Off-topic a bit, but does anyone know anything about the new buses (over 100, I believe) that the transit system is purchasing over the next couple of years with some stimulus money they received.

An item in the agenda for the county Transportation, Public Works, and Transit committee notes a revised livery for the new buses, but I can't seem to find anywhere on the county's website a picture of the revised bus look. Anyone have any ideas?

Here's the link to the agenda, it's item #3.

http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cntySupervisors/cntybrdstandingcommittees/TPWT/2010/TPWTa030310.pdf

Ran across something pretty interesting. These are two towers from Milwaukee nominated for the AIA Chicago Unbuilt Awards 2008. I've never seen the first tower before.

http://www.aiachicago.org/special_features/2008DEA/images/full/res_043_09-lake-bluff-tower-.jpg
Lake Bluff Tower
Epstein Design

http://www.boothhansen.com/_projects/commercial/_img/comm4_01.jpg

http://www.boothhansen.com/_projects/commercial/_img/comm4_03.jpg

http://www.boothhansen.com/_projects/commercial/_img/comm4_04.jpg
Milwaukee Terrace
Booth Hansen

^yeah, I remember that first one. Too bad nothing ever came of that one. That Chase parking structure one was pretty cool too. This design looked a bit nicer then the ziggurat topped one that followed.

Off-topic a bit, but does anyone know anything about the new buses (over 100, I believe) that the transit system is purchasing over the next couple of years with some stimulus money they received.

An item in the agenda for the county Transportation, Public Works, and Transit committee notes a revised livery for the new buses, but I can't seem to find anywhere on the county's website a picture of the revised bus look. Anyone have any ideas?

Here's the link to the agenda, it's item #3.

http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cntySupervisors/cntybrdstandingcommittees/TPWT/2010/TPWTa030310.pdf

As far as I know, they bought the same NewFlyer Low Floor buses they currently operate. There was an article about NewFlyer in the New York Times last summer that mentioned it.

^yeah, I remember that first one. Too bad nothing ever came of that one. That Chase parking structure one was pretty cool too. This design looked a bit nicer then the ziggurat topped one that followed.

it would be nice if they actually built some of these instead of them living forever and ever only in our imaginations.

Bradley Center aging but has potential, says new leader
By Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: March 7, 2010 |(0) COMMENTS

Marc Marotta, the new chairman of the Bradley Center Sports & Entertainment Corp., has enough political and practical experience to know that drastic change at the region's major arena comes slowly.

While he agrees with his predecessor, Ulice Payne Jr., that the 22-year-old Bradley Center has a finite number of years left as a viable arena, Marotta is just as quick to say the arena can still pack an economic punch.

Look no further than two basketball games this past Saturday: the Marquette University Golden Eagles met the University of Notre Dame in the afternoon, followed by a night game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The combined attendance for the games was more than 37,000.

Later this month, on March 19 and 21, the NCAA men's basketball tournament will fill the arena again.

Payne, who announced his intention to step down as chairman last summer, once said there wasn't enough revenue "juice" left in the Bradley Center "orange."

Marotta knows the economic challenges just as well as Payne did. But in an interview Saturday, he said the Bradley Center has to keep looking for new revenue opportunities and ways to be more cost-efficient.

"We've got to get more juice out of that orange," he said. "We will look at getting additional revenue sources."

As examples, Marotta said his board would look for new restaurant possibilities at the arena. "And we'll look at new kinds of premium seating and maybe we'll do something to modernize our suites," he said.

The Bucks especially have had success with Club Cambria, an area designed specifically for business and client entertainment. That kind of club atmosphere has become more popular in the nation's stadiums and arenas.

But Marotta also points out that, while much of the emphasis at the Bradley Center is placed on sports, it's the concert business that has the greatest potential to generate more revenue.

Marotta is well positioned to be the new point man for the Bradley Center. He is a former state Department of Administration secretary who knows the political landscape in Milwaukee and Madison. He is a partner at Foley & Lardner, one of the city's leading law firms. And he is well connected in town: He has known U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) dating back to Marotta's days as a student and basketball player for Marquette.

"I've built a good relationship with the senator," Marotta said. "The Bucks are our partners, and we want to support them."

Payne was unsuccessful in starting a regional conversation on the future of the Bradley Center and whether a new arena should be considered. Marotta said it would be naïve to ignore the problem, but is also mindful of the current economic realities.

"Ulice was on target, but in the interim, we want to enhance our revenue," Marotta said.

In the interview, Marotta also said:

• Any talk of selling naming rights at the facility is "off the table." The arena was built through the generosity of the late Jane Bradley Pettit in memory of her father, Harry Lynde Bradley. Two years ago, the family objected to a plan to sell naming rights, and the idea was quickly dropped.

• He is open to discussions with the leaders of other entertainment facilities in the city, including the Wisconsin Center District and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, to find ways to save money on labor and office costs.

Development plan for 6th and State dies
By Steve Schultze of the Journal Sentinel

March 8, 2010 3:16 p.m. | Chicago developers have formally pulled the plug on a proposed $75 million apartment, classroom and retail development on N. 6th and W. State streets in downtown Milwaukee near Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee County supervisors were told Monday.

HSA Commercial Real Estate told the county it was no longer interested in purchasing land for the project, said Craig Dillman, the county's real estate manager. The county was seeking $3.1 million for the land, which is now used for surface parking.

HSA lost interest in the deal while the city pondered redeveloping the adjacent MacArthur Square and the recession hit, Dillman said.

HSA took over for another development group on the proposal, which got an initial county approval in 2008. It's the third plan in recent years to go by the wayside. A proposal by County Executive Scott Walker to consolidate county administrative offices in a new building on the site also failed to advance.

Supervisor Theo Lipscomb said it might be best to hold off selling the site until the county decides whether it wants the site for possible future development for courts, the district attorney and a work-release center.

Work release center... just what we need at 6th and state!!!!

There's already a work release center a few blocks away.

"HSA lost interest in the deal..."

I don't understand that... do developers have corporate Attention Deficit Disorder now? it's either a good site for a development or it isn't... how do you "lose interest" on something like this?

Many things have changed since they first looked at that property. It was probably not a strong business case since the recession hit. These developments cost money and arn't done for charity and public good will for skyscraper fans.

Many things have changed since they first looked at that property. It was probably not a strong business case since the recession hit. These developments cost money and arn't done for charity and public good will for skyscraper fans.

this is why i'm a Communist. :carrot:

this is why i'm a Communist. :carrot:

We all knew that already!

Some people in this country still build things because they want to make money.

Maybe you should change your name to MilwaukeeMarx :)

Start-up solar seller seeks city loan for valley venue
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
March 8, 2010


A start-up manufacturer that plans to produce and sell solar energy panels for homes and businesses is seeking a $500,000 loan from a city-affiliated business lending agency to help finance a $7.8 million factory.

Helios USA LLC plans to locate the facility at the Canal Street Commerce Center, 1301 W. Canal St., in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. It will lease 40,000 square feet there.

That's according to an agenda released Monday for the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. The group's Loan and Finance Committee will consider the loan at its Tuesday meeting.

Helios expects to create 54 jobs, according to the agenda. The company's president is Steven Ostrenga.

It was announced in December that Helios was getting $1 million in federal stimulus funds aimed at developing jobs tied to renewable energy.

Supporters of those grants say investing in companies like Helios will help create jobs, while also reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Critics say the use of such grants amounts to the federal government playing an overly intrusive and expensive role in the private market.

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
March 8, 2010


Faculty members and non-faculty scientists in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's new School of Freshwater Sciences don't like the idea of putting the school at the Reed Street Yards, on the Menomonee River canal south of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The faculty and scientists have voted 24-0 for a resolution that recommends UWM either improve the current site of the Great Lakes WATER Institute, which overlooks the harbor at 600 E. Greenfield Ave., or propose an alternative site on the harbor.

The main problem with Reed Street Yards is "serious obstructions" from drawbridge operations and barge traffic to the institute's research vessel, the resolution says.

The resolution was sent to UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago, who says Reed Street Yards might be a better site than putting the freshwater school in an expanded, renovated institute on Greenfield Ave.

Santiago says the large coal storage piles, located just across the street from the institute, make it difficult to raise money for the freshwater school's construction and operations.

UWM officials are still studying both sites, and a final recommendation will be made to the UW-System Board of Regents, said Tom Luljak, vice chancellor of university relations.The faculty resolution is part of the "healthy dialogue and debate" over the issue, Luljak said.

The 17-acre Reed Street Yards, bordered roughly by S. 6th St., S. 3rd St., the Menomonee River canal and W. Florida St., is a former railyard where developers General Capital Group and Peter Moede plan to create a business park.

There's already a work release center a few blocks away.
I know that, hmm let's move it even closer to the stadium / entertainment district. I don't believe the American prison system is based on rehabilitation so let's just tempt these guys even more. I know how about Oak Creek or Wauwatosa, they are in Milwaukee County!!! Let's see them share some of the burden.

I agree with your argument, and I don't have any problem with sharing the burden, but how many jobs are there in Oak Creek?

City seeks fed funds to brew new headquarters at Pabst for Astronautics
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
March 10, 2010 9:15 a.m.


The City of Milwaukee plans to seek $750,000 in federal funds to help renovate a former Pabst brewery building that would house the new headquarters for Astronautics Corp. of America.

The Pabst funding request is included in a list of federal appropriation earmarks that the city is seeking. The Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee is to review that request at its Thursday meeting.

The resolution says the Department of City Development "is assisting the company in locating and developing a central operations site for the company."

"The Pabst Development site is an ideal location for the company. DCD will use the funding to build out and re-design a portion of the Pabst site to accommodate research facilities for Astronautics," the item says.

This doesn't mean Astronautics, now based at 4115 N. Teutonia Ave., has decided to consolidate those offices and its south side manufacturing operations at the Pabst site. My calls to Astronautics and its broker, C.B. Richard Ellis Inc., haven't been returned yet.

The grant could be part of a package of financing assistance that city officials would offer Astronautics, said development department spokesman Jeff Fleming.

Ald. Robert Bauman, whose district includes downtown, told me the city also could provide money through its tax incremental financing district at the Pabst site.

With the district, the city could provide funds that would be repaid through property taxes generated by restored buildings at the Pabst site, which developer Joseph Zilber and others are converting into apartments, offices and retail space.

The grant request is an indication that city officials are working aggressively to keep Astronautics, and its 700-plus jobs, in Milwaukee, said Michael Mervis, Zilber's assistant.

"We're trying to give them the best proposal we can," Mervis said. "This will help."

Astronautics makes navigation systems, avionics displays and other parts for aircraft, including the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Its local manufacturing facilities are at 1426 W. National Ave. and 133 E. Washington St. Company executives are considering proposals to consolidate the headquarters and manufacturing facilities at one location, with up to 250,000 square feet.

I reported in November that sources familiar with that process said the finalists for the project included the former Pabst distribution center. That 175,000-square-foot building, which could be expanded, is bordered by W. Highland and W. Juneau avenues, and N. 8th and N. 9th streets.

In February, the Business Journal reported that Astronautics also was considering New Jersey, where the company has a manufacturing facility.

I agree with your argument, and I don't have any problem with sharing the burden, but how many jobs are there in Oak Creek?

It is a booming little suburb, there's bound to be a few jobs here and there.

We all knew that already!

Some people in this country still build things because they want to make money.

if you thought i was being serious, you're dumber than i expected.

Usbmfa probably knew you THOUGHT you were joking. :lol:

Rendings of the Mercy apartments. Sorry I don't know how to make it smaller! :-)

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/87383782.html

http://media.jsonline.com/images/38024964_Mercy.JPG

^^^^

I like it, that wide base really makes the building look smaller than nine stories though, for better or worse.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/ghost.jpg
I'm not sure how I feel about all the ghostly shadow people walking around the building they plan on including in this project... they're a little creepy. maybe that's how they'll deter visitors from over-parking on the East side?

