand operations. That increased demand will drive the construction of a new tower, probably with around 200,000 square feet, he said.

Among tenants that have been looking to either move downtown or expand downtown are accounting firm Baker Tilly, engineering firm CH2M Hill and law firm Godfrey & Kahn, Wroblewski said.

I'll have more highlights from the event later at JSOnline.com, and in Friday's Journal Sentinel.

It's exactly this mentality that has allowed there to be a crime problem in Madison in the first place and will prevent the community from acknowledging the problem to fix it....Start another thread if you want to talk about it more.

Rather than demonstrating any knowledge or insights about Madison, about which you clearly have next to none, you're simply putting some personal resentments on parade. And if you didn't want any mention of crime in Madison or Milwaukee in this thread, you shouldn't have been the one to have raised the subject in the first place. I'm more than happy to move on without any further demonstration of the "mentality" this topic seems to arouse in you.

from wauwatosanow.com

"Two housing developments take steps forward
City will get less for former dump site
By STEFANIE SCOTT

Posted: Dec. 9, 2009

The Community Development Committee gave its support to two developments that would add more than 550 housing units to Wauwatosa.

A development with the working name of Mount Tosa - due to its placement at a former dump site - and The Enclave, an urban-style apartment complex for young professionals, could be under construction in the city come spring.

A year after the final plans for Mount Tosa were approved by the Common Council, the city has worked out the details of a developer's agreement for an 18-acre parcel of land at the public works yard at 113th Street and Walnut Road.

Soil uncertainties reduce price
Toldt Development plans to build 427 units, a mix of condominiums and apartments, with some specifically for senior housing. However, the site's soil conditions have been a sticking point, City Attorney Alan Kesner said.

Although extensive subsoil borings have been done, the stabilization needs beneath each of the proposed buildings will not be known until excavation begins. Problems that could arise in that regard, and the work it will take to fix them, led the city to offer a $431,000 credit to the developer, reducing the effect of the $1 million purchase price.

"We've negotiated what we believe is middle ground," Kesner said.

The credit would be provided to the purchaser due to excessive costs to address subsoil stabilization. If any of that money is not needed, it will be split between the city and Toldt as an incentive for taking on the project.

Initially, the city expected to get $1.2 million, money that was going to go toward the Hart Park athletic complex improvements. When property sale negotiations slowed last spring, the council decided to borrow the money for the improvements, with the intent to reimburse from the revenues of the land sale. Now that reimbursement will be much less, and other capital projects will need to come in lower than expected or be scaled back to make up the difference, City Administrator James Archambo said.

In the long run, the city expects to make money off the $50 million development in the form of taxes, Kesner said. If the council approves the developer's agreement, phases of the project would go up from 2010 to 2016.

And as far as the Mount Tosa name, it won't appear on any signs, the developer promised. It started as a joke, and it stuck.

Enclave brought to scale
Over on the Village's east side, 152 apartment units are expected to go up at 62nd Street and Martin Drive.

Waukesha development group HSI Residential I has submitted final plans for two buildings, dubbed The Enclave, on the former Derse property. Changes were made from the initial single-building plan so the project looks less imposing and better fits with the surrounding single-family neighborhood, architect Gene Guszkowski said.

"Over the last six months, we made plan improvements," developer Ryan Schultz said, adding that numerous meetings have been held with city staff, elected officials and the neighborhood association.

The urban design - reminiscent of Milwaukee's East Side - remains, but soil tests showed the ground-level parking could be sunk down a bit to bring the building height a bit lower. Also, developers acquired land to the east so traffic can have direct access to 60th Street rather than being routed along residential Martin Drive.

More amenities also will be provided. A pool, community rooms and a fitness center are included. And one-, two- and three-bedroom units would be available.

The committee said the project has progressed nicely, and that they see apartment and condo developments as the future for this area of the city, which has several old industrial buildings that could be redeveloped.

Next Step
WHAT: Common Council vote on developer's agreement for the Mount Tosa housing project and the final plans for The Enclave apartment complex

WHERE: City Hall, 7725 W. North Ave.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday"

Woah I didn't mean to start such a discussion. Madison definitely has a metro, and it's in scale to the city. The population of the city proper is a large part of the metro population statistic, which I think is unique benefit.

This was my reasoning in comparing Middleton to Oconomowoc. The city of Madison has a population of 231,916, with the metro coming in at 561,505 (2008 estimates). In comparison the city of Milwaukee has a population of 604,477, with a metro of 1,549,308 (2008 estimates).

So I thought with the scale of both cities Middleton would be a good comparison. However after browsing some maps of the metro areas I think the Waunakee suggestion is more appropriate since it appears to be farther on the fringe of the Madison metro.

Here's a comparison for you guys. What do you think about this: Johnson Creek Outlets to Madison is Pabst Farms (in Oconomowoc) to Milwaukee? Not thinking geographical distance so much, but market impact and lure as regional shopping centers.

...growing up in Milwaukee myself...


I share that POV with you, growing up in Madison and now living in Milwaukee. I always wondered about the statistics on transplants the two cities share.

Downtown office tower expected in "near future"
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 10, 2009 10:08 a.m. | Construction of a new downtown office tower is expected to happen in "the near future," broker Dan Wroblewski, Inland Cos. vice president, said at this morning's 2009 Commercial Real Estate Market Update.

Wroblewski, speaking to around 300 people at the Italian Community Center, said there is pent-up demand for high-end office space downtown. He was among the speakers at the update, which was presented by the Wisconsin chapter of NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association and the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin.

Wroblewski told me after the event that there are suburban tenants looking to move downtown, as well as downtown tenants that are planning to expand operations. That increased demand will drive the construction of a new tower, probably with around 200,000 square feet, he said.

Among tenants that have been looking to either move downtown or expand downtown are accounting firm Baker Tilly, engineering firm CH2M Hill and law firm Godfrey & Kahn, Wroblewski said.

I'll have more highlights from the event later at JSOnline.com, and in Friday's Journal Sentinel.

This is very exciting news, thanks for posting!

How does that 200,000 sqft compare with existing office buildings downtown?

How does that 200,000 sqft compare with existing office buildings downtown?

That's what I was wondering. I'm trying to find online how many square feet US Bank has.

My guess is that US Bank is between 600,000-800,000 sq. ft., but I'm sure someone else would know. It doesn't say on Emporis.

My guess is that US Bank is between 600,000-800,000 sq. ft., but I'm sure someone else would know. It doesn't say on Emporis.

if i remember correctly, the US Bank building has almost exactly dead-on-the-money 1 million square feet... it's a little bit over, if i recall. so, i guess think of a building with 1/4 the office space of the US Bank building. that doesn't mean it would necessarily be 1/4 the size, as it could very well be a mixed-use development with condos/apartments, a hotel, retail and parking levels built in. i guess we'll just have to wait and see...

I was in the Milwaukee area a couple of weeks ago and while vegging out at a local Subway, I had a chance to compare the (very good, BTW) local street maps in the just-issued AT&T 'book' with those in last year's issue (I have a thing for urban planning issues, if anyone in here hasn't noticed). I did not notice very many changes of any real consequence - with one fairly big exception. It looked to me like a significant amount of land area was severed from Pewaukee (the township - and *NO*, I will NOT glorify that dysfunctional mess by referring to it as being a 'City') and annexed into the City of Waukesha.

Is that true and if so, what were the major issues and timeline surrounding that change?

Also, IMHO, all of Pewaukee Township should be split between the City of Waukesha and Village of Pewaukee, with the line being drawn right down the middle of I-94 (keeping the GE property in Waukesha).

Mike

if i remember correctly, the US Bank building has almost exactly dead-on-the-money 1 million square feet... it's a little bit over, if i recall. so, i guess think of a building with 1/4 the office space of the US Bank building. that doesn't mean it would necessarily be 1/4 the size, as it could very well be a mixed-use development with condos/apartments, a hotel, retail and parking levels built in. i guess we'll just have to wait and see...
Not 'suburban' by any means, but I can see that block where that looping westbound on-ramp was at in the pre-rebuild Marquette Interchange being the absolute ideal location of a signature tall building. What, if anything, is currently planned for that now-vacant block?

Mike

Rather than demonstrating any knowledge or insights about Madison, about which you clearly have next to none, you're simply putting some personal resentments on parade. And if you didn't want any mention of crime in Madison or Milwaukee in this thread, you shouldn't have been the one to have raised the subject in the first place. I'm more than happy to move on without any further demonstration of the "mentality" this topic seems to arouse in you.