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/ghost.jpg
I'm not sure how I feel about all the ghostly shadow people walking around the building they plan on including in this project... they're a little creepy. maybe that's how they'll deter visitors from over-parking on the East side?

It looks like the second figure from the left is opening his coat like he is trying to deal drugs or something...

You should listen in on George Noory Coast2Coast when they talk about the shadow people and really get creeped out! :)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/ghost.jpg
I'm not sure how I feel about all the ghostly shadow people walking around the building they plan on including in this project... they're a little creepy. maybe that's how they'll deter visitors from over-parking on the East side?

this must be the apartment building where Noob Saibot resides when he is not fighting in the Mortal Kombat tournament.

have you boys been down to the Bradley Center lately? Some good things happening over there.

have you boys been down to the Bradley Center lately? Some good things happening over there.

Hell yeah, I'm going tomorrow. Really pissed I couldn't go to the last two games, easily two of our biggest wins all season. Cleveland it was like yeah, that's great but LeBron wasn't in...Boston it was like wow, that was huge....and last night, it's just solidifying our legitimacy. Fear the DEER!!

Bradley Center aging but has potential, says new leader
By Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: March 7, 2010 |(0) COMMENTS

He is a former state Department of Administration secretary who knows the political landscape in Milwaukee and Madison. He is a partner at Foley & Lardner, one of the city's leading law firms. And he is well connected in town: He has known U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) dating back to Marotta's days as a student and basketball player for Marquette.

"I've built a good relationship with the senator," Marotta said. "The Bucks are our partners, and we want to support them."



I've got $20 that a new stadium starts construction in three years. Anyone?

I've got $20 that a new stadium starts construction in three years. Anyone?

if the Bucks win the NBA championship this year, I'd be willing to bet money that you're right. otherwise, I'm not so sure.


CORRECTION: if the Bucks are IN the NBA Finals this year, I'd bet they get a new building. anything better than their 2001 push would do it, i think.

Who knows, if they can maintain what they're doing right now maybe 'ol Herb will have a change of heart on donating to the cause or someone else with some deep pockets or some company will show some interest in putting money towards it. Maybe...The AirTran Center?

Who knows, if they can maintain what they're doing right now maybe 'ol Herb will have a change of heart on donating to the cause or someone else with some deep pockets or some company will show some interest in putting money towards it. Maybe...The AirTran Center?

AirTran Center, I like the sound of it! I really hope these wins will translate into a new building...!!!! Although I think the Miller Park Sales Tax may have to be continued for a new building. But I don't have a problem with that...

AirTran Center, I like the sound of it! I really hope these wins will translate into a new building...!!!! Although I think the Miller Park Sales Tax may have to be continued for a new building. But I don't have a problem with that...

as long as you don't have a problem with an RTA sale tax for transit in the area, i don't have a problem with a Miller Park sales tax...

as long as you don't have a problem with an RTA sale tax for transit in the area, i don't have a problem with a Miller Park sales tax...

Nope, as far as sales taxes go I'm all for both of 'em!

As long as that RTA sales tax would someday be used to help fund our light rail system!!!

So if they decide to build a new NBA arena --- what do you think should happen to the other arenas? Keep the Bradley Center? What about the US Cellular Arena? Should they tear them down or keep them up and have more competition for the new arena? Do you think there is enough business to keep all of them operating? Can they all keep up with their operating expenses with the revenue they'd bring in? If they were to decide to tear one or the other or both of the "older" arenas down -- what should be built in their place? If you had $300 million of locally generated dollars to spend -- which would you prefer it be spent on --- a new arena or a convention center expansion? (or development of a new street car line / light rail starter segment?) Thanks for any opinions to be shared. I know its a lot of questions, but I do think they are some important things to think about if considering building a new arena.

As most of us know the BC is not bringing in a lot of money since outside of the winter with the exception of a few concerts it is vacant. If a new arena was built it would need to include some sports bars open year round (like Fridays at Miller Park) and possibly a Bucks and Marquette Hall of Fame. Listening to Ulice Payne talk on 1250 WSSP late last year he said that the BC has 6 years of life left for the Bucks. Garfield makes a good point about what we would do if a new arena would be built with regards to the BC and Cell. Would Marquette move to the new arena? What about the Admirals? If you demolish the Cell where would UWM play (new arena near campus).

Putting all this aside I believe it is imperative that the Bucks continue to stay hot the rest of this season into the next so that interest in the Bucks continues to rise so that we can possibly get a sponsor (M&I etc...) to help build a new place.

In the long run if a new arena was built this would potentially allow the park east to start building up quickly. Just my thoughts

I think the only reasons to build a new arena are because the Bradley Center is deteriorating rapidly, and it was designed for hockey. I would say it will have to be demolished. It's kind of funny that the 60 year old US Cellular Arena is in better condition in some ways than the 20+ year old Bradley Center. Depending on the design and land needed for a new arena if they both have to go I wouldn't mind.

I think the only reasons to build a new arena are because the Bradley Center is deteriorating rapidly, and it was designed for hockey. I would say it will have to be demolished. It's kind of funny that the 60 year old US Cellular Arena is in better condition in some ways than the 20+ year old Bradley Center. Depending on the design and land needed for a new arena if they both have to go I wouldn't mind.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but how is the Bradley Center in such bad shape?

I understand the commentary about not having many of the extra revenue-producing amenities that other, newer arenas have, but I've never seen the place as run-down. Yeah, a 20+ year old building is going to need a minor renovation to just maintain what it has... any building with millions of people walking through its doors will. Would you be surprised if an airline concourse needed a minor reno every 20 years?

As for replacing the Bradley Center, I've heard that it would be very expensive to renovate, but it has such a prime location. I would like to see a side by side comparison of the costs/benefits of that... anyone have any links? I didn't think any of the past news articles had that much hard information... more just opinions and conjecture.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but how is the Bradley Center in such bad shape?

I understand the commentary about not having many of the extra revenue-producing amenities that other, newer arenas have, but I've never seen the place as run-down. Yeah, a 20+ year old building is going to need a minor renovation to just maintain what it has... any building with millions of people walking through its doors will. Would you be surprised if an airline concourse needed a minor reno every 20 years?

As for replacing the Bradley Center, I've heard that it would be very expensive to renovate, but it has such a prime location. I would like to see a side by side comparison of the costs/benefits of that... anyone have any links? I didn't think any of the past news articles had that much hard information... more just opinions and conjecture.

Trust me I am behind the scenes in the BC almost daily I hear the things they don't tell you and see the problems that they haven't disclosed yet. The building has hardly been maintained for 20 years, and it shows. I don't know why people don't understand that if you don't maintain something it is going to deteriorate, it isn't going to magically stay in good condition. Over the next 3-5 years you will absolutely hear about the critical and highly expensive fixes needed and the fact that it would be more cost effective to build a new building than to renovate the BC.

Trust me I am behind the scenes in the BC almost daily I hear the things they don't tell you and see the problems that they haven't disclosed yet. The building has hardly been maintained for 20 years, and it shows. I don't know why people don't understand that if you don't maintain something it is going to deteriorate, it isn't going to magically stay in good condition. Over the next 3-5 years you will absolutely hear about the critical and highly expensive fixes needed and the fact that it would be more cost effective to build a new building than to renovate the BC.

Yeah, I've heard the same thing from friends who work there and say it's an absolute dump behind the scenes. I would never guess that from the outside either, but apparently that's the case. It's a shame that the Pettit/Bradley family didn't set up a sufficient maintenance fund for the Pettit Center and Bradley Center. Going into the Pettit is almost depressing, I use to love going there to play youth hockey when it was new. I couldn't believe the shape it was in when I last went there two years ago.

I guess they've hid the problems well, I've never really noticed any issues when I've been to events, but it's not like I know what to look for either.

I don't think we can blame the Petits for this... they were very generous with their gift. Technically, it's owned by the State of WI and we all know how the rest of the state feels about Milwaukee. If anything, the state needs to be kicking into a replacement fund if a new building needs to be built. I know the likelyhood of that happening though...

Yeah, I've heard the same thing from friends who work there and say it's an absolute dump behind the scenes. I would never guess that from the outside either, but apparently that's the case. It's a shame that the Pettit/Bradley family didn't set up a sufficient maintenance fund for the Pettit Center and Bradley Center. Going into the Pettit is almost depressing, I use to love going there to play youth hockey when it was new. I couldn't believe the shape it was in when I last went there two years ago.

I think you guys are exaggerating -- after all, if the Cubs can play baseball in Wrigley Field (a TRUE dump), the Bradley Center can still be used for basketball.

for the record, Ulice Payne, Jr. is full of it.

So if they decide to build a new NBA arena --- what do you think should happen to the other arenas? Keep the Bradley Center? What about the US Cellular Arena? Should they tear them down or keep them up and have more competition for the new arena? Do you think there is enough business to keep all of them operating? Can they all keep up with their operating expenses with the revenue they'd bring in? If they were to decide to tear one or the other or both of the "older" arenas down -- what should be built in their place? If you had $300 million of locally generated dollars to spend -- which would you prefer it be spent on --- a new arena or a convention center expansion? (or development of a new street car line / light rail starter segment?) Thanks for any opinions to be shared. I know its a lot of questions, but I do think they are some important things to think about if considering building a new arena.

as per your proposed question, I would spend money first on a fixed rail-based transit system for the city (this is critical)... obviously if the BC had to come down or the others, I'd like to see an open air soccer stadium built downtown to be home to a Milwaukee MLS club.

I'd have to disagree. I think major sports teams do much more for a city then a rail system does. Most people can name dozens of cities w/ sports teams, but rarely can they name more then a couple for their mass transit.

Not to say that recognition is the full purpose of either. But image is a lot these days.

I say tear both the BC and Cell down. Build a new state-of-the-art facility that can handle both big and small crowds...similar to Conseco Field House in Indy. The BC, while I have loved watching basketball there over the years, really is a crappy arena. Almost all of the seats make you feel like you are a mile away (I guess because it was built as a hockey arena). They should build something that connects with the neighborhood. Few modern arenas are so unwelcoming as the concrete box that is the Bradley Center. Only one of the four sides (4th Street) is even somewhat inviting.

With that said, I highly doubt that the public is willing to subsidize a new arena for an NBA team. People in the Milwaukee Area always are slow to support the Bucks and with the current climate in Milwaukee, I unfortunately can't see that changing anytime soon.

Hell yeah, I'm going tomorrow. Really pissed I couldn't go to the last two games, easily two of our biggest wins all season. Cleveland it was like yeah, that's great but LeBron wasn't in...Boston it was like wow, that was huge....and last night, it's just solidifying our legitimacy. Fear the DEER!!

For sure man. That Utah game was incredible and I personally haven't been to a game with more buzz since maybe 06'.

I love the "Fear the Deer" slogan. All they need now is to bring back the Bucks rap.

City of Milwaukee officials recently submitted a $141 million wish list of appropriations requests to Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wisconsin, and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee.
The city’s appropriations requests includes $750,000 to help Astronautics Corp. move its headquarters to a building in the former Pabst brewery complex, $70 million to expand the proposed downtown streetcar line to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus, $15.2 million to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and to cover unfunded costs to replace the Juneau Avenue bridge.
Astronautics, based at 4115 N. Teutonia Ave., Milwaukee, is considering plans to consolidate its operations. The company also has manufacturing plants at 1426 W. National Ave. and 133 E. Washington St., both in Milwaukee, and in New Jersey.
“Astronautics is a valuable Milwaukee employer,” says the city’s appropriations request list. “(The Department of City Development) is assisting the company in locating and developing a central operations site for the company. The Pabst development site is an ideal location for the company. DCD (would) use the funding to build out and re-design a portion of the Pabst site to accommodate research facilities for Astronautics.”
The city’s appropriations requests also include $350,000 for streetscaping in the 30th Street Industrial Corridor, $150,000 to plan a Milwaukee Gateway Aerotropolis area around Mitchell International Airport and $1 million to renovate the Woodlands condominiums at 8951 N. 95th St.