Of course, because I point out a not so pleasant aspect of Madison, I must not know what I'm talking about. Keep hiding in the sand or dispute the facts, either way start another thread if you must stroke your ego, don't clutter up this thread with your nonsense.

I was in the Milwaukee area a couple of weeks ago and while vegging out at a local Subway, I had a chance to compare the (very good, BTW) local street maps in the just-issued AT&T 'book' with those in last year's issue (I have a thing for urban planning issues, if anyone in here hasn't noticed). I did not notice very many changes of any real consequence - with one fairly big exception. It looked to me like a significant amount of land area was severed from Pewaukee (the township - and *NO*, I will NOT glorify that dysfunctional mess by referring to it as being a 'City') and annexed into the City of Waukesha.

Is that true and if so, what were the major issues and timeline surrounding that change?

Also, IMHO, all of Pewaukee Township should be split between the City of Waukesha and Village of Pewaukee, with the line being drawn right down the middle of I-94 (keeping the GE property in Waukesha).

Mike

the last I heard was that the "city" of pewaukee and the village of pewaukee were studying the possibility of merging together...

http://www.sewrpc.org/pewaukee-merger/

It looked to me like a significant amount of land area was severed from Pewaukee (the township - and *NO*, I will NOT glorify that dysfunctional mess by referring to it as being a 'City') and annexed into the City of Waukesha.

Ha ha ha! Too funny!

Also, IMHO, all of Pewaukee Township should be split between the City of Waukesha and Village of Pewaukee, with the line being drawn right down the middle of I-94 (keeping the GE property in Waukesha).

Sounds good to me. I have family in the area, and it really needs to happen this way. Services are a disaster out there.

I was in the Milwaukee area a couple of weeks ago and while vegging out at a local Subway, I had a chance to compare the (very good, BTW) local street maps in the just-issued AT&T 'book' with those in last year's issue (I have a thing for urban planning issues, if anyone in here hasn't noticed). I did not notice very many changes of any real consequence - with one fairly big exception. It looked to me like a significant amount of land area was severed from Pewaukee (the township - and *NO*, I will NOT glorify that dysfunctional mess by referring to it as being a 'City') and annexed into the City of Waukesha.

Is that true and if so, what were the major issues and timeline surrounding that change?


I'll be in town over the holidays, and if I see my relatives who live in the area that was transfered, I'll ask them, and report back. I know they've told me the reason before, but I forgot what they said.

With the new decade beginning soon, which suburban areas will see population growth in next ten years? One area that I think will see a lot of growth will be the "Highway 60 Corridor". The area between Grafton and Hartford in the last 10 years has been in transition from an area with 50 acre farm fields to a mix of preserved natural spaces, residential and commercial areas. One sign of continued growth is road improvements. Highway 60 will be widened to a 4 lane divided highway from US 41 in Slinger to US 45 in Jackson through the Town of Polk. Also plans for a roundabout or traffic signals at Highway 60 and County Highway G (Division Road) near Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School are in the works. When you have projects that involve traffic signals, road improvements and safety controls, the area is in transition from rural to suburban.
This happened a lot along and in the surrounding areas of Highway 167 in Mequon and Germantown over the last decade. Many roadways were rebuilt, turn lanes were added at intersections and traffic signals were added as well.

Another suburban area that is also going through a similar transition is along Highway 83 between Delafield and Mukwonago. Plans are in the works to widen most of the remaining 2 lane sections south of I-94 from Delafield to Mukwonago except through Genesee Depot. The majority of the growth there has been residential in last decade though commercial development and civic projects will be a large part of it in the next decade. The area around North Prairie to Mukwonago and Eagle will be in need of a medical center, a regional fire department similar to the Lake Country Fire/Rescue, and more public parks space.

What other suburban areas will see population growth in the next decade?

With the new decade beginning soon, which suburban areas will see population growth in next ten years? One area that I think will see a lot of growth will be the "Highway 60 Corridor". The area between Grafton and Hartford in the last 10 years has been in transition from an area with 50 acre farm fields to a mix of preserved natural spaces, residential and commercial areas.

While I do agree this area will see some growth, I don't suspect it will be all too dramatic. Unlike a lot of other communities not so far from the likes of Slinger, Hartford, and Grafton, the communities that make up this "corridor" are too spread out and rural for any type of dramatic growth to occur (with the exception of Cedarburg and Grafton perhaps). The widening of 60 will be nice, not that I get to use it much, but it is needed and would be interesting to see what spurs from it. All of these communities were experiencing rapid growth prior to the economic downturn, but they were pretty localized for the most part. Of the thousands of residents added to Hartford over the last decade, I will say that the city did a piss poor job of planning for them. They kept approving all these new subdivisions and saw the population continue to grow year to year, but did very little to nothing to improve any of the roads, schools, or other infrastructure in the area...and it hasn't spawned shit for development in the city either. I still can't buy a bucket of chicken in this shithole.

If the area is destined to keep growing, I just hope it is done right. At least they have enough sense in Jackson to put in roundabouts...so I guess there is some hope.

I'll be in town over the holidays, and if I see my relatives who live in the area that was transfered, I'll ask them, and report back. I know they've told me the reason before, but I forgot what they said.

The following is according to my relatives who live in that area: The Town of Pewaukee wanted to incorporate to avoid being annexed to Waukesha and perhaps other cities. But to incorporate, they needed permission of adjacent cities, in this case Brookfield and Waukesha. Broofield did not object, but Waukesha did. The transfer of land to Waukesha was what allowed Waukesha to agree to the incorporation.

This explanation raises some questions in my mind about the relationship between cities, villages and towns in WI (assuming my relatives' answer was 100% complete and accurate). Such as: is there a difference between villages and cities in WI, whereby the Village Pewaukee was not required to give permission, but Brookfield and Waukesha were? Also, do WI cities have "spheres of influence" that amount to an area that will likely be annexed at a future time? If so, perhaps the portion of the former Town of Pewaukee that was acquired by Waukesha was in their Sphere of Influence.

Happy New Years

The following is according to my relatives who live in that area: The Town of Pewaukee wanted to incorporate to avoid being annexed to Waukesha and perhaps other cities. But to incorporate, they needed permission of adjacent cities, in this case Brookfield and Waukesha. Broofield did not object, but Waukesha did. The transfer of land to Waukesha was what allowed Waukesha to agree to the incorporation.

This explanation raises some questions in my mind about the relationship between cities, villages and towns in WI (assuming my relatives' answer was 100% complete and accurate). Such as: is there a difference between villages and cities in WI, whereby the Village Pewaukee was not required to give permission, but Brookfield and Waukesha were? Also, do WI cities have "spheres of influence" that amount to an area that will likely be annexed at a future time? If so, perhaps the portion of the former Town of Pewaukee that was acquired by Waukesha was in their Sphere of Influence.

Happy New Years
In Wisconsin, a 'village' is, IMHO, just another class of a city. Cities come in four 'classes', mainly based on population, and villages can be thought of as 'cities of the fifth class'. My guess on why the Village of Pewaukee didn't object was that back then, there were already strong indications that the two are on a long-term track to merge. Still, though, what Waukesha got from the township here looks to be almost exactly what they were looking to get from the township all along and where the lines are drawn will definitely make governing that area far, far easier than it was in the township days.

MANY cities and villages in Wisconsin include sections in their comprehensive plans that cover long-range planning for areas that the cities and villages consider to be likely to be annexed to them within the time frames covered by the plans. There are also 'extra-territorial' zoning and subdivision controls that cities and villages can exercise for certain distances into adjacent unincorporated township areas.

Anyways, as it stands, local government in Wisconsin is a severely balkanized mess and serious top-to-bottom reforms are badly needed - with my hometown area being the ultimate 'poster child' of that.

Mike

I think with the acquisition of Lake Michigan water, New Berlin may reach 45-50,000 by 2020.

Costco proposes store in Pewaukee

By Joe Taschler of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jan. 12, 2010 12:24 p.m.

Retailer Costco Wholesale Corp. wants to open its second Milwaukee-area location, this one in the Village of Pewaukee, officials said Tuesday.

The store would be built northwest of the intersection of Highway 164 and Capitol Drive and north of an existing Wal-Mart store, according to documents filed with the village. Highway 164 is also known as Pewaukee Road where the Costco is proposed.