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/2010/3/17/#city-seeks-federal-funds-for-astronautics-hq-at-pabst-streetcar

That's news to me about the $70mil for the streetcar expansion. Barrett has about $35mil for the line already, so that means this line would be over $100mil if they were to get these funds. Am I correct?

I think you guys are exaggerating -- after all, if the Cubs can play baseball in Wrigley Field (a TRUE dump), the Bradley Center can still be used for basketball.

for the record, Ulice Payne, Jr. is full of it.

The difference is that Wrigley Field is an institution and the Bradley Center is an outdated arena that isn't built for basketball or to maximize revenue. Wrigley Field is a disaster (the building itself, not the surrounding area), but it will sell out regardless. The Cubs could be making boatloads of money by building a new, larger stadium with as many ammenities (resturants, team store, bars, advertising opportunities, etc.) as Miller Park. Local businesses surrounding Wrigley are making all the money that the Cubs would be if they were in a different location.

I say tear both the BC and Cell down. Build a new state-of-the-art facility that can handle both big and small crowds...similar to Conseco Field House in Indy. The BC, while I have loved watching basketball there over the years, really is a crappy arena. Almost all of the seats make you feel like you are a mile away (I guess because it was built as a hockey arena). They should build something that connects with the neighborhood. Few modern arenas are so unwelcoming as the concrete box that is the Bradley Center. Only one of the four sides (4th Street) is even somewhat inviting.

With that said, I highly doubt that the public is willing to subsidize a new arena for an NBA team. People in the Milwaukee Area always are slow to support the Bucks and with the current climate in Milwaukee, I unfortunately can't see that changing anytime soon.

yeah, I agree about it not connecting with the neighorhood or the rest of downtown. That whole area in the boundaries of 4th St., McKinley, I-43, and Wells pretty much sucks. Too many gigantic, empty public buildings (most of the time), garages, and vacant land.

I would like to see a new arena built in the Park East, connecting the dots of the Pabst development, Old World Third St., Water St./proposed movie theater complex, and hopefully an entertainment complex/Potawatomi casino that goes along with a new arena development.

Just an observation, but there will no be casino Downtown. Maybe there was a possibility before their most recent expansion, but they weren't going to sink millions of dollars in the valley and then give it up to build everything again.

Either way, the mix of things bordered by Wells/Juneau/6th/The river needs to improve. It can start by redeveloping the Journal complex, empty lots flanking Turner Hall, and anything touching the Bradley Center. The question is what can be built and what would be successful.

I vote for a convention center expansion with tunnels linking the Milwaukee Theatre/US Cellular Arena and then the Bradley Center. Redevelop the J/S block with a parking ramp and retail. Round it out with offices/retail/restaurants on the parking lots next to Turner Hall. At this point, I don't care if it's a 1 story development or 10, just keep it walkable, urban, and high quality.

@perilouspete I think the city money for the streetcar is actually $56 million right now. The $70 million request would be for a phase II expansion of the system.

All they need now is to bring back the Bucks rap.
No, they don't.

If there is one thing Milwaukee needs less of is Parking structures. I think the Bradley Center and the Cell should both be razed and something better put in its place. That area and park east needs to become more dense.

I really hope that the Modern kicks things off. Hopefully, that beautiful building will make many developers really put an effort into their designs. Milwaukee doesn't need any more generic buildings or parking ramps. Wisconsin Avenue also need to be resurrected. How hard can it be to get unique clothing and food options on that street? Stop catering to the suburbs and cater to your own residents in the city.

If there is one thing Milwaukee needs less of is Parking structures. I think the Bradley Center and the Cell should both be razed and something better put in its place. That area and park east needs to become more dense.

The park east needs to become more dense? By that do you mean... you know... have more then one building built in it? :lol:



I really hope that the Modern kicks things off. Hopefully, that beautiful building will make many developers really put an effort into their designs. Milwaukee doesn't need any more generic buildings or parking ramps. Wisconsin Avenue also need to be resurrected. How hard can it be to get unique clothing and food options on that street? Stop catering to the suburbs and cater to your own residents in the city.

They need to stop trying to push the Grand so much. There's only so much retail that can happen downtown. Especially w/ the third ward's booming neighborhood near by. I don't think Wisconsin Ave will ever been what it once was.

I'm convinced that Wisconsin Ave. will never improve. Even though the new theater proposal in the Park East area is great, it would have done wonders for Marcus to actually re-develop the Grand Cinema. That definatley would have initiated more development along that block or two. Also, remember when there was a "pending" lease for a Cadilac Ranch (now Kaplin University)? That would have brought some development, too. Then there was the brief promise back in '95 that the Grand would actually start improving. And finally...the now dead Ghazi proposal. How sad.....nothing ever happens along Wisconsin Ave.
Well, on second thought....maybe Johnny Walkers will expand. Or maybe the guy in the white suit who sells sunglasses on the corner of WI and 3rd will open a second cart!

Or maybe the guy in the white suit who sells sunglasses on the corner of WI and 3rd will open a second cart!

Hahaha!!! So awesome. gg.

More on the S. 2nd Steet Repavement

City will transform South Second Street
By Andrew Weiland , of BizTimes

Published March 19, 2010

The City of Milwaukee will rebuild South Second Street, between St. Paul Avenue and National Avenue in Walker’s Point, this year.

Construction on the half-mile, $4.1 million project will begin after Summerfest and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The reconstruction of South Second Street is necessary because it is in bad condition and has several potholes.

However, the project will provide more than a smooth driving surface for motorists. It will dramatically transform the look and feel of the street. Property and business owners hope the changes will help attract more customers to the street.

“This is a significant improvement to the whole neighborhood with a better feel,” said Tim Benkowski, president of Timothy J. Kitchen and Bath Inc., 225 S. Second St. “From our customer perspective to come to a clean street and to have more feel of bike lanes, etc. it will make the area more user friendly.”

“This will be a profound neighborhood transformation,” said Juli Kaufmann, the owner of Pragmatic Development and a neighborhood organizer who rallied support for a comprehensive overhaul of the street.

The street will be narrowed from 58 feet wide to 50 feet wide and reduced from two lanes of traffic in each direction to one lane of traffic and a bike lane in each direction. The street will still have room for parking on each side.

Eliminating a lane of traffic in each direction is part of an effort to make the street more of a pedestrian-oriented business street similar to Brady Street and Kinnickinnic Avenue. Second Street is lined with several historic buildings that could fit into a pedestrian-oriented business street.

“(The project) will take a thoroughfare currently used primarily as a means to move motor vehicles and turn it into a complete street,” Kaufmann said. “(The project will) really enhance pedestrian activity and bike activity. At that scale, the street really comes alive in a different way.”

Second Street has low traffic volumes and does not need more than one lane of traffic in each direction, said Clark Wantoch, transportation design manager for infrastructure services in the City Department of Public Works.

According to the DPW, about 8,150 vehicles drive on South Second Street at Pittsburgh Avenue each day. By comparison, about 19,500 vehicles drive on South First Street at Pittsburgh Avenue each day.

“The (low) traffic volumes (on Second Street) allow us to do what we are proposing,” Wantoch said.

South First Street and South Sixth Street are major arterial streets for the area, so South Second Street does not need to support a large amount of traffic, Wantoch said.

Eighty percent of the South Second Street project will be paid for with state and federal funds, which is another reason for eliminating a traffic lane on the street, because federal funds require accommodation to be made for bicycle traffic, said DPW project engineer Chad Chrisbaum.

A narrower street also lowers plowing and street sweeping costs for the city, Wantoch said.

Several other changes will be made to South Second Street as part of the reconstruction project.

Extensive landscaping will be added. The current 8-foot-wide sidewalk will be reduced to 5 feet wide, and a 6.5-foot wide landscaping strip will be added. As part of the landscaping, 32 trees will be planted along the street.

Some property owners have opted to pay for more sidewalk pavement instead of landscaping so they can have sidewalk cafes.

Lighting on South Second Street will be improved as part of the project. The current street lights will be replaced by decorative street lights, and decorative sidewalk lights will be added. Currently the street does not have sidewalk lights, so lighting will be improved for pedestrians and will be about the same for motorists, Wantoch said.

The project also includes the creation of a quiet zone for the railroad tracks that cross South Second Street near St. Paul Avenue. To create a quiet zone railroad crossing gates will be added to both sides of the street on both sides of the tracks so vehicles can not drive around the gates. Trains do not sound their horns in a quiet zone. Quiet zones are created in an attempt to reduce disturbances to nearby residents and make the area a more appealing place to live.

The enhancements to Second Street will help change people’s perceptions about Walker’s Point and will create a Main Street for the neighborhood, Kaufmann said.

“This is really a defining street for Walker’s Point,” she said.

I haven't given up hope on the grand for two reasons. Marquette and its students are nearby and with the interchange so close it shouldn't be hard to attract people to come.

The problem with Wisconsin avenue isn't only that there are no stores there, but that many people (especially those from the suburbs) don't think they'd be safe there. I've heard what some of these people call the grand avenue mall (grand africa mall). Thats why I think that this retail area should cater to the actual residents that live in the city instead of the suburbs.

There is no way people will choose to go to Wisconsin avenue over Bayshore or Mayfair to go to the Gap or Abercrombie. But I think if you put in some stores that those malls don't have (A Puma store, or Uniqlo for instance), fix the grand avenue cinema, and just make the area more flashy, people (especially the youth) will come. That combined that with a police presence (plain clothed, and uniformed) and I think Wisconsin Avenue will be resurrected. Milwaukee sorely needs a image for itself and it cant accomplish that if its downtown is seen as lame.

And just a note, I know people will also mention parking and that the suburban malls offer it for free. Thats why the street car needs to be build asap. It wont fix the problem but it will relieve it somewhat. And again, heavy emphasis on unique stores for this city that the malls could never get.

I know its all easier said than done but I feel like our elected leaders aren't even trying. I know it would be hard but getting Wisconsin Avenue up to shape will go along way into bettering the image of this city.

Good point Jehuty... I agree, we should tear down the Grand and put get Ikea to build there! You're a genius!

Good point Jehuty... I agree, we should tear down the Grand and put get Ikea to build there! You're a genius!

Come on now. That's not what he was saying. The biggest problem with the Grand is a lack of vision and investment from people who would have the money to do anything about it. We almost need a Joseph Zilber-type person who actually knows the downtown area well to invest money in that place. Clearly it doesn't do well under management with the same mindset as running a suburban mall.

Come on now. That's not what he was saying. The biggest problem with the Grand is a lack of vision and investment from people who would have the money to do anything about it. We almost need a Joseph Zilber-type person who actually knows the downtown area well to invest money in that place. Clearly it doesn't do well under management with the same mindset as running a suburban mall.

The current management, Ashkenazy, actually run some very successful urban malls around the country, such as Union Station in D.C. and Rivercenter in San Antonio, among others.

http://www.aacrealty.com/

The current management, Ashkenazy, actually run some very successful urban malls around the country, such as Union Station in D.C. and Rivercenter in San Antonio, among others.

http://www.aacrealty.com/

That's cool, but wouldn't you agree that they haven't been doing much for Grand Ave. lately? I realize Milwaukee might not be a focus city for them but it just really needs some revitalization badly.

The City of Milwaukee has achieved a Well City USA designation.
Mayor Tom Barrett and local business leaders announced the results of Well City Milwaukee’s three-year effort to achieve a Well City USA designation from the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) this morning at City Hall.
Milwaukee was one of the only three communities nationwide to initiate a Well City initiative in 2007 and is currently one of seven active Well City projects. The official Well City USA designation will enable the city to showcase itself as a healthy place to live and work and position the city as a leader in wellness with a commitment to improving the health and well-being of its workforce.
In addition to Barrett, speakers and attendees at the celebration included: Janet McMahon, executive director, Well City Milwaukee; Dick Tillmar, co-chair, Well City Milwaukee; Theresa Islo, director of operations, Wellness Council of Wisconsin; Julia Taylor, president, Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC); Tim Sheehy, president, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC); and Bevan Baker, commissioner of health, City of Milwaukee.
The three-year designation effort was led by Well City Milwaukee, a workplace wellness coalition formed in conjunction with the City of Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the MMAC.
“The Well City USA designation shows us that Milwaukee is working in a positive direction towards promoting the health and well-being of individuals in the community,” McMahon said. “Well City Milwaukee fits with the image we want to project as a city – revitalized, vibrant, active and progressive.”
Several of the region’s largest employers are members of Milwaukee’s Well City initiative, including: Rockwell Automation Corp. Aurora Health Care, Children’s Hospital and Health System, Manpower Inc., Good Will Industries and Northwestern Mutual Insurance Co. Inc. The City of Milwaukee, the MMAC and the GMC also earned member employer recognition in the program.
Barrett said, “I knew when I was approached back in December of 2006 about this initiative that this was absolutely the direction I wanted our city to go towards. I want to extend a sincere thanks to the 51 employers and the more than 70,000 employees that helped us in our efforts to earn this recognition. As the CEO of the city, I recognize the importance of having a healthy workforce, and we are not done yet our next challenge is to get another 51 employers on board.”
Islo said, “The city of Milwaukee, the GMC and the MMAC had a vision of a healthier workforce. It soon became clear that Milwaukee would be a leader in this effort. Milwaukee now serves as a model for other cities.”
With the designation, Tillmar said Milwaukee is the largest Well City in the nation.


http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2010/3/18/#milwaukee-wins-well-city-usa-designation

I don't know how big of a deal this is, but it's nice that Milwaukee can add another little feather to its cap.

That's cool, but wouldn't you agree that they haven't been doing much for Grand Ave. lately? I realize Milwaukee might not be a focus city for them but it just really needs some revitalization badly.

Oh definitely. But they do have the know-how. It just shows that Grand Ave is a challending project, even for experts in the industry.

Come on now. That's not what he was saying. The biggest problem with the Grand is a lack of vision and investment from people who would have the money to do anything about it. We almost need a Joseph Zilber-type person who actually knows the downtown area well to invest money in that place. Clearly it doesn't do well under management with the same mindset as running a suburban mall.

I was kidding. ;-)

I think it has less to do with who's managing it and more to do with the shifted retail corridors in Milwaukee. The Grand is just a challenge period. Although it's a hub of activity during lunch time on weekedays! lets just make it one big food court.

Developer, philanthropist Zilber dies at 92 (http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/88560707.html)

I'm convinced that Wisconsin Ave. will never improve. Even though the new theater proposal in the Park East area is great, it would have done wonders for Marcus to actually re-develop the Grand Cinema. That definatley would have initiated more development along that block or two. Also, remember when there was a "pending" lease for a Cadilac Ranch (now Kaplin University)? That would have brought some development, too. Then there was the brief promise back in '95 that the Grand would actually start improving. And finally...the now dead Ghazi proposal. How sad.....nothing ever happens along Wisconsin Ave.
Well, on second thought....maybe Johnny Walkers will expand. Or maybe the guy in the white suit who sells sunglasses on the corner of WI and 3rd will open a second cart!

The Grand Cinema is a one screen movie palace (like the Oriental), while the new Marcus complex on Water is a multiplex. The Grand would not have been taken on by Marcus because it requires a great deal of creativity and risk taking that a company like Marcus would not be prepared to take.

Developer, philanthropist Zilber dies at 92 (http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/88560707.html)

Sad news about Joseph Zilber. I can't ever remember seeing someone completely turn around their image in the final few years of their life like he did. He quickly went from a developer of crappy properties to a wonderful philanthropist. With his generous donations to Marquette and UWM, along with his redevelopment of the Pabst Brewery, he has certainly left a great legacy. However, it's his anti-poverty initiative that was truely innovative and I hope he is remembered for it for generations to come.

Side note: Alderman Bob Bauman should receive a good amount of credit for pursuing Zilber and encouraging him to redevelop the Pabst property immediately after other aldermen destroyed the PabstCity proposal a few years back. People often forget that, but the Pabst might still be sitting in ruins if it wasn't for Bauman.

The Grand Cinema is a one screen movie palace (like the Oriental), while the new Marcus complex on Water is a multiplex. The Grand would not have been taken on by Marcus because it requires a great deal of creativity and risk taking that a company like Marcus would not be prepared to take.


FYI, the Oriental has 3 screens, not 1.

FYI, the Oriental has 3 screens, not 1.
Which is sad. They never should have done that. I hope someone can restore it to how it should be.

Does anyone know when the heck the Moderne's loan is going to be approved so they can break ground already!!?? Jeesh

HUD has until April 6th for the final approval of the loan.

Moderne high-rise groundbreaking delayed
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Feb. 25, 2010 |(18) Comments

A groundbreaking for downtown's Moderne high-rise apartment project won't happen in February as planned.

Developer Rick Barrett told me he's still waiting for final approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a guarantee on the main loan that will help finance the 30-story tower's construction.

HUD's Milwaukee office granted preliminary approval last fall for the guarantee, which applies to a $41.4 million loan from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. The Common Council in November approved $9.3 million in city loans for the Moderne, which will have 203 apartments and 14 condos at the southwest corner of W. Juneau Ave. and N. Old World 3rd St.

Barrett filed additional paperwork with HUD on Jan. 28, said Sheila Ashley, spokeswoman for the agency's Milwaukee office. That filing gives the agency until April 6 to make a final ruling on the loan guarantee, she said. The final ruling could come before that deadline.

Barrett is confident HUD will provide final approval soon, and wants to wait until that happens before staging the groundbreaking ceremony. Barrett also was waiting for We Energies to finish utility work near the site. That work was completed last week, he said.

Along with the loans, the Moderne's financing will have $4.3 million in equity financing from Barrett and his partners. The project will take about two years to complete.

The Grand Cinema is a one screen movie palace... The Grand would not have been taken on by Marcus because it requires a great deal of creativity and risk taking that a company like Marcus would not be prepared to take.
Give Marcus credit for at least mothballing the place instead of gutting and subdividing it for tax-paying retail shops, or worse. As I've stated (in the distant past) Marcus, by maintaining and improving its important hotels, and subsidizing major cultural venues, has a lot to do with getting downtown through its most desperate years. I'd also guess that its Applebees (and before that Big Boy) restaurant is one of the few reliable rent payers in the Shops on Grand Avenue.
It broke my heart when all the old movie palaces downtown shut down, and I'm saddened that Grand Ave. Mall, which the city and its philanthropic partners, (notably NML) have invested heavily in over many years now, is struggling again. But it's almost entirely the fault of the people in the Milwaukee area who have chosen, for whatever reasons, not to patronize these, and any other types of enterprises that the city is deficient in, not the fault of the relatively few actual entrepreneurs that the community has still retained.
The pioneers and risk takers are concentrating their efforts elsewhere in the city right now. I might wish that the Grand Cinema and Grand Ave. be part of those efforts, but success only builds on success.

I'm saddened that Grand Ave. Mall, which the city and its philanthropic partners, (notably NML) have invested heavily in over many years now, is struggling again. But it's almost entirely the fault of the people in the Milwaukee area who have chosen, for whatever reasons, not to patronize these, and any other types of enterprises that the city is deficient in, not the fault of the relatively few actual entrepreneurs that the community has still retained.

Well, let's not paint this as though there wasn't a reason and customers just started, for no reason whatsoever, to shop elsewhere. Urban retailing is not formulaic and requires much more than having the right retailer and making sure the open sign is on.

To paint the Grand's current state as solely a lack of customer interest is ignorant at best and disingenuous/malicious at worst.

Now, let's see your latest graphical counterpoint, those always perk up my day, lol

Well, let's not paint this as though there wasn't a reason and customers just started, for no reason whatsoever, to shop elsewhere. Urban retailing is not formulaic and requires much more than having the right retailer and making sure the open sign is on.

To paint the Grand's current state as solely a lack of customer interest is ignorant at best and disingenuous/malicious at worst.

Now, let's see your latest graphical counterpoint, those always perk up my day, lol

Grand Ave. has cycled through a number of iterations and myriad attempts at not just attracting customer interest, but maintaining it beyond the novelty stage. It actually seems to have fared better than a somewhat similar, far more beautiful and better financed project in downtown Cleveland, created by one of the most successful mall retailers (at the time, at least) in the country. Clevelanders stopped patronizing it in sufficient numbers to really sustain it.
What actually do you want from retailers? That they pay customers to show up on their doorsteps?
Grand Ave. has featured high end, low end, and lots in between; Chain stores, local guys, creative types and bargain basement imitators. What you have now is what the customer base will support. Period. Like it or not.
I'll abstain from my illustrative graphics, and in return I'd very much like to hear an actual suggestion from you about what you think customers really will support.

Grand Ave. has cycled through a number of iterations and myriad attempts at not just attracting customer interest, but maintaining it beyond the novelty stage. It actually seems to have fared better than a somewhat similar, far more beautiful and better financed project in downtown Cleveland, created by one of the most successful mall retailers (at the time, at least) in the country. Clevelanders stopped patronizing it in sufficient numbers to really sustain it.
What actually do you want from retailers? That they pay customers to show up on their doorsteps?
Grand Ave. has featured high end, low end, and lots in between; Chain stores, local guys, creative types and bargain basement imitators. What you have now is what the customer base will support. Period. Like it or not.
I'll abstain from my illustrative graphics, and in return I'd very much like to hear an actual suggestion from you about what you think customers really will support.

You've proved my point without even trying. As you say, one of the 'most successful' mall operators took over Cleveland's urban mall. I presume that they started running it as they do all their other (suburban) malls and experienced failure.

It's not about the retailers, it's about the management. The management of the mall and the area of the city that these are based. In Milwaukee, there was a sustained focus on redeveloping the area during the 80's, but by the early 90's, city government seemed content to rest on its laurels in this area. It would be hard to blame them... the area wasn't in much obvious distress and had received significant subsidy not much more than 10 years earlier.

Also, this was about the time that the mall's manager, Steve Smith, had left his position, he found a new job at Mayfair. Arguably, now the most well-run mall with the best store selection in the metro. Coincidence?

So... you hang the blame on the current state of the Grand on Milwaukee metro shoppers. They should have shopped there even though the owners didn't care about the property. The metro should still shop there even though new locations of stores have opened closer to their homes/workplace. So now, you're right, the Grand is left with what the customer base will support, the other 9/10ths of the customer base are looking elsewhere for better selection of stores and overall experience.

I don't write this to be pessimistic on the state of urban retail, but realistic. So, the question of the hour, how to turn the Grand into viable retail again and the answer is, a retail mall won't work, but a retail district can flourish.

Focus on the local, people that live Downtown/nearby neighborhoods usually end up shopping elsewhere for what they want/need. Of course there are nearby options, but there is pent up retail demand. This doesn't even cover the workers that are in the area during the day... ask someone if they think of Downtown as a viable alternative, it's no because there aren't the stores many are looking for.

So, there is a market, it's just how to serve it. My best shot would be take a PabstCity type plan and juxtapose it on the area bounded by Michigan/the River/4th Street/Kilbourn. Aquire the parking lots and build, even if it's one story, as long as it is walkable, urban, and high quality.

This area has a lot going for it, from the Convention Center, arenas, theatres, Riverwalk, and human scaled parks. The problem is that this area has lacked something to make this more than the sum of its parts.

What's your solution?