The village Plan Commission is set to review the initial site plan for the 148,525-square-foot store on Thursday.

Costco, a members-only warehouse retail store, has a location in Grafton at Highway 60 and I-43. It also has a store in Middleton.

The approximately 20-acre site where Costco is proposing to build in Pewaukee would need to be rezoned to accommodate a retail business. It is now zoned for offices.

The village land use plan, which also calls for office use at that spot, would also need to be changed.

The proposed Costco site already has median cuts in place and infrastructure for traffic signals, which would be installed as part of the plan.

"I think it's a good location" for a Costco, said Village President Jeff Knutson.

Knutson said he didn't foresee any problems with the approval process.

"I think it will become a destination" for shoppers around the region, he said.

The intersection of Highway 164 and Capitol Drive sees slightly more than 20,000 vehicles a day on average, according to the state Department of Transportation. The intersection is about three miles north of I-94.

Performance is strong

Costco is continuing to perform well despite a pullback in consumer spending, said John Melaniphy, a real estate economist and market analyst who is founder and owner of Melaniphy & Associates, a Chicago retail consulting firm.

"They're very good at what they do," Melaniphy said.

The company follows a roadmap of measured growth, he said.

"They haven't run out and built a thousand stores. I think they build 14 or 15 stores a year," Melaniphy said.

Based in Issaquah, Wash., Costco operates 566 warehouse stores. Of those, 413 are in the United States and Puerto Rico; 77 in Canada, 21 in the United Kingdom; seven in Korea; six in Taiwan; nine in Japan; 32 in Mexico and one in Australia.

Costco has 60 million people who are "card-carrying members" of the warehouse club, according to the company's fiscal 2009 annual report.

Annual membership fees for Costco start at $50, according to the company's Web site.

Bullish outlook

"With respect to valuation, we remain decidedly bullish on the longer-term outlook for Costco given the value creation driven by its growing stream of membership fee income, which accounts for over 85% of the company's operating income," said a Jan. 7 research report from analyst Peter Benedict at Robert W. Baird.

Costco plans to open 16 to 18 new warehouse stores in 2010, according to the annual report.

By Tom Kertscher of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jan. 18, 2010 3:56 p.m.

Glendale — A kickoff event for developing a master plan for a "greenway" along the Milwaukee River is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hilton Milwaukee River, 4700 N. Port Washington Road.

The aim of the master plan will be to link public and private land in Milwaukee, Shorewood and Glendale to create a recreation and wildlife corridor on both sides of the river, according to an announcement by the Village of Shorewood.

The announcement says that the Milwaukee River Work Group's event will review improvements to the river and give an overview of the master plan process.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/81990652.html

Von Maur possible for Brookfield Square (http://www.jsonline.com/business/81941737.html)

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5148/brookfield18g.jpg

A new expansion plan for Brookfield Square mall would add a wing at the southwest edge of the center, including a Von Maur department store.

Jim von Maur, president of the upscale, Iowa-based department store chain, said he received a call last week from CBL & Associates Properties Inc., the mall's owner, about the new plan.

"It's certainly a center that we'd like to be a part of, but we're in discussions with other centers as well," von Maur said.

The plan, which was posted on a CBL Web site, is still conceptual, said Katie Reinsmidt, spokeswoman for CBL, which is based in Chattanooga.

"We always look for ways to improve our properties," Reinsmidt said. "We generally haven't put things on the Web site until they're further along."

The plan has not been submitted to the City of Brookfield for consideration, said Dan Ertl, director of development. CBL has not given the city any indication that there will be any expansion in the near future, Ertl said.

Von Maur, which is family-owned and headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, has made no secret of its desire to put a store in the Milwaukee area. Two area malls, Brookfield Square and Bayshore Town Center, in the past have confirmed longstanding rumors involving the possibility that an exit or relocation of the Sears stores in those centers would make way for a more upscale department store tenant.

But Sears has not indicated any intention of making changes at either of those centers.

The new Brookfield Square plan would allow the Sears store to remain in place.

The new wing would add 248,000 square feet of retail space, including 150,000 square feet for the proposed Von Maur store. The rest of the space would house 22 specialty stores. It would join the center at an angle, on the west wall of the Sears building, and bring the total square footage for the mall to 1.2 million. Including the stores and restaurants along the periphery of the mall parking lot, the total square footage would be 1.3 million.

The plan also calls for a three-level parking deck to be built to the west of Boston Store.

Von Maur has been described as the "Nordstrom of the Midwest." Von Maur stores sell fashion apparel and accessories in a format similar to Nordstrom, including a grand piano at the center of the store, played by a gentleman in a tuxedo.

Like Nordstrom, Von Maur does not sell home goods - no linens, no tableware, no kitchen equipment. Store size ranges from 42,000 square feet in smaller cities to 203,000 square feet in areas with larger populations. The company has 25 stores in 10 Midwestern states surrounding, but not in, Wisconsin. The closest Von Maur store to Milwaukee is in Glenview, Ill., at the Glen Town Center.

The company has been trying for more than 10 years to find a location in the Milwaukee area. In the past, von Maur and others in the retail industry have said that his efforts to get into local malls have been blocked by other department stores that have veto rights on new tenants.

Von Maur said, despite the recession, that he is ready to expand his chain with a store in the Milwaukee area.

"We're doing quite well," von Maur said. "If we could find a location in Milwaukee today, we would build it."

If the expansion of Brookfield Square gets built, this will be the last nail in the coffin for a mall or lifestyle center at Pabst Farms.

If the expansion of Brookfield Square gets built, this will be the last nail in the coffin for a mall or lifestyle center at Pabst Farms.

Not that that is a bad thing, as Pabst Farms was far too ambitious to begin with. Maybe that area can look forward to a mall in fifty years, if the economy paradoxically stays afloat that long and growth continues like we've seen in the past fifty.

In other words, they should give up.

Not that that is a bad thing, as Pabst Farms was far too ambitious to begin with. Maybe that area can look forward to a mall in fifty years, if the economy paradoxically stays afloat that long and growth continues like we've seen in the past fifty.

In other words, they should give up.

Yeah, I'm not complaining, it seems like Pabst Farms will become an overgrown strip mall, more a power center than anything...

Bass Pro Shops, a retail chain known for operating large, elaborately furnished stores the sell outdoor gear and clothing, is considering Menomonee Falls as a site for its first Wisconsin operation.

A real estate industry source, who spoke only on the condition that he not be identified, said Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro is the 130,000-square-foot "destination retailer" that Menomonee Falls officials are hoping will anchor a proposed development at Highway 45 and Pilgrim Road.


the rest here http://www.jsonline.com/business/82214597.html

Bass Pro Shops, a retail chain known for operating large, elaborately furnished stores the sell outdoor gear and clothing, is considering Menomonee Falls as a site for its first Wisconsin operation.

A real estate industry source, who spoke only on the condition that he not be identified, said Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro is the 130,000-square-foot "destination retailer" that Menomonee Falls officials are hoping will anchor a proposed development at Highway 45 and Pilgrim Road.


the rest here http://www.jsonline.com/business/82214597.html

This excites me. It would be nice if we could get these types of places closer in to the city though. On the other hand, most of the likely customers will be affluent suburban types anyway, and I suppose it is closer than Cabelas, so I'll take it in Meno Falls.

Jan. 21, 2010 11:28 a.m. | An area development firm wants to build over 200 housing units, along with retail space, on a 185-acre site in Germantown.

Hartland-based Northern States Development Group LLC has submitted its conceptual plan to the Village Board, which gave the proposal an initial review this week. The site is east of Highway 45-41 and north of Highway 167/Holy Hill Road.


the rest here http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/82264887.html

Big news for Racine!!

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/82554187.html

Racine — Thousands of employees, their families and other guests are getting their first look at a new architectural showpiece on the campus of SC Johnson and Son in Racine.

Fortaleza Hall opens officially on Monday. It includes displays and memorabilia of the 124-year-old household product maker's history, a Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room, and a commons area for employee dining, a company store, bank, fitness center and other facilities.

FINALLY!

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=740307

Now can ERNIE do something about his mish mash dealership?
It is the flagship EVS.

Does anyone know whatever happened to this project? I drove by it again today and its still in the same gutted state it was 1.5 years ago. It is really quite an eye sore. I tried to google for some updates but couldn't find anything.