Your characterization of the Cleveland project is nonsense. Much as was the case with Grand Ave., a major developer rebuilt, largely within an existing shell, a central retail area that was in its death throes, and greatly extended its life. If you've ever been in it you'd know that it was a labor of love, a lavish expenditure that created one of the suavest most urbane indoor expanses imaginable. Why indoor? Because traditional sidewalk street shopping was dying a quick and certain death at the time. Are things so different now? As diminished as Grand Ave. is now it's still a veritable Times Square and Fifth Avenue compared to Wisconsin Avenue outside it walls.
Your statement that the current owners don't care about the property is absurd.
Steve Smith wouldn't have left for Mayfair if he had still sensed opportunity at Grand Ave. Management wouldn't have changed hands at Grand Ave. if the old team hadn't found itself at a dead end. There would still be two attractive department stores, and the one remaining wouldn't be a small fraction of its original size, notwithstanding mall policies, if people greatly valued the experience of shopping downtown.

You're exactly right about one thing: "The metro should still shop there even though new locations of stores have opened closer to their homes/workplace."(?) Exactly my point.
However, saying "ask someone if they think of Downtown as a viable alternative, it's no because there aren't the stores many are looking for." is putting the cart before the horse. The stores tried to be there. The customers didn't.

Good sized urban shopping centers in mid-sized metropolitan areas (1.0 - 2.5 million people) are not too easy to keep alive. Indianapolis and Milwaukee are pretty similar in overall size of the region, size of the downtown, and I believe - in the number of downtown residents. Indy's downtown mall has fortunately been doing pretty well since it opened in 1995. It still has a very nice Nordstrom and a good Carson-Pirie Scott store as anchors -- and I would estimate that it is probably about 90 - 95% leased.

I think there are two big differences between downtown Indy's successful mall and Milwaukee's Grand Ave Mall. First, there is a lot of connected, cheap parking at Circle Centre (or does Milwaukee already have that too?) In Indy there are about 3000 spaces in the two connected parking garages (one is across the street, connected by a skywalk --- the other is directly underneath the mall). It is only $1.50 for the first three hours. The cost for parking is not a detriment to shopping there. Secondly, the Indiana Convention Center is one block away and it brings in a large amount of shoppers. The estimates I have seen are that approximately half of the business at Circle Centre comes from convention visitors. Because of the set-up of the convention center and all of the hotels and the skywalks, it is very easy for convention visitors to get to the mall. For several hotels, it is very convenient to walk directly through the mall as you are going from your hotel to the convention center.

Indy has a very strong and growing amount of convention business. With the doubling in the size of the convention center (to about 750,000 sq. feet) by the end of this year and 1600+ new downtown hotel rooms - there will be increasing numbers of visitors downtown interested in shopping at Circle Centre and the other downtown shopping places. This will help keep the mall busy and keep attracting more and better stores. This in turn helps make the mall more attractive for folks living in Indianapolis - so more people will want to shop there. It looks like a pretty healthy situation.

With that in mind, I think a real key to helping to keep a downtown retail location doing well is to strengthen and grow the amount of convention business - particularly if the convention center is near the shopping area. For Milwaukee, the Grand Avenue is pretty close to the CC so it could work. Expanding the convention center is a difficult and expensive thing to do though - and it isn't always guaranteed to work. Not only must the convention center keep expanding - but there needs to be plenty of new hotel rooms to go with it (and plenty of other nice attractions in a safe downtown).

I know Milwaukee has been looking into the convention expansion idea for a while, but I think the costs, uncertainty of success and other priorities have kept it from happening so far.

If Indy didn't have the convention and visitor numbers that it has - with most of its hotels and attractions located very close to Circle Centre -- I'm sure the mall in Indy would barely be hanging on as well. I guess if you're going to have a successful, large shopping area downtown you have to look at all of the connected parts in your downtown and keep improving all of them. You can't just focus on one or two things at a time.

Not to get off topic here but you can all nominate Milwaukee for the Google Fiber Project at this website!!!!! The more nominations, the better the chance of getting the project here!

https://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options

Very good points G.P.
I've perhaps never gotten over the loss of the really vibrant downtown of my childhood, and got a little carried away with my criticism.
Milwaukee's downtown mall does have extensive attached dedicated parking ramps, as well as skyway connections to the convention center and some hotels.
I've never comprehended why the current convention center, which itself replaced a disgraceful white elephant of a building at the same location, was only built to about half its originally intended size. Perhaps as Milwaukee develops a reputation as a uniquely attractive place to visit, (one hopes), management of the convention trade will pass into more capable hands, and perhaps the mall will weather another crisis and be transformed again.
In the meantime, although the part of downtown in question may be in the doldrums, much of the periphery is benefiting from the growing popularity of near downtown living, and the expected pubs, coffee houses, galleries and specialty shops have sprung up. For me, that's some consolation for all the losses, and much more than a ray of hope.

As diminished as Grand Ave. is now it's still a veritable Times Square and Fifth Avenue compared to Wisconsin Avenue outside it walls.
Your statement that the current owners don't care about the property is absurd.
Steve Smith wouldn't have left for Mayfair if he had still sensed opportunity at Grand Ave. Management wouldn't have changed hands at Grand Ave. if the old team hadn't found itself at a dead end. There would still be two attractive department stores, and the one remaining wouldn't be a small fraction of its original size, notwithstanding mall policies, if people greatly valued the experience of shopping downtown.

You know, I hear kicks at WI Avenue all the time and it's ridiculous. The area is a marginal retail area but it isn't dangerous or even run-down. When was the last time you walked down WI Ave?

So, what do you know about Steve Smith... you know what they say about assumptions... Anyway, you claim that that the retail scene, that stores stay when there's shoppers is obvious, but you (intentionally or not) get it wrong. You act as though there was some immaculate retail landscape and people just hated it.

People turned away because the retail and the whole experience deteriorated. Besides, are you really saying it was only because Milwaukeeans didn't support the Grand? Are you really ignoring that the retail landscape has been changing at a rapid pace over the last two decades. Mall properties don't hold the pinnacle of retail anymore. Where does Kohl's put its stores? How about Target, Best Buy, or any other retailer? They're located in shopping corridors, but typically don't locate in malls. Part of the decline in the Grand was a huge shift in the format of retail. Also, as I mentioned earlier, the mall management went down the tube and the customers noticed and voted with their sales.

You're exactly right about one thing: "The metro should still shop there even though new locations of stores have opened closer to their homes/workplace."(?) Exactly my point.
However, saying "ask someone if they think of Downtown as a viable alternative, it's no because there aren't the stores many are looking for." is putting the cart before the horse. The stores tried to be there. The customers didn't.

So, there were as many residents in Downtown Milwaukee and surrounding neighborhoods 20 years ago? The sheer number of people doesn't even compare to the household income that's been drawn Downtown and into nearby neighborhoods over the last 20 years. The thing is that those people don't have a viable option to shop Downtown and spend their dollars elsewhere.

I have more to add, but will post later... Thank you GarfieldPark for adding you information, that's another very relevant and important perspective to this whole conversation.

you know, all the other malls (Mayfair, Bayshore) seem to be implementing curfews and/or outright requiring minors to be present only with someone who is over 18. I honestly think this would help (would have helped a long time ago) the Grand Ave. Teenagers don't provide much economically-- sure they spend SOME money but they're not the big-ticket purchasers that you want in retail. If the Grand Ave prohibited unaccompanied minors as well and then lured some very high-end boutique retailers, I think they could overcome their troubles. I live/work downtown and go by the Grand Ave every single day. Sure, it's not dangerous but it DOES SUFFER FROM THEFT! I've talked with store owners and store managers when they are leaving the Grand and they almost all cite the same reason for leaving: THEFT, THEFT, THEFT.
You get the little ne'er-do-wells out of the mall and the stores will stay... and better ones will come.

you know, all the other malls (Mayfair, Bayshore) seem to be implementing curfews and/or outright requiring minors to be present only with someone who is over 18. I honestly think this would help (would have helped a long time ago) the Grand Ave. Teenagers don't provide much economically-- sure they spend SOME money but they're not the big-ticket purchasers that you want in retail. If the Grand Ave prohibited unaccompanied minors as well and then lured some very high-end boutique retailers, I think they could overcome their troubles. I live/work downtown and go by the Grand Ave every single day. Sure, it's not dangerous but it DOES SUFFER FROM THEFT! I've talked with store owners and store managers when they are leaving the Grand and they almost all cite the same reason for leaving: THEFT, THEFT, THEFT.
You get the little ne'er-do-wells out of the mall and the stores will stay... and better ones will come.

An ex of mine works for a store at Bayshore and it's not much different. My problem was that many stores simply don't prosecute so there's no incentive not to steal. If they're caught it's a slap on the wrist, perhaps permanent bannination from the mall. They have code-words for people who regularly come in and steal and try to monitor them but there are thefts pretty much every day. :bash:

An ex of mine works for a store at Bayshore and it's not much different. My problem was that many stores simply don't prosecute so there's no incentive not to steal. If they're caught it's a slap on the wrist, perhaps permanent bannination from the mall. They have code-words for people who regularly come in and steal and try to monitor them but there are thefts pretty much every day. :bash:

if it's putting stores out of business or causing chains to close those branches, something needs to be done. we don't need to cater to teenagers. they should be in school or studying anyway.

Many stores have rampant thefts but stay in business because margins are greater then costs. For the suburban retail shopper, The Grand has crappy hours, poor retail choices as a destination, paid parking, and is farther away then the other malls. You'd have to give people an actual reason to go there... a destination store. Boston store doesn't fit the bill when there are 5 others in the city. Even when I lived downtown and liked the idea of shopping at The Grand I still didn't go b/c of my own perceived inconvenience of it... now that I have my house on the west side I can be to Mayfair in literally less then 5 minutes. Please give me a good reason why, in the last 25 years, I would have wanted to shop at The Grand?

Another Hollywood movie could film in Milwaukee

Posted: March 22, 2010 9:42 p.m.

The film, which Fantle would not identify and for which no deal has been signed, is "every bit as big as 'Public Enemies.' Probably bigger," he said.

But, Fantle said, since Wisconsin has curtailed the tax advantages that brought the Johnny Depp film to the state in 2008, the majority of the shooting for the latest project "will be in neighboring states that have incentives."

"Public Enemies" filmed in Wisconsin for six weeks, largely because of legislation that ended up granting the film a $4.6 million subsidy for filming here. Critics contended afterward that the incentives were ineffective because the film spent only $5 million locally during filming. Advocates for the tax credits argued that up to $8 million was spent in the state.

On the eve of the film's premiere last summer, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a state budget that reduced the amount of incentives available to filmmakers to $500,000.

- Duane Dudek

Let's hope it's a better movie. Public Enemies really disappointed me.

Grand Ave. has cycled through a number of iterations and myriad attempts at not just attracting customer interest, but maintaining it beyond the novelty stage. It actually seems to have fared better than a somewhat similar, far more beautiful and better financed project in downtown Cleveland, created by one of the most successful mall retailers (at the time, at least) in the country. Clevelanders stopped patronizing it in sufficient numbers to really sustain it.
What actually do you want from retailers? That they pay customers to show up on their doorsteps?
Grand Ave. has featured high end, low end, and lots in between; Chain stores, local guys, creative types and bargain basement imitators. What you have now is what the customer base will support. Period. Like it or not.
I'll abstain from my illustrative graphics, and in return I'd very much like to hear an actual suggestion from you about what you think customers really will support.

What mall are you talking about?

This is completely by chance, but I was in downtown Cleveland yesterday on a layover and walked through Tower City (which I assume you're talking about) and specifically though "Wow, this is much larger and has many more stores than the Grand Avenue." The difference is that the mall is the main hub of their Rapid Transit system.

The other mall you might be referring to is the Galleria at Erieview (which has many more similarities to the Grand than Tower City does) and that mall has very few stores but a decent food court (similar to the Grand.)

But really, I don't know how you can compare any of the downtown Cleveland malls to the Grand Ave simply because there are so many malls in downtown Cleveland. They've got Tower City, Galleria at Erieview, Colonial Marketplace (which is Colonial Arcade and Euclid Arcade), the Cleveland Arcade, and they've got the outdoor shopping arcade of East 4th Street.