Few additional area businesses seen; a Falls Bass Pro could be competition

A few years ago, Washington County officials thought a $4 million lure, in the form of a subsidy to outdoor gear retailer Cabela's, would help snare jobs and tax revenue.

But so far, this fish story is more like the one that got away.

After Cabela's Inc. opened a huge store in Owatonna, Minn., the city of 23,000 lured a lot of nearby developments: a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn with an indoor water park; sit-down restaurants, including Famous Dave's BBQ and Timber Lodge Steakhouse; and outlet stores such as Slumberland and Russell Stover candy.


the rest here; http://www.jsonline.com/business/83106322.html

unfortunate, but most likely due to the recession.

A bark with bite: Couple cited for removing trees from bluff
Erosion plan calls for planting 40 trees

By MARY BUCKLEY

Posted: Jan. 22, 2010

Fox Point — A Milwaukee couple are due in municipal court Feb. 2 after police issued them 20 citations for cutting trees on the bluff without a permit.

...And, the rest from myfoxpointnow.com (http://www.myfoxpointnow.com/news/82412447.html)

Few additional area businesses seen; a Falls Bass Pro could be competition

A few years ago, Washington County officials thought a $4 million lure, in the form of a subsidy to outdoor gear retailer Cabela's, would help snare jobs and tax revenue.

But so far, this fish story is more like the one that got away.

After Cabela's Inc. opened a huge store in Owatonna, Minn., the city of 23,000 lured a lot of nearby developments: a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn with an indoor water park; sit-down restaurants, including Famous Dave's BBQ and Timber Lodge Steakhouse; and outlet stores such as Slumberland and Russell Stover candy.


the rest here; http://www.jsonline.com/business/83106322.html

unfortunate, but most likely due to the recession.

What do you expect during a depression?

What do you expect during a depression?

Really bad stuff. But during a recession, like we are in right now, maybe they expect a little more?

lol you've had some zingers today, coldwake.

Ha yeah... I forgot to take my sarcasm suppression medication yesterday. :|

Developer hopes to bring Target, senior apartments to Brookfield site

Minneapolis-based developer Ryan Cos. has agreed to buy a 23-acre site in Brookfield, where the company hopes to develop a Target discount store and senior apartments.

That's the word from two real estate industry sources who spoke to me about the project on the condition that I don't publish their names.

A Ryan executive hasn't returned my phone calls yet. A Target spokesman said the company hasn't announced plans for a new Brookfield store. Typically, Target announces its new stores one year ahead of when the store will open, spokesman Kyle Thompson said.

the rest here; http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/87342142.html

is a Target "discount store" different than a normal Target or is that just what they call all of their stores

Target is a discount store along with Walmart and Kmart.

Weissgerbers to expand Gasthaus restaurant, eventually build hotel
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
March 22, 2010 3:10 p.m. |(0) COMMENTS

The Weissgerber family plans to expand its Gasthaus restaurant, in Waukesha, and hopes to eventually build a hotel at that location, under a proposal to be reviewed Wednesday by the ciy Plan Commission.

The proposal calls for adding 2,900 square feet to the restaurant, 2720 N. Grandview Blvd. Most of that new space would be used to expand the restaurant's banquet facility, said co-owner Jack Weissgerber.

That second-floor banquet room now seats around 85 people, he said. With the expansion, it could seat around 130 to 140 people, and would include an elevator.

Work on that expansion could begin by fall if the project receives zoning approval and financing, Weissgerber said.

Also, the Weissgerbers are proposing a four-story hotel, with 90 rooms and a 60-space underground parking structure. The hotel would be built south of the restaurant, on part of the parking lot.

The combination of a hotel and expanded banquet facility would help improve the restaurant's ability to attract group business, Weissgerber said.

The Gasthaus has a highly visible location that's close to several large businesses, such as GE Healthcare, Weissgerber said. But the 2.5-acre site, at the corner of Grandview Blvd. and Silvernail Road, has been underused, he said.

The development of the hotel probably won't begin until a year or two from now, Weissgerber said. He said the family will wait until the economy has recovered enough to make a new hotel feasible.

"Right now is not a good time to jump into the hotel market," Weissgerber said.

The family has operated Gasthaus since 1983.

Stalled Falls hotel project resuming work with $17.7 millon village loan
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 20, 2010 11:04 a.m. |(1) Comments

A long-stalled hotel development plan in Menomonee Falls will resume construction work within a few weeks, thanks to a $17.7 million loan from the village.

The Village Board voted Monday night to sell bonds to finance the project. That amount, plus interest, will be repaid to the village by 2026 by Lodging Investors of Menomonee Falls LLC, an investment group formed by Madison-based Professional Hospitality LLC.

The investment group plans to have a 135-room Radisson Hotel completed by Jan. 1 at W14776 Main St., just west of Highway 45. Professional Hospitality, which operates 16 hotels in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Colorado, is led by Dean Grosskopf, president.

Board members voted 6-0 to approve the loan because Lodging Investors has been unable to obtain private financing to complete the project, said Village Manager Mark Fitzgerald. Without the village loan, the project would have remained uncompleted for years, he said.

"That simply was not a viable alternative," Fitzgerald told me Tuesday morning, after the Community Development Authority approved a new development agreement among that agency, the Village Board and Lodging Investors.

A long wait would have continued to leave an eyesore at the prominent development site, and would have continued to prevent a larger redevelopment plan for Main St., Fitzgerald said.

The Radisson site is now occupied by the concrete shell of the former Falls Inn. That dilapidated building was largely demolished in 2008, and the five-story shell will be redeveloped into the Radisson.

The work on the project stopped after the September 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, which led to a freeze in the commercial credit markets.

I'll have more details later at JSOnline.com, and in Wednesday's Journal Sentinel.

^^
How many different hotel brands have been in that building so far?

:lol:

Mike

Has anyone taken any recent photos of the removal of the Oak Leaf Trail Bridge in Shorewood? Its a former rail bridge that is being replaced as part of the Capitol Drive reconstruction. I saw lots of trees and bushes removed to the north and south of the current span. That probably means that the new bike trail bridge will be longer and higher over Capitol Drive. Any pics?

Has anyone taken any recent photos of the removal of the Oak Leaf Trail Bridge in Shorewood? Its a former rail bridge that is being replaced as part of the Capitol Drive reconstruction. I saw lots of trees and bushes removed to the north and south of the current span. That probably means that the new bike trail bridge will be longer and higher over Capitol Drive. Any pics?

I actually found some photos from the Capitol Drive Construction Page on Facebook:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs552.snc3/30194_116965225003455_111276065572371_142149_6887912_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs512.ash1/30194_116965231670121_111276065572371_142150_3236817_n.jpg

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs552.snc3/30194_116965238336787_111276065572371_142151_638584_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs512.ash1/30194_116965241670120_111276065572371_142152_4578977_n.jpg

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs552.snc3/30194_116965245003453_111276065572371_142153_6934333_n.jpg

I'd kind of like to know what was wrong with the existing bridge... I ride that trail a few times a week, and it is unfortunate they had to cut down so many of the trees (I think to get equipment in place), to replace this bridge. So really what I don't know is why it needed replacement?

I'd kind of like to know what was wrong with the existing bridge... I ride that trail a few times a week, and it is unfortunate they had to cut down so many of the trees (I think to get equipment in place), to replace this bridge. So really what I don't know is why it needed replacement?

It was an eyesore to Shorewood residents, apparently.

Does anyone know whatever happened to this project? I drove by it again today and its still in the same gutted state it was 1.5 years ago. It is really quite an eye sore. I tried to google for some updates but couldn't find anything.

Public plays role in Falls' boom

The creation of a corporate headquarters, the construction of one of Wisconsin's largest supermarkets, and two redevelopment efforts that will replace dormant properties with a major hotel and retail space: That's an impressive list of projects, given the lingering effects of the recession.

It's even more striking that they're all happening in a community of just 35,000 residents.

Menomonee Falls is a development hot spot in the Milwaukee area, and village taxpayers are playing a key role by providing millions of dollars in financing assistance.

That involvement - particularly in helping redevelop two dilapidated sites - carries some risk, said Randy Newman, village president. But allowing the blighted properties to remain would hurt the community's efforts to attract new businesses.

"The risk of doing nothing was greater than the risk of doing something," Newman said.

The village isn't involved with Woodman's Food Markets Inc.'s construction of a 238,000-square-foot supermarket, which opens in November at Leon Road and N. 124th St. Public financing, however, plays a major role in the other developments.

Industrial parts maker Actuant Corp. is receiving $3.1 million in property tax credits for its $24 million corporate campus being built at Westbrook Corporate Center, a business park west of N. 124th St. and south of Main St. Actuant is moving its headquarters from Butler and operations from Glendale and Butler to Westbrook, where it will have over 400 employees, including 140 new hires, once the project is completed in April 2011.

The village has a much larger stake in the hotel project.

The Village Board in April unanimously approved selling bonds to finance the conversion of the former Falls Inn into a 135-room Radisson Hotel. The $17.7 million loan, plus interest, is to be repaid to the village by 2026 by Lodging Investors of Menomonee Falls LLC, an investment group formed by Madison-based Professional Hospitality LLC.

The Radisson is to be completed by Jan. 1 at 14776 W. Main St., just west of Highway 45.

The village loan was made to restart the project. Lodging Investors in 2008 began stripping the former Falls Inn down to the building shell to prepare for converting it into a Radisson.

But that work ground to a halt after the September 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, which led to a freeze in the commercial credit markets, said Mark Fitzgerald, village administrator.

It became clear that Lodging Investors, led by Dean Grosskopf, wouldn't be able to secure private financing to complete the project for at least another two to three years. Until then, the empty building shell, standing along a main entrance to the village, would be an embarrassing eyesore that would hurt efforts to attract businesses to Main St., Fitzgerald and Newman said.

So the village is now in the hotel business through its loan to Lodging Investors.

To reduce its risk, the village divided the loan into two parts. The first portion has a four-year term, and Lodging Investors is required to repay $4 million in principal during that period.

That loan will be replaced in 2014 by a longer term note. By that time, the hotel is expected to carry an assessed value of $21 million to secure the remaining principal debt of $13.7 million, said Fitzgerald, citing a study done by a village consulting firm. Additional security includes personal guarantees from Grosskopf and the other owners of Lodging Investors.

Finally, Newman and Fitzgerald cite the track record of Professional Hospitality, which operates 16 hotels in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Colorado.

"It's certainly a calculated risk," Newman said. "But we think we've secured it as best we can."

http://www.jsonline.com/business/97713784.html

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/mjs-falls04-2-of-hoffman_jpg-falls0.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i104/gehrijac/falls.jpg

How many different identities has that hotel building had over its life? I seemed like it had a different name every year or so throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

:nuts:

Mike

^^ Did that give you a feeling of Deja Vu? Me too. But since I don't think anyone answered your question on April 20th, Its ok to ask again. :)

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
July 8, 2010 7:00 a.m.

An urban-style residential development proposed for downtown Delafield has won Plan Commission approval, even as one commissioner questioned whether the project is appropriate for the community.

Madison developer Joe McCormick wants to build 13 single-family homes and 64 apartments--a project that would "resemble densely populated neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas," reports Kelly Smith, at LivingLakeCounty.com.

"The proposed development is intended to promote a more pedestrian-friendly and neighborly urban atmosphere than the more traditional Lake Country homes often built in less-densely planned developments usually featuring larger lots and a more-open environment," reports Smith, in this article.

This sounds great. Have you seen any drawings/plans of this? I haven't had any luck searching.

this is a different article about the same story posted above.

By Kelly Smith

Posted: July 2, 2010

City of Delafield — An urban-style single and multifamily home residential project in the core of downtown Delafield has been approved by the Plan Commission, although one commissioner questioned whether the architectural theme of the project is appropriate for the community.

Madison developer Joe McCormick's Delafield Lakes is 13 single-family homes between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet on 18,000-square-foot (quarter acre) lots along the east and south side of an extended Bleeker Street, behind the civic center being built along Genesee Street.

Across the street, on the west side of Bleeker, are 64 one- and two-bedroom, upper price-range apartments in two apartment buildings.

Architect Kent Johnson explained to the commission that the homes would be on long and narrow lots (70 feet wide and more than 200 feet deep) with garages located in the back of the houses accessible by an alley. The front of each house would face a boulevard with a front porch located near the front lot line and sidewalk.

Johnson and McCormick acknowledge the 12-acre development will resemble densely populated neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas. However, they said similar developments have been popular in the Madison area.

The proposed development is intended to promote a more pedestrian-friendly and neighborly urban atmosphere than the more traditional Lake Country homes often built in less-densely planned developments usually featuring larger lots and a more-open environment.

Newly appointed Plan Commissioner Matthew Katz questioned the appropriateness of the design.

"It reminds me of something you might see on the East Side (of Milwaukee). Is that something we want in Delafield? Delafield is a rural community where people are used to houses on large lots," he added.

Mayor Ed McAleer, chairman of the Plan Commission, responded that the proposal was consistent with the city's comprehensive plan for the downtown business and residential district. He pointed out that the more-densely populated development would help promote a "pedestrian-friendly" atmosphere downtown.

City Planner Roger Dupler added that development is near the border of central business zoning districts that permit residential and commercial mixed uses. McCormick is also developing the nearby Delafield Woods, a similar-size project of apartments and office space.

Commissioner Chris Smith, chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission, suggested the project will give city officials an opportunity to learn whether a higher-density, urban-style development is marketable in the central business district of a community that has prided itself on its rural residential environment.

The proposal, along with the commission's recommendations, will be forwarded to the Common Council for final approval.


could not find renderings, even on the JSM Properties website or Johnson Design Inc. website.
This proposal was proposed back in January.

Funny that they are trying to market Delafield as still being "rural". I don't know much about Delafield other than what I see from 94, but I think it's suburban or exurban at the least.

By Mike Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: July 12, 2010

New Berlin - Yielding to intense public opposition, New Berlin's Plan Commission on Monday night shot down MSP Real Estate's plans to build a controversial affordable housing and senior housing project in the City Center area.

The prospect of low-income housing for the City Center, an area that was envisioned as having upscale shops and higher-end condominiums, angered some residents. In public comments before the vote, they urged the commission to reject MSP's proposal.

Low-income housing would have a negative effect on attracting retail to the area, would reduce property values and would generate significantly less property tax revenue for the city than condos, said Jeff Kipfmueller, a member of Concerned Citizens of New Berlin, which mounted a drive to defeat MSP's proposal.
:ohno:

the rest here; http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/98291779.html

It's funny, because the large industrial park in New Berlin is made of many many companies that pay their workers less then what the "low income" restrictions are in that project. So the residents are ok with these people coming to New Berlin to work but come 5 pm they better get the heck up out of there lest there be a crime spree!

^^ yea...then many people assume affordable housing is the same as low income, and thus mean crime.:ohno:

Suburban NIMBYs showing their true colors, and the Mayor of New Berlin himself couldn't have said it better: "Our City is filled with prejudice and bigoted people..."

New Berlin mayor apologizes for e-mail misfire (http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/95364874.html)

I go through Ozaukee and Wasington Counties north and northwest of Milwaukee and I have seen a lot of people moving into the area. A lot of new jobs are being created in the area and its bringing in a lot of new residents. Over the next 10 years this will be the fastest growing area in population around Southeast Wisconsin. The population of the communities along the Highway 33 corridor south to the southern county line is estimated at 195,509 as of 2009 and will most likely be over 200,000 by the time the 2010 Census is completed. With the population growing at that rate does it bring up the idea of building a beltline freeway to connect I-43 to US 41 or even to Highway 16 in the Lake Country area? It is something that will have to be looked at to improve connections and commute times between Hartford, West Bend and the Cedarburg/Grafton area to Lake Country, Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac.

I wish, as I take 33 to go home to Beaver Dam fairly often, but I doubt that is even on the radar. The only thing I can see happening any time soon is maybe widening 33 for a certain stretch, but that's about it. It is annoying how there isn't an east-west freeway on the north side of the area though, but I don't think there's enough density to warrant it.

I go through Ozaukee and Wasington Counties north and northwest of Milwaukee and I have seen a lot of people moving into the area. A lot of new jobs are being created in the area and its bringing in a lot of new residents. Over the next 10 years this will be the fastest growing area in population around Southeast Wisconsin. The population of the communities along the Highway 33 corridor south to the southern county line is estimated at 195,509 as of 2009 and will most likely be over 200,000 by the time the 2010 Census is completed. With the population growing at that rate does it bring up the idea of building a beltline freeway to connect I-43 to US 41 or even to Highway 16 in the Lake Country area? It is something that will have to be looked at to improve connections and commute times between Hartford, West Bend and the Cedarburg/Grafton area to Lake Country, Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac.