There's no way to compare that to Milwaukee.

I haven't looked up the all the reasons why the Grand started declining, but I could guess it was mainly due to convenience. I ask, why would anyone want to shop downtown when the same stores are located in the suburbs with cheaper parking and more security?

The Grand has to have a shift in its retail layout. It cannot compete with the suburban males if it has the same stores they do. And its not only the mall either. Wisconsin Avenue is a desolate ghost town with almost not street level retail that will attract people there.

I believe unique stores (foreign, local retailers) that cater to city demographics would do a lot to bring people back. And yes, Resurrecting the Grand Cinema would also greatly help in attracting people.

If only the Catalyst wouldn't have been scrapped. Hopefully with light rail arriving soon the city and its planners can start to focus on making Wisconsin avenue better. Its imperative that they try new things and not just the same 'old (and no, i'm not talking about an Ikea store :lol: ).

What mall are you talking about?
This is completely by chance, but I was in downtown Cleveland yesterday on a layover and walked through Tower City (which I assume you're talking about) and specifically though "Wow, this is much larger and has many more stores than the Grand Avenue." The difference is that the mall is the main hub of their Rapid Transit system. ...
There's no way to compare that to Milwaukee.

It was Tower City indeed. I believe I did praise its lavishness, and I did visit it quite a few years ago, but my viewpoint was formed largely from the opinions of relatives who live in the Cleveland metro area, (but who may have the same biases as many suburbanites), but also confirmed on a quick Google search which yielded this: http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2009/01/chosen_medical_mart_site_offer.html
Posted by connor17
January 31, 2009, 11:50PM
The Tower city location made far more sense for the reasons already mentioned in addition to revitilizing the mall. I remember but ten years ago looking forward to going downtown at christmas time to go shopping get my sons picture taken w/ santa and everything was decorated. It was an event and every store you would want was there, Dillards, j crew, eddie bauer, disney, etc... now flash forward and you couldn't pay me to go shopping there, half the store's are empty and the rest are sad array of clothier's no one has ever heard of. Anyone want to buy christmas presents at Donte's Pants n stuff, or the dollar store? The terminal tower has always been the center of town and it should be again
Perhaps things have improved since, but less than two years ago even you wrote: 13. Tower City Center has got to be one of the best designed urban malls I've ever seen. They still have some nice shops and a bustling food court, but most of the high end shopping has left.

Another Hollywood movie could film in Milwaukee

Posted: March 22, 2010 9:42 p.m.

The film, which Fantle would not identify and for which no deal has been signed, is "every bit as big as 'Public Enemies.' Probably bigger," he said.

But, Fantle said, since Wisconsin has curtailed the tax advantages that brought the Johnny Depp film to the state in 2008, the majority of the shooting for the latest project "will be in neighboring states that have incentives."

"Public Enemies" filmed in Wisconsin for six weeks, largely because of legislation that ended up granting the film a $4.6 million subsidy for filming here. Critics contended afterward that the incentives were ineffective because the film spent only $5 million locally during filming. Advocates for the tax credits argued that up to $8 million was spent in the state.

On the eve of the film's premiere last summer, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a state budget that reduced the amount of incentives available to filmmakers to $500,000.

- Duane Dudek

This is really a joke, these film credits are made to spur the local economies but (working in the TV / Film Industry) I can tell you for a fact that 90% of the people who worked on Public Enemies came from out of State mostly Illinois, while our completely capable and talented crews sat idle waiting for the calls that were promised to be coming. Yea it's cool that they shot a movie here but they are lying if they say it's going to spur any of our related industries. They'll just go with guys from Chicago and LA while we have more than enough talented people to work on any major film here!! They may fill hotel rooms but our film workers aren't making any money.

This is really a joke, these film credits are made to spur the local economies but (working in the TV / Film Industry) I can tell you for a fact that 90% of the people who worked on Public Enemies came from out of State mostly Illinois, while our completely capable and talented crews sat idle waiting for the calls that were promised to be coming. Yea it's cool that they shot a movie here but they are lying if they say it's going to spur any of our related industries. They'll just go with guys from Chicago and LA while we have more than enough talented people to work on any major film here!! They may fill hotel rooms but our film workers aren't making any money.

I won't refute your statement one bit, because I have no experience in the industry, nor do I know any facts regarding this project (other than I was disappointed in the movie), but I will say that I lost an employee to acting. After having appeared in Public Enemies, he jumped right in and is enjoying some honest-to-goodness success in Hollywood. Very few people will obviously have a similar story to share, but it at least was a change in scenery and offered some new and interesting opportunities for all involved. I'm thankful for that, but that does not mean I think we need more of it. I'll wait and see what the movie is.

Let's hope it's a better movie. Public Enemies really disappointed me.

really? I thought it was great and very underrated. The camera work was a bit shakey, but I enjoyed the movie very much.


I hope this big movie is what I think it is. Batman 3, which is shooting down in Chicago probally pretty soon.

This is really a joke, these film credits are made to spur the local economies but (working in the TV / Film Industry) I can tell you for a fact that 90% of the people who worked on Public Enemies came from out of State mostly Illinois, while our completely capable and talented crews sat idle waiting for the calls that were promised to be coming. Yea it's cool that they shot a movie here but they are lying if they say it's going to spur any of our related industries. They'll just go with guys from Chicago and LA while we have more than enough talented people to work on any major film here!! They may fill hotel rooms but our film workers aren't making any money.


I agree to some extent. While I do not think the tax benifits should have been repealed, as they were after Public Enemies because WI "paid" 4.6 mil to have it shot here (in reality they paid 5 mil in taxes, got 4.6 back, so we came out with 400k ontop, something the media never bothered to report/ falsify when doing their stories) I do agree that the crews were from mostly out of state.

While it is great for the hotels and tourism industry, it does absolutly NOTHING for the behind the scenes filmmakers in Wisconsin. I too am a local filmmaker, and we don't even have a film office to go put your name on as local talent, and when I contacted Mr. Fantle on numerous occasions to find out information on crew calls for PE, he had no idea who to put me in contact with, and was nothing more than a PR guy for the city, without any real information for the filmmakers he was lauding as getting real opportunities. I can only imagine the same situation will take place again for this new movie.

I think the tax breaks need to be re-upped (used to be THE best rates in the country, now they arent competitive with NC, LA, NM, and many other areas where filmmakers try to head to) and the breaks need to hinge upon hiring of local workers for more than extra positions. The CREW should be a significant percentage of the whole work force, so they can't just get around it however PE did.

In the end though, the camera work on that movie was awful, so maybe I am happy I didn't get on it :P

So with new stimulus money is the DOT simply rebuilding every freeway in the city limits? Not even a fraction of the way through the 94nb/sb to the state line and it appears they're about to start working on the zoo interchange as well as 43 north of bayshore. Are they adding a lane to that stretch (long overdue) or just rebuilding the onramps?

Also I very well may have missed some. These are just off the top of my head

The zoo work is just an emergency bridge replacement to allow the interchange to be servicable until it can be fully revamped. And made safer. This redo will likely include an additional lane in each direction, but won't start for a while, probably 2016 at the very earliest, likely closer 2020. I don't believe stimulus funds are being used for the bridge replacement.

The work on good hope and brown deer up on 43 is just a redo of the interchanges, with a bridge span increase to allow for the future additional lane in each direction, but this project does not include a redo of the actual mainline of the freeway. I don't think stimulus funds are being used on this either, but someone correct me if they know otherwise.

Another Hollywood movie could film in Milwaukee

Posted: March 22, 2010 9:42 p.m.

The film, which Fantle would not identify and for which no deal has been signed, is "every bit as big as 'Public Enemies.' Probably bigger," he said.

But, Fantle said, since Wisconsin has curtailed the tax advantages that brought the Johnny Depp film to the state in 2008, the majority of the shooting for the latest project "will be in neighboring states that have incentives."

"Public Enemies" filmed in Wisconsin for six weeks, largely because of legislation that ended up granting the film a $4.6 million subsidy for filming here. Critics contended afterward that the incentives were ineffective because the film spent only $5 million locally during filming. Advocates for the tax credits argued that up to $8 million was spent in the state.

On the eve of the film's premiere last summer, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a state budget that reduced the amount of incentives available to filmmakers to $500,000.

- Duane Dudek

It's Transformers 3. Film major friend told me.

but then again, it could be this one:

http://milwaukee.backpage.com/Auditions/pre-casting-now-for-transformers-3-call-1-877-464-9526-100-500day/2319639

I found this when searching "Transformers 3 Milwaukee," looks like there was a casting call for that but this is the article that showed up. So maybe there's two big movies being (at least partially) filmed here this summer?

but then again, it could be this one:

http://milwaukee.backpage.com/Auditions/pre-casting-now-for-transformers-3-call-1-877-464-9526-100-500day/2319639

I found this when searching "Transformers 3 Milwaukee," looks like there was a casting call for that but this is the article that showed up. So maybe there's two big movies being (at least partially) filmed here this summer?

It might make sense they would look in Wisconsin for a few locations.. Ethan Hunt's parents supposedly own a farm in Wisconsin before they died and what better way to start the fourth film now that his character is settling down to married life than in his supposed home town.

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
March 25, 2010 7:15 a.m.


A conflict over where to put University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's new School of Freshwater Sciences might receive a solution worthy of King Solomon.

The idea: split the baby, so to speak, between UWM's Great Lakes WATER Institute, which overlooks the harbor at 600 E. Greenfield Ave., and an alternative site at Reed Street Yards, on the Menomonee River canal south of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux told me such a compromise might be in the works. The proposal recently surfaced from school faculty members, confirmed Tom Luljak, UWM's vice chancellor of university relations.

"We're having conversations," said Luljak, who referred further questions to Val Klump, WATER Institute director. Klump hasn't yet returned my phone call, but I hope to reach him today.

Creating facilities at both sites would resolve a conflict between water school faculty and staff, who want their programs at the harbor site, and water industry executives who believe the school needs to be based in an area with a higher profile, and more attractive environment, to impress visting muckety-mucks.

As I reported earlier this month, the school's faculty and scientists unanimously approved a resolution that recommends UWM improve the current site of the WATER Institute to house the school.

The main problem with Reed Street Yards, is "serious obstructions" to research vessels from drawbridge operations and barge traffic, the resolution says.

A $50 million plan to renovate and expand the WATER Institute to house the school was approved in December by the UW System Board of Regents.

But UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago said development would occur there only if environmental concerns were resolved. University officials later learned a large coal storage facility, located just across the street from the institute, could not be moved.

Marcoux has proposed street upgrades to improve Greenfield Ave.'s appearance and a 20-foot wall to reduce the coal piles' visual impact.

But the coal piles would remain an eyesore that makes it difficult to raise private sector funds for the freshwater school, Santiago says.

That led Santiago to consider the 17-acre Reed Street Yards, bordered roughly by S. 6th St., S. 3rd St., the Menomonee River canal and W. Florida St. It is a former railroad yard where developers General Capital Group and Peter Moede plan to create a business park.

The compromise plan would likely keep most of the school's research and teaching programs at the harbor, while basing the administrative offices at Reed Street Yards.

That's similar to UWM's original plan, which called for having most of the school's operations on the harbor, with the offices at the former Pieces of Eight restraurant site. Santiago dropped that plan in September over conflicts with retired business executive Michael Cudahy, who's now opening a restaurant at the Pieces of Eight site.

The graduate-level school, which will train water scientists and engineers, hopes to begin offering courses this fall. It will use existing buildings until the new facilities are completed.

I noticed last night walking to the Bucks game that The Moderne is just about ready to get started.

@Haletothezoo What do you mean? Is there equipment on the site now?

@Haletothezoo What do you mean? Is there equipment on the site now?


Haletothezoo is nuts. the site looks no different now than it did three months ago (other than the fact that there's no snow on the ground now)

sorry! maybe the lack of snow made it appear that way

The success or failure of the Morderne will reveal itself a week from tuesday. As time goes on it appears we are growing anxious. Lets just cross our fingers and keep an eye/ear out for the fate of this project!

Here's a link to a Lake Effect episode (from 2/23/10) on WUWM where Bob Greenstreet discussed the status of downtown development with Bob Harmon. Theirs is the third part of the show. They spoke of many developments that have already been discussed on this thread. Mr. Greenstreet mentioned in general terms that they've been seeing an increase in projects in the planning/discussion phase. It's a 12-minute piece, and I think its worth a listen.

http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/view_le.php?articleid=918

Horny Goat Brewing Co. is expanding its Horny Goat Hideaway brew pub at 2011 S. 1st St., located along the Kinnickinnic River on Milwaukee’s south side.
Construction began this month on the project, which will include four volleyball courts, corn hole (bean bag) pits, a 50-seat outdoor bar, a landscaped patio/boardwalk area, fire pits, 10 boat slips and an area for outdoor live band performances.
Horny Goat is not disclosing the cost of the project, but claims it will create the largest outdoor bar patio in Milwaukee.
“Horny Goat is all about fun, friendship and of course, outstanding beer,” said Horny Goat Brewing chief executive officer and co-owner Jim Sorenson. “Horny Goat knows that good beer is as fundamental to a great party as kicking music and cool people. This new complex will bring together all of these elements to create an experience like no other in this town or the rest of the Midwest.”
The project was designed by Milwaukee-based Rinka Chung Architecture and is being built by Milwaukee-based Castle Rock Construction.
“The covered bar will have a modern industrial feel that reflects the feel of the surrounding neighborhood,” said Bret Radke, project director for Rinka Chung. “Inside, patrons will be able to enjoy an ice cold Horny Goat beer while sitting at the bar or nearby tables. Outside the covered bar, there will be an expanse of tables for dining and a river boardwalk featuring gas fed fire pits. There will also be a raised platform on the western end of the patio for live entertainment.”
The volleyball courts are expected to be completed by April 1. The rest of the project is expected to be completed by May 15.
Horny Goat Brewing Company was created about a year ago. The company has six beers and plans to add two more this summer. Horny Goat makes its beers at the Stevens Point Brewery in Stevens Point.
The Horny Goat Hideaway brew pub opened in October, in the former Milwaukee Pump House bar and grill location at 2011 S. 1st St.

Hm, too bad the only horny goat beer I've had tastes terrible. :-(

on Business Journal they have a couple small renderings, it looks pretty cool and I can't believe how much they've done with this property in such a short amount of time...it opened in October and all of this new stuff is supposed to be done by May...wow. Only had Belgian Wheat so far, it wasn't bad. They're coming out with a fourth beer soon. It's cool how we've got two big microbrewery projects going on in the south side of town between this and the Milwaukee Brewing Co. Go Milwaukee.

Big plans for Walker's Point
By Eric Decker , of BizTimes

Published March 19, 2010

Something big is brewing on South Second Street in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, where a nondescript concrete block building will be transformed from an eyesore into an anchor destination for the neighborhood this spring.

The Milwaukee Brewing Co., which occupies the building at 613 S. Second St., is planning approximately $600,000 worth of aesthetic and structural improvements to the building, which should be complete by late summer.

When the project is complete, the 15,000-square-foot building will feature a 34-foot-high grain silo near its front entrance, large ceiling-to-floor glass windows, a second-floor mezzanine with a catwalk, a restaurant and tasting room, and more.

Milwaukee Brewing Co.’s goal for the project is to transform the building from just a manufacturing facility that brews thousands of barrels of beer into a regional destination for those who love beer and food.

In addition to the restaurant, the brewery plans to offer tours and both the restaurant and brewery will be available for special occasions.

“The brewery will be a huge focal point to get this neighborhood going,” said Jim McCabe, owner of the brewery and the Milwaukee Ale House, which has locations in the Third Ward and in Grafton.

The restaurant, which will be named Würst, will open by early June. It will be owned and operated by Richard Regner, who owns and manages Soup Bros. at 209 W. Florida St. in Walker’s Point, and will occupy about 3,000 square feet of space inside the brewery.

Soup Bros. will close when Würst opens. Regner hopes to re-open Soup Bros. in another location in several years.

At first glance, some may think that putting a restaurant inside the brewery, which is essentially a manufacturing facility, doesn’t make sense. However, it fits perfectly with the Milwaukee Brewing Co.’s philosophy, McCabe said.

Robert “Bert” Morton, head brewer at the brewery, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, one of the highest-regarded culinary schools in the country.

“That’s how we differentiate ourselves, with our food-focused flavors and the fact that we’re the smallest microbrewery in Milwaukee,” McCabe said.

Würst will feature a large bar with additional seating at tables and on a second floor mezzanine and catwalk, will offer sausages, cheeses, sandwiches and soups similar to what Regner currently offers at Soup Bros.

Dream Bikes
Written by Vince Bushell
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Aaron Rasmussen, General Manager, Chris Kreidl, Service Shop Mangager, John Hines, Assistant Manger in the spacious new Dream Bikes store on MLK Dr.

“To make our community better, we provide access to affordable, quality bikes to those in need. We provide our youth with work experience to open up more job opportunities and to create a difference in people's lives.” - Dream Bikes Mission Statement


(middle portion deleted, it was very longwinded)

The first store opened in Madison. The Milwaukee store should be open bythe time this issue of the Currents goes to press.
Special Programs

All Boys and Girls Club members get a 50% discount on Dream Bikes. If you need to ride a bike to work andyou don’t have the money to buy one, Dream Bikes has a need-based microfinancing in-house program to get you on the road.

Dream Bikes Milwaukee
A beautiful new addition to Martin Luther King Drive
2021 A N Martin Luther King Drive
Hours: M-F10AM-7PM
Sat 9AM-5PM Closed Sunday
Info: dream-bikes.org\


http://www.riverwestcurrents.org/20100330227/News/Articles/Dream-Bikes.html

Cool, another brewery tour! I'm a big fan. :)

Hm, too bad the only horny goat beer I've had tastes terrible. :-(

Agreed.

There is a bit of a microbrew renaissance in Wisconsin right now, but Horny Goat is at the bottom for me.

Lakefront is excellent. Water Street and Milwaukee Ale House are both very good.

Milwaukee’s ‘Central Park’ gains momentum
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by Pete Millard



Milwaukee Ald. Nik Kovac is introducing three city ordinances that will pave the way for the creation of the Milwaukee River Central Park.

For the past 13 years, environmental activists and the Milwaukee River Work Group, a coalition of several community organizations, have sought city approval to create a several-hundred-acre park from East North on the south to East Silver Spring Drive on the north. The Central Park will include the Rotary Arboretum, which was financed with a $400,000 gift from the Milwaukee Rotary Club in early 2010.

Kovac is proposing a zoning overlay ordinance that will regulate how private landowners along the Central Park’s boundaries will be able to develop their property. The ordinance will place restrictions on how future buildings in the overlay can be designed.

“The zoning overlay is an example of how the private and public sectors can work together to come up with a solution,” said Ann Brummitt, the director of the Milwaukee River Work Group.

While the proposed new park along the river is in the city, 70 percent of the land affected is owned by Milwaukee County, said Brummitt. -


......... Just wondering what kind of design ordinances these might be, like styling or height restrictions? When I think of a Central Park I think of New York with the borders lined by taller buildings. I know we probably wont ever have that but I kind of like the valley created by the taller buildings...

example...

https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/internship/files/central-park-picture1.jpg

@miltown Actually the group is attempting to make it so from the river valley you couldn't see any buildings, so it would be very different than NYC's Central Park.

@miltown Actually the group is attempting to make it so from the river valley you couldn't see any buildings, so it would be very different than NYC's Central Park.
That would be a notable accomplishment if we actually had buildings like NYC.

I like the idea of setting back buildings, similiar to the new UWM dorms built(and under construction), but I don't think we should 100% try to hide the city. If a proposal comes along that is not adjacent to the park, I wouldn't want to see it stopped because you can see a sliver of it from the river.

Overall, Milwaukee's central park is shaping up very nicely. They're not trying to make it too manicured, but they are having some formal elements like the arboretum. This is a huge win for Milwaukee and nearby north shore communities, turning a neglected, forgotten area into a strong asset.

Anyone else kind of crapping their pants over whether or not the Moderne's loan is going to be approved by tomorrow??!!

Well today is the day and there is nothing in the news! I know there are another 5+ business hours left in the day AND our local journalists arn't always on top of things... but yes, it's still scary.

for right now I'm just gonna assume that no news is good news.

Weas plans downtown Milwaukee office building
Published April 7, 2010 - Real Estate Weekly

Milwaukee-based Weas Development Co. is working on a downtown Milwaukee office building project for the southeast corner of North Broadway and East Michigan Street, according to commercial real estate sources. The site is currently a surface parking lot.
Weas Development president and founder Doug Weas could not be reached for comment.
According to a source, Weas has been floating plans for an office building with about 200,000 square feet of office space and several floors of structured parking in a building with about 15 stories.
Weas is shopping the project to potential anchor tenants that are in the market for new downtown office space such as Von Briesen & Roper (seeking 75,000 square feet), Godfrey & Kahn (seeking 90,000 square feet of space), Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP (seeking 70,000 square feet of space) and CH2M HILL.
The class A office space vacancy rate in downtown Milwaukee is fairly low, between 8.5 and 13 percent according to various estimates. Few existing class A buildings in downtown Milwaukee have a single block of space available that could accommodate another anchor tenant.
Weas is just one of several developers have proposed new office buildings for downtown Milwaukee including:
- Wauwatosa-based Irgens Development Partners LLC, which is working on an office building project next to the Milwaukee Athletic Club building at 758 N. Broadway.
- Brookfield-based Hammes Co., which is working on a project just south of the U.S. Bank Center at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave.
- Milwaukee-based Next Generation Real Estate Inc. (Robert and Michael Levine and other investors), which plans to build a 6-story office building, replacing several 100-year-old buildings southeast of Wisconsin Avenue and Broadway.
- Rainier Properties LLC (which includes developers Bruce Westling and Gary Grunau), which wants to build a 15-story office building with 280,000 square feet of office space and a Marcus Theatres movie theater complex northwest of Water Street and Knapp Street and along the Milwaukee River in the Park East corridor.
- Wauwatosa-based Wangard Properties, which plans to build an eight-story, 155,000-square-foot office building that plans to build on top of a parking garage just south of the eight-story 875 East Wisconsin office building at 875 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Most of these projects will probably not get built. The first developer (or developers) able to attract anchor tenants to their project, and then obtain financing for the project, is the one that will successfully complete a building, Milwaukee commercial real estate observers say.

I like this location better than all the other proposals besides the Marcus tower. It will go a long way to fill out that part of downtown.

I agree, Michigan is pretty depressing. I hope this is the one to get the go-ahead (and that the design is good). Btw, I'm not sure I've heard about that 875 Wisconsin proposal. Is that the white and curvy "Milwaukee Terrace" design that had trees on it?