Well that might improve commute times in the short run, as typical with highway expansion that might just further spread out of the development patterns. That is, it just exposes another "missing" link in the system, and continues to spread a largely suburban development pattern over a greater area.

Does it make sense to continue mowing down greenfields and expanding the footprint of the region (at largely the expense of the inner-core) or does it make sense to work on making that inner core with existing transportation options more attractive to businesses and residents?

Well that might improve commute times in the short run, as typical with highway expansion that might just further spread out of the development patterns. That is, it just exposes another "missing" link in the system, and continues to spread a largely suburban development pattern over a greater area.

Does it make sense to continue mowing down greenfields and expanding the footprint of the region (at largely the expense of the inner-core) or does it make sense to work on making that inner core with existing transportation options more attractive to businesses and residents?
Unfortunately, that's not likely to happen as long as - a ) fuel prices remain stable as they are now (2008's blip notwithstanding), and - b ) the Milwaukee metro area remains as severely politically balkanized as it is now. Because Milwaukee's city limits cover such a tiny percentage of the metro area's land area, there is a deep local political divide that nearly exactly coincides with the city limits, such that it is almost like another country to those not in it - its 'politic' is vastly different from the rest of the area in a way that is unattractive to the suburbanites. If the metro area was all one city, that divide would likely not exist as the entire area would then have an interest and a say in how it is run.

As it stands, yes, I can see an outer 'WI 33' beltline someday running westward from the I-43/WI 57 Port Washington split - that interchange was designed to be a full two-freeway junction (the Stadium North Freeway was originally intended to end there). But, instead of the freeway to the west curving southward and around the west side of Saukville and into Milwaukee's middle-west side (as originally planned), it would curve to the northwest, around the north side of that steel company and towards West Bend and US 41 in the Allenton area.

Mike

As it stands, yes, I can see an outer 'WI 33' beltline someday running westward from the I-43/WI 57 Port Washington split - that interchange was designed to be a full two-freeway junction (the Stadium North Freeway was originally intended to end there). But, instead of the freeway to the west curving southward and around the west side of Saukville and into Milwaukee's middle-west side (as originally planned), it would curve to the northwest, around the north side of that steel company and towards West Bend and US 41 in the Allenton area.

Mike

I agree with it going north of the steel plant in Saukville. Though one option I think that it would be more effective to have is a beltline go southwest going around the Cedarburg Bog west of Saukville and then go west between Jackson and West Bend. This would go between Pleasant Valley Road and County Highway NN north of the Jackson Marsh and the Washington County Fairgrounds. Then it would go south of the Cedar Lakes along Arthur and Butler Roads north of Slinger and Hartford. Then it would go south and parallel to WI 67 south to WI 16 going between Hartford and Hustisford in Dodge County bypassing Rubicon, Iron Ridge, Erin, Neosho and Ashippun south to WI 16 in Waukesha County.

It will take a long time before this would happen if at all but just one option of many that will come up in the years to come.

There were plans to have an east-west connection that roughly followed either Mequon rd or Highland through mequon and germantown.

Here's an old proposal for a northern freeway belt, but it's much closer to the city. I believe this was proposed when there wasn't much development in the area.

http://www.wisconsinhighways.org/milwaukee/bay.html

Here is a modern proposal of a northern connecting freeway in the area of the Milwaukee/Ozaukee county border;

caution, large PDF file.
scroll or type in page number 516, and middle of the page;

http://www.sewrpc.org/SEWRPCFiles/Publications/pr/pr-049_regional_transportation.pdf

or here is the text; and to clarify it is part of the 2035 region plan.

CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE NEW FREEWAY SEGMENT
CONNECTING IH 43 AND USH 45 IN NORTHERN
MILWAUKEE COUNTY/SOUTHERN OZAUKEE COUNTY

At the request of the City of Milwaukee, consideration was given to construction of a new segment of freeway
connecting IH 43 and USH 45 in a corridor located from three to six miles north or south of the Milwaukee
County/Ozaukee County line. A traffic impact analysis was conducted of the potential new freeway with respect
to the existing freeway system and the surface arterial system. The intent of this analysis was to assess whether
the proposed new freeway would have a significant impact on reducing traffic volumes and congestion, and the
need to consider widening of 19 miles of existing freeway in the City of Milwaukee—IH 94 between the
Marquette and Zoo Interchanges and IH 43 between the Mitchell Interchange and Silver Spring Drive. Three
alternative conceptual locations for the freeway were identified for analysis of traffic impacts: one near Good
Hope Road, one near County Line Road, and one near Pioneer Road. The forecast year 2035 average weekday
traffic on these three possible alternative freeway alignments is as follows:

• Good Hope Road Alternative—70,000 to 75,000 vehicles per average weekday
• County Line Road Alternative—45,000 to 55,000 vehicles per average weekday
• Pioneer Road alternative—25,000 to 30,000 vehicles per average weekday

With respect to the traffic impact on the surface arterial street system, each alternative may be expected to result
in a significant reduction of traffic on parallel surface arterial streets, providing a higher level of service to traffic
(faster speeds and increased safety) and a reduction in congestion on certain segments of those streets. Selected
forecast reductions in year 2035 average weekday traffic on surface arterial streets under each possible freeway
alternative are listed below:

• Good Hope Road Alternative
• Good Hope Road—10,000 to 16,000 vehicles per average weekday
• Silver Spring Road—4,000 to 9,000 vehicles per average weekday

After looking over parts of the document, it seems like they studied and nixed the idea of a connector freeway. see page 362 (396/638) of the same document

A number of comments were made proposing the expansion of plan recommendations:
• One comment suggested a new freeway connecting IH 43 and USH 45 north of STH 60.

Response:
• A proposed freeway connecting IH 43 and USH 45 with alignments between W. Good Hope Road and Pioneer Road was examined and rejected for inclusion in the plan. The plan recommends either widening to four traffic lanes or reserving right-of-way for four traffic lanes on STH 60 between IH 43 and USH 45.

The plan recommends either widening to four traffic lanes or reserving right-of-way for four traffic lanes on STH 60 between IH 43 and USH 45.

I know on Monday they are starting work on Hwy 60 between Grafton and Cedarburg from 1st Ave to Hwy 181 at 5 Corners. I'm not sure if they are widening the road to 4 lanes though.

^^ it's an alarming prospect to read people actually considering building a northern belt line through undeveloped greenfields, protected wetlands and hundreds of historic neighbourhoods in the urban core. as if we didn't learn a single lesson from our previous generation of developers who did everything wrong by carving out the metro area with overbuilt, costly and unsightly highways that scar the once picturesque landscape. the same goes for the dimwits currently proposing the waukesha bypass. i have come to the conclusion that engineers have absolutely no sense of how to build a city... they just seem to enjoy knocking things over and building new crap everywhere they can.

it's not as though traffic can't get through this corridor... Capitol drive allows for motorists to make their way all the way through to the lake Michigan from Pewaukee. sure, you can't go 75mph on it, but i would argue that this is a good thing. gradual smart growth and urban development does not come with expanded highways reaching out to undeveloped farmlands. if you build a massive interstate extension, you will have what is known as "leapfrog development" where current residents on the fringes of the suburban ring in the northwest (menomonee falls, sussex, etc) will move even further out in anticipation of more highway construction and development and this will leave an unhealthy gap around the formerly outer ring, causing property values in those areas to decline as residents and businesses move out.

no, we do NOT need any more highways. we need LESS.

After looking over parts of the document, it seems like they studied and nixed the idea of a connector freeway. see page 362 (396/638) of the same document

see did read that awhile ago that the consideration WAS dropped, but then i found that more recent doc that i just posted above. HOWEVER, I just found some more info in the same doc (they kinda scattered these 3 proposals all over in this part of the doc.) that the proposal is IN FACT NOT up for consideration, so yea you're right;

page 520
With respect to the impacts of the possible new freeway on the existing freeway system, the proposed new
freeway may be expected to modify the routing of traffic, or traffic patterns, on the existing freeway system;
however, the net impact on reducing or increasing freeway traffic volume may be expected to be modest, as
shown in Table F-2.
Because the possible new freeway connecting IH 43 and USH 45 in northern Milwaukee County and southern
Ozaukee County would have little impact on reducing or increasing freeway traffic volume on any segment of the
existing freeway system, it would also have little impact on the need to address existing freeway system design,
safety, and congestion problems. All three alternatives of the proposed new freeway connection may be expected
to reduce average weekday traffic on selected parallel surface arterials, as previously noted.
Construction of any of the alternative freeway connections would likely require the acquisition of a right-of-way
corridor generally 240 feet to 300 feet or more in width. Additional right-of-way would be required at both USH
45 and IH 43 to provide system interchanges and at selected surface arterial streets to provide service
interchanges. Accordingly, because the proposed freeway connection would have minimal impact on the existing
freeway system, and require acquisition of a new right-of-way corridor, further consideration of the proposed
freeway connection is not recommended.

IIRC the more recent proposal was requested by the city of Milwaukee under Mayor Knackwurst to get the state to reconsider adding capacity when they rebuilt the Marquette Interchange. The summary statements seem to support WISDOT's position that it wouldn't have had much impact on traffic volumes downtown. I take their numbers with a grain of salt.

I know this is reading into SEWPC's final recommendation to not construct a bypass, but here goes.

So by denying the usefulness of a northern bypass, was SEWRPC tacitly acknowledging that such bypasses such as 894 or Hwy 16 in Waukesha County, that they are essentially just expensive alternatives to expanding capacity on county, state, and local parallel routes?

Keep in mind, I'm not talking about the large economic benefits of connecting metropolitan areas, I'm talking about the effectiveness of moving people intra-region.

DON'T FORGET that those freeways, and the continuing status of their health, are of beyond-critical importance to the very economic existence of the entire state north of metro Milwaukeeland - if goods and people cannot easily get into and out of the Fox Valley, our economic base and its jobs will all go somewhere else - and face it, most of that traffic uses combinations of the Marquette, Zoo, I-43, I-94 and I-894.

Check a map - those are not just 'Milwaukee' things. Get over it!

:ohno:

Mike

Mike, I agree with your point regarding the health of Milwaukee area freeways with regards to the economy of Northeast Wisconsin. As a roadfan, I much prefer the more modern designs that go along with upgraded freeways, and I am firmly of the opinion that we need to take good care of the freeways we already have. I don't think it serves anyone well to have a major driver of our local economy (our freeway system) choked by out-moded, dangerous design. (like the system interchanges with their suicidal lefthand entrance ramps) People can argue the merits of having major highways serve the majority of freight movements/and general commerce, like subsidies for the trucking industry, but the fact remains that it is the system we have, and it is not changing for the foreseeable future.

OTOH, I am a city resident, and I can attest personally to the destruction wrought by the clearing of vast swaths of city neighborhoods for freeway ROW. Trunk routes? No problem to most folks, but adding ways to make it easier for people to live 30 miles form the CBD and still get home for dinner in a timely manner? That's another story. Hope that makes sense.

As an aside- Has WisDOT begun replacing the horizontal trombone-style traffic signals with multi-head mast arms in the Fox Valley too? It seems like they've gone hog wild for them down here.

I'm still waiting for the new signals in Madison. I didn't see any in the Fox Valley on a recent trip up there either.

Around Madison the new signal poles are all painted black which gives a more classic look to the streetscape.

I'm still waiting for the new signals in Madison. I didn't see any in the Fox Valley on a recent trip up there either.

Around Madison the new signal poles are all painted black which gives a more classic look to the streetscape.
The only 'Illinois style' (ugh!) signals that I have seen up here so far are on N Jackson St (WI 76) at Sunnyview Rd (County 'Y') in Oshkosh.

Interesting, for many, many years, the City of Green Bay has mounted multiple horizontal signal heads on overhead mast arms at major intersections throughout the city.

Right now, the City of Appleton and WisDOT are rebuilding Memorial Dr (WI 47) between the Fox River and College Ave (WI 125) near downtown Appleton. So far, the replacement signal installations are all being done in the normal horizontal style.

MANY intersections here in the Appleton area are also being rebuilt as roundabouts, the most notable new ones opening within the past year are the College/John/Walter intersection at the east end of the newly replaced College Ave Fox River bridge here in Appleton and Jackson/Murdock (US 45/WI 76) in Oshkosh. Oodles of US 41 interchange ramp and frontage road intersections in the Oshkosh-Neenah and Green Bay areas are being redone as roundabouts, too. So far so good, they are all working out very well. In fact, IMHO, the College/John/Walter one in Appleton was the ideal solution for that intersection.

Mike

Nice Project ..

Here is a controversial reply. Think Big, really big. We need the following.

1. Metra to Chicago - linking ourselves to Chicago helps rather than hurts.
2. Build Highspeed rail to Chicago, Minneapolis with stops in Madison and Green Bay.
3. Build Northern Bypass - I43 to 45, extend to 16?
4. Build Outer Beltway starting in Racine, around 20 to 83 and swinging northeast to connect to 41 and 43.

The big dog isn't the big dog if looking at another dog's ass. Giddy Up

I took a look at the proposals for building a bypass around the west side of Waukesha to I-94 in Pewaukee. Here is the link: http://www.waukeshabypass.org/

I took a look at the three proposals and I like the alignment to County Highway SS much better than the Highway T and TT proposals.

The SS proposal would go from SS and I-94 south of Silvernail Road connecting Woodside Drive, and Cloverleaf Lane neighborhoods to this alignment. Then it would connect to Northview Road. Then the road would connect to a possible extension of Road DT and then to US 18 Summit Avenue west of the Oakmont neighborhood. Then Woodland Trail in the Oakmont neighborhood would connect to the new roadway. The road would then connect to Madison Street and continue south and then turn southeast connecting to an possible extension of MacArthur Road west of Merril Hills Road. Then the highway would cross Merril Hills Road and Sunset Drive going east of the Merrill Hills Country Club. Finally the highway would go along a creek corridor and then connecting to the Les Paul Parkway/Genessee and Saylesville Roads. Probably an interchange would work best in that spot.

I like the SS proposal because it has the least amount of property acquisitions and its the best alignment for an interstate connection if needed years down the road. The major issue that will require some kind of a compromise will have to be with the Retzer Nature Center which is in the path of this highway alignment. My guess is that this will be the proposal that will happen.

I don't really see the Waukesha West bypass as something that really should be a state project. I'm sure this will reduce some road congestion on area roads, but I don't see why the local governments can't expand their existing roads.

Does anyone even have an estimate of how many cars this thing will carry?

No northern bypass makes sense. Ozaukee county wants to stay rural. You have golf courses up there, river hills, which is next to no density, and overall the area seems to have developed to reflect the lack highways up there. I do see having to widen i43 to three lanes further north though. I think the northern subrbs will be for the people who want lots of land and can afford it, all those evil rich people. This would mean that the western and southern suburbs will have to be more compact and affordable, though, and those people will demand much more road building, which ought to royally piss off the folks around here.

MANY intersections here in the Appleton area are also being rebuilt as roundabouts, the most notable new ones opening within the past year are the College/John/Walter intersection at the east end of the newly replaced College Ave Fox River bridge here in Appleton and Jackson/Murdock (US 45/WI 76) in Oshkosh. Oodles of US 41 interchange ramp and frontage road intersections in the Oshkosh-Neenah and Green Bay areas are being redone as roundabouts, too. So far so good, they are all working out very well. In fact, IMHO, the College/John/Walter one in Appleton was the ideal solution for that intersection.

Mike

Are some of them open already? I didn't think any of those projects were done yet, but I never get any further north than US45 across the Butte des Mortes bridge (which I can't wait to get done!@!).

I hope someone can put to bed an issue I just can't figure out in Oshkosh. Occasionally, I leave Hartford at around 330 or 4 to head up to Stevens Point on Friday afternoons. I generally make it to Oshkosh around 5 and just about every time, it is stop and go from a few miles south of town all the way across the bridge....but I NEVER see anything that is holding up the traffic. As soon as I am across the bridge, it seems to clear up but I get off there so I don't know for sure. Is it because the 45 exit is pitifully small and cars are often backed up to the freeway? I just always expect to see an accident somewhere considering how slow everything moves, but that is very rarely the case. I really hope the reconstruction project on 41 alleviates this, but I have always been curious if there is a particular reason for the congestion...or if it just the fact that it is only 2 lanes and rush hour.