Weas plans downtown Milwaukee office building
Published April 7, 2010 - Real Estate Weekly

Milwaukee-based Weas Development Co. is working on a downtown Milwaukee office building project for the southeast corner of North Broadway and East Michigan Street, according to commercial real estate sources. The site is currently a surface parking lot.
Weas Development president and founder Doug Weas could not be reached for comment.
According to a source, Weas has been floating plans for an office building with about 200,000 square feet of office space and several floors of structured parking in a building with about 15 stories.
Weas is shopping the project to potential anchor tenants that are in the market for new downtown office space such as Von Briesen & Roper (seeking 75,000 square feet), Godfrey & Kahn (seeking 90,000 square feet of space), Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP (seeking 70,000 square feet of space) and CH2M HILL.
The class A office space vacancy rate in downtown Milwaukee is fairly low, between 8.5 and 13 percent according to various estimates. Few existing class A buildings in downtown Milwaukee have a single block of space available that could accommodate another anchor tenant.
Weas is just one of several developers have proposed new office buildings for downtown Milwaukee including:
- Wauwatosa-based Irgens Development Partners LLC, which is working on an office building project next to the Milwaukee Athletic Club building at 758 N. Broadway.
- Brookfield-based Hammes Co., which is working on a project just south of the U.S. Bank Center at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave.
- Milwaukee-based Next Generation Real Estate Inc. (Robert and Michael Levine and other investors), which plans to build a 6-story office building, replacing several 100-year-old buildings southeast of Wisconsin Avenue and Broadway.
- Rainier Properties LLC (which includes developers Bruce Westling and Gary Grunau), which wants to build a 15-story office building with 280,000 square feet of office space and a Marcus Theatres movie theater complex northwest of Water Street and Knapp Street and along the Milwaukee River in the Park East corridor.
- Wauwatosa-based Wangard Properties, which plans to build an eight-story, 155,000-square-foot office building that plans to build on top of a parking garage just south of the eight-story 875 East Wisconsin office building at 875 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Most of these projects will probably not get built. The first developer (or developers) able to attract anchor tenants to their project, and then obtain financing for the project, is the one that will successfully complete a building, Milwaukee commercial real estate observers say.

Can't we stack all of these proposals together for one skyscraper??????? All kidding aside I hope one or two of these actually happen, the Broadway & Michigan sounds best, besides the Marcus tower.

The only picture ive seen of the 875 E. Wisconsin annex is on Wangard's site and it's a tiny little picture. It appears though that its a blueish tinted all glass facade.

The only picture ive seen of the 875 E. Wisconsin annex is on Wangard's site and it's a tiny little picture. It appears though that its a blueish tinted all glass facade.

http://www.wangard.com/p_875.gif

This little picture here...... not much of anything to it, just plain old office space.

so no update on the Moderne's loan decision, eh? did the date get pushed back again?

I could've swore that the date was set for the 14th but I could be wrong.

Holter Financial Group to move to 100 East Wisconsin building, which is for sale

The Holter Financial Group plans to move its offices this summer from the Blatz Washhouse building at 1101 N. Market St. in downtown Milwaukee to the 23rd floor of the 100 East Wisconsin building, located at 100 East Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee.
The company will lease about 25,000 square feet of space in the 100 East Wisconsin building, according to commercial real estate sources.
Meanwhile, the 35-story 100 East Wisconsin building, the second tallest building in the city and the state, is for sale. The building is owned by Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.
“Yes, (the building) is on the market,” said Northwestern Mutual spokeswoman Jean Towell. “We consider it a premier property in downtown Milwaukee.”
Northwestern Mutual does not have a specific listing price for the property, she said.
Construction of the 430,800-square-foot building was completed in 1989. It was developed by a joint venture of Northwestern Mutual and Charlotte, N.C.-based Faison Associates. Northwestern Mutual now owns 100 percent interest in the property.
New York-based Eastdil Secured LLC is marketing the property for Northwestern Mutual.
The building is about 90 percent occupied, according to Towell. That means only about 43,080 square feet of space is available in the building. The Holter Financial Group’s lease will bring the building’s occupancy level up to about 96 percent.
The building also has 754 indoor parking spaces.
It has an assessed value of $67.5 million, or $156.68 per square foot, according to city of Milwaukee records.
The commercial real estate industry has been battered by the Great Recession. Nevertheless, Northwestern Mutual thinks it is a good time to sell the 100 East Wisconsin building because of its prime location at the northwest corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street along the Milwaukee River in the heart of downtown Milwaukee’s central business district, and because of its high occupancy rate, Towell said.
“It has several top flight tenants with long term leases,” she said.
The tenants in the building include: Michael Best & Friedrich, which leases 112,684 square feet of space; Wells Fargo Bank, 44,670 square feet; Marcus Corp., 41,219 square feet; Cleary Gull Holdings Inc., 23,540 square feet; and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 22,894 square feet. John Hawks Pub is also located in the building.
Northwestern Mutual briefly put the building up for sale in 2007, but then took it off the market as the economy, particularly for commercial real estate, went into decline, Towell said. Now that the economy is improving the company believes it is the right time to try again to sell the building, she said.
The occupancy (probably means vacany) rate for class A buildings in downtown Milwaukee, including the 100 East building, is fairly low according to commercial real estate sources. Various estimates peg the downtown Milwaukee class A office space vacancy rate at 8.5 percent to 13 percent.
The capital markets for commercial real estate are currently extremely tight, a byproduct of the Great Recession. That makes it difficult for developers to build new office buildings that could compete with existing class A buildings downtown, such as the 100 East Wisconsin building. Several developers are working on office building projects in downtown Milwaukee, but they will have to prelease about 75 percent of the office space to obtain financing to break ground, according to commercial real estate sources.
“100 East Wisconsin’s average occupancy since 2004 is over 92 percent,” Eastdil says in marketing material for the building. “This is indicative of the property’s irreplaceable CBD location and ability to continually attract and retain tenants. Furthermore, the six buildings that directly compete with 100 East Wisconsin are currently 92 percent leased. The high occupancy levels attained at 100 East Wisconsin and the competitive buildings in the market are a further testament to the stability and longevity of the property.”

-------------------------------------------

Seems like these Class A office buildings are relatively full, maybe a new tower soon?????????????? A big tenant might not be able to get all of the space they need in a single building right now????

Furthermore, the six buildings that directly compete with 100 East Wisconsin are currently 92 percent leased. [/B]

Does this mean that there are a total of 7 Class A commerical towers in downtown Milwaukee? Does any one know which are the other six buildings? I'm just curious.

This is just speculation but I would guess the U.S. Bank Tower, Milwaukee Center, 411 E. Wisconsin, 1000 N. Water, Cathedral Place and maybe the Chase Tower.

This is just speculation but I would guess the U.S. Bank Tower, Milwaukee Center, 411 E. Wisconsin, 1000 N. Water, Cathedral Place and maybe the Chase Tower.

I'm pretty sure that the small 8 story 875 E. Wisconsin Ave is considered a Class A Office Building... not sure about the others???????

Large apartment development proposed for downtown riverfront
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 15, 2010 7:15 a.m.


A 140-unit apartment development is being proposed for a vacant parcel overlooking the Milwaukee River, just north of Schlitz Park business park.

General Capital Group wants to build Beerline B Apartments north of E. Pleasant St. and east of N. Commerce St. A retail center, anchored by an upscale grocery store, had previously been proposed for the site, but those plans last year shifted to a different site.

The apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, would be in two buildings of three to four stories, with underground parking and a RiverWalk, said Steve Schnoll, a General Capital partner.

The 3.5-acre site is owned by Brewery Works Inc., which operates Schlitz Park. General Capital has a purchase option for the parcel, which is just south of Trostel Square apartments and condominiums.

General Capital is seeking federal tax credits that are given to developers of affordable housing.

In return for the credits, which are sold to raise equity financing, developers must lease apartments at below-market rents to people whose households earn no more than 60% of the area's median income.

For a two-person household in Milwaukee, such as a single parent and child, that maximum income is $32,520, with the limits increasing as the household size increases.

The Beerline plan is among several new proposals to develop affordable apartments in the Milwaukee area that are partly financed with federal tax credits. The deadline for seeking credits was April 9, and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority this week released a list of applicants. The authority is to decided by June 18 which projects will receive credits.

I'll have more information later at JSOnline.com, and in Friday's Journal Sentinel, about some other new proposals, including a plan for 88 apartments at a renovated portion of the former Gallun tannery, and one for 43 apartments for the elderly that would be built on vacant land at the former Pabst brewery.
Other such projects include developments I've already reported, such as Mercy Housing Lakefront Inc.'s plan to develop a nine-story project on Milwaukee's east side. That plan has been delayed, and Mercy is not currently applying for tax credits for the project.

Large apartment development proposed for downtown riverfront
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 15, 2010 7:15 a.m.


A 140-unit apartment development is being proposed for a vacant parcel overlooking the Milwaukee River, just north of Schlitz Park business park.

General Capital Group wants to build Beerline B Apartments north of E. Pleasant St. and east of N. Commerce St. A retail center, anchored by an upscale grocery store, had previously been proposed for the site, but those plans last year shifted to a different site.

The apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, would be in two buildings of three to four stories, with underground parking and a RiverWalk, said Steve Schnoll, a General Capital partner.

The 3.5-acre site is owned by Brewery Works Inc., which operates Schlitz Park. General Capital has a purchase option for the parcel, which is just south of Trostel Square apartments and condominiums.

General Capital is seeking federal tax credits that are given to developers of affordable housing.

In return for the credits, which are sold to raise equity financing, developers must lease apartments at below-market rents to people whose households earn no more than 60% of the area's median income.

For a two-person household in Milwaukee, such as a single parent and child, that maximum income is $32,520, with the limits increasing as the household size increases.

The Beerline plan is among several new proposals to develop affordable apartments in the Milwaukee area that are partly financed with federal tax credits. The deadline for seeking credits was April 9, and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority this week released a list of applicants. The authority is to decided by June 18 which projects will receive credits.

I'll have more information later at JSOnline.com, and in Friday's Journal Sentinel, about some other new proposals, including a plan for 88 apartments at a renovated portion of the former Gallun tannery, and one for 43 apartments for the elderly that would be built on vacant land at the former Pabst brewery.
Other such projects include developments I've already reported, such as Mercy Housing Lakefront Inc.'s plan to develop a nine-story project on Milwaukee's east side. That plan has been delayed, and Mercy is not currently applying for tax credits for the project.


Speaking of that Nehring's Family Market, what is the status on that project?

Hello. I have read comments posted here since '05. I dont comment much but I just have a few things to put out there. First does anyone know where I can find the original plans for the Midwest Express Center. I have heard that it is only half built so I wondered what the other half looked like and where it would have been built. Second can the convention center expand underground? I just came back form toronto a fews ago and the convention there goes atleast four floors/stories underground. I was thinking that if our center can not expand above ground, why not go under.

New apartments near the beer line and Manpower.

Large apartment development proposed for downtown riverfront
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 15, 2010 7:15 a.m. |(8) Comments

A 140-unit apartment development is being proposed for a vacant parcel overlooking the Milwaukee River, just north of Schlitz Park business park.

General Capital Group wants to build Beerline B Apartments north of E. Pleasant St. and east of N. Commerce St. A retail center, anchored by an upscale grocery store, had previously been proposed for the site, but those plans last year shifted to a different site.

The apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, would be in two buildings of three to four stories, with underground parking and a RiverWalk, said Steve Schnoll, a General Capital partner.

The 3.5-acre site is owned by Brewery Works Inc., which operates Schlitz Park. General Capital has a purchase option for the parcel, which is just south of Trostel Square apartments and condominiums.

General Capital is seeking federal tax credits that are given to developers of affordable housing.

In return for the credits, which are sold to raise equity financing, developers must lease apartments at below-market rents to people whose households earn no more than 60% of the area's median income.

For a two-person household in Milwaukee, such as a single parent and child, that maximum income is $32,520, with the limits increasing as the household size increases.

The Beerline plan is among several new proposals to develop affordable apartments in the Milwaukee area that are partly financed with federal tax credits. The deadline for seeking credits was April 9, and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority this week released a list of applicants. The authority is to decided by June 18 which projects will receive credits.

I'll have more information later at JSOnline.com, and in Friday's Journal Sentinel, about some other new proposals, including a plan for 88 apartments at a renovated portion of the former Gallun tannery, and one for 43 apartments for the elderly that would be built on vacant land at the former Pabst brewery.

Other such projects include developments I've already reported, such as Mercy Housing Lakefront Inc.'s plan to develop a nine-story project on Milwaukee's east side. That plan has been delayed, and Mercy is not currently applying for tax credits