^^
Simple, too many cars, not enough road. Also, the intersection left turn at the interchange at the north end of the causeway, LOTS of vehicles turn left there to head 'out' on US 45. The upgrades include a full-speed free-flow ramp for that turn.

That US 41 causeway is one of the most major 'weak spots' in the entire Wisconsin highway network - there is no other good way through that entire area for traffic between NE Wisconsin and points south and southwest. The next crossing upstream is WI 116 at Winneconne, the downstream ones are all Oshkosh city streets. Whenever that causeway does go down, Oshkosh city streets cannot even begin to carry the load.

As for the roundabouts, the first ones connected with the US 41 upgrades in the Oshkosh-Neenah area are expected to open in a few weeks, they are the ones where Witzel Ave meets the two US 41 frontage roads. Others along US 41 will open progressively over the next few years.

Mike

^^

As for the roundabouts, the first ones connected with the US 41 upgrades in the Oshkosh-Neenah area are expected to open in a few weeks, they are the ones where Witzel Ave meets the two US 41 frontage roads. Others along US 41 will open progressively over the next few years.

Mike

If you see news articles about the roundabouts and remember, could you please post the weblink? I know that the buzz around adding roundabouts is much ado about nothing, but I'm still very interested to see the "nothing" that follows roundabouts incoroporated into intersections with freeway entrances/exits and surface streets.

This was too funny, should bring a smile to most here.

Death of the 'McMansion': Era of Huge Homes Is Over
http://www.cnbc.com/id/38757287

I took a look at the proposals for building a bypass around the west side of Waukesha to I-94 in Pewaukee. Here is the link: http://www.waukeshabypass.org/

I took a look at the three proposals and I like the alignment to County Highway SS much better than the Highway T and TT proposals.

The SS proposal would go from SS and I-94 south of Silvernail Road connecting Woodside Drive, and Cloverleaf Lane neighborhoods to this alignment. Then it would connect to Northview Road. Then the road would connect to a possible extension of Road DT and then to US 18 Summit Avenue west of the Oakmont neighborhood. Then Woodland Trail in the Oakmont neighborhood would connect to the new roadway. The road would then connect to Madison Street and continue south and then turn southeast connecting to an possible extension of MacArthur Road west of Merril Hills Road. Then the highway would cross Merril Hills Road and Sunset Drive going east of the Merrill Hills Country Club. Finally the highway would go along a creek corridor and then connecting to the Les Paul Parkway/Genessee and Saylesville Roads. Probably an interchange would work best in that spot.

I like the SS proposal because it has the least amount of property acquisitions and its the best alignment for an interstate connection if needed years down the road. The major issue that will require some kind of a compromise will have to be with the Retzer Nature Center which is in the path of this highway alignment. My guess is that this will be the proposal that will happen.


I grew up along this beautiful rustic road (TT) with century-old oak trees lining its winding green path... I will fight you in the streets before I condone this project. It's been proposed several times for nearly 30 years and keeps getting shot down for a very good reason: it is COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. basically, it's greedy developers, overzealous civil engineers and lazy commuters who want to destroy a beautiful landscape so that they can cut a few minutes off their drive time in the morning. Nope. Not going to happen if I have anything to do with it (which I do). This insane highway-addicted culture in which we live has got to stop. Why is there all this complaining of funding for rail projects when you get absolutely unwarranted ideas like this proposed which cost FAR MORE per mile than any rail line would???

No. No. No Waukesha Bypass. No.

I grew up along this beautiful rustic road (TT) with century-old oak trees lining its winding green path... I will fight you in the streets before I condone this project. It's been proposed several times for nearly 30 years and keeps getting shot down for a very good reason: it is COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. basically, it's greedy developers, overzealous civil engineers and lazy commuters who want to destroy a beautiful landscape so that they can cut a few minutes off their drive time in the morning. Nope. Not going to happen if I have anything to do with it (which I do). This insane highway-addicted culture in which we live has got to stop. Why is there all this complaining of funding for rail projects when you get absolutely unwarranted ideas like this proposed which cost FAR MORE per mile than any rail line would???

No. No. No Waukesha Bypass. No.

Something needs to be done. Maybe not a bypass, but traffic at the intersection of Merrill Hills (TT) and Madison Street is horrible. My in-laws live just east of the intersection on Madison, and whenever I go out there to pick up my daughter in the afternoon, I get stuck in traffic a half mile from the stop sign, and wait for fifteen minutes just to turn left. Perhaps a roundabout or light would work better here. I agree with you about TT south of Madison St, to 59. It is beautiful.

I enjoyed going to see the Parade of Homes today. I went to Reflections Village in Richfield. Its in a very good location along Highway 175 (Appleton Avenue) between Hubertus Road and Highway 167 Holy Hill Road. It was interesting to see what the new homes have to offer in design, layout and the overall plans for the community. I have the feeling that this community will fill in quickly with the smaller scale Village Square/commercial/retail at the entrance with the homes and hiking trails behind that area.

In order for this area to benefit well fron this, things need to be done along Highway 175. The traffic in that area is already busy enough they need to improve the roadway from Beechwood Industrial Court to Pleasant Hill Road. Probably street lights, a walking path along that stretch between both streets to make it pedestrian friendly, traffic signals at Hubertus Road, Skyline Drive/Reflections Drive, and Highway 167 Holy Hill Road. Once that is done, a fully integrated "Downtown Richfield" will be in place for 3/4 of a mile between Beechwood Industrial Court and Pleasant Hill Road.

I hope that other communities like Richfield look to have new sudivisions that bring in jobs and residents in the same development.

By Kathleen Gallagher of the Journal Sentinel

Aug. 30, 2010 4:22 p.m
Gauthier Biomedical Inc. will build a 60,000-square-foot headquarters in Grafton, with room to double its employee base, the company said Monday.

Gauthier designs and makes surgical instruments that it sells to medical device and orthopedic companies in the U.S. and overseas in places such as Japan, Switzerland and Germany.

"Over the next five years, we intend to increase our employee base," said Dean Poulos, sales and marketing manager. The company could be hiring 50 to 75 more people in the new facility. It currently has about 60 employees.

The new two-story building will have about 28,000 square feet of office space and 32,000 square feet of expanded manufacturing space that provides added engineering and production capacity, the company said. Opus North Corp. will design and build the facility.

Site preparation for the 10-acre parcel in the Grafton Corporate Park will begin this fall. Construction should begin in January, and is expected to be finished in October 2011.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/101828408.html

Hartland tool-and-die maker to add 30 workers
By Rick Romell of the Journal Sentinel

Aug. 30, 2010 3:22 p.m.
Hartland tooling manufacturer Versevo Inc. will increase its work force by more than 50% as it gears up for a surge of new business.

The 16-year-old company plans to add 30 people to its staff of 55, owner, President and CEO Terry Moon said Monday.

Versevo also will increase the space it leases, to 40,000 square feet from 30,000, with plans to expand to 50,000 square feet next year.

The company makes molds, dies, patterns and fixtures used in casting and injection molding. Versevo's customers include manufacturers in such industries as automotive, agricultural equipment, lawn and garden and construction equipment.

Moon wouldn't name the customers driving Versevo's growth.

"It's probably three to four clients that are doing extremely well," he said.

The largest of the new orders involves making tooling for the manufacture of automotive power train components, he said.

Versevo expects annual sales of $8 million to $10 million this year. Moon believes that will rise by about $3 million with the increased orders the company is winning.

Like many manufacturing firms, Versevo cut employment last year and at one point had less than half its current staff. But demand in such areas as the automotive and power products industries has rallied recently, Moon said.

The new positions to be filled include toolmakers and designers. Pay will range "anywhere from I would say a low of about $17 all the way up to $30 an hour," Moon said. "These are good paying jobs."

The jobs will be filled over the next two to three months, he said.
http://www.jsonline.com/business/101823543.html

Something needs to be done. Maybe not a bypass, but traffic at the intersection of Merrill Hills (TT) and Madison Street is horrible. My in-laws live just east of the intersection on Madison, and whenever I go out there to pick up my daughter in the afternoon, I get stuck in traffic a half mile from the stop sign, and wait for fifteen minutes just to turn left. Perhaps a roundabout or light would work better here. I agree with you about TT south of Madison St, to 59. It is beautiful.

I agree, all that intersection needs is a stoplight. Just have the timing to accompany for more Highway TT traffic during peak hours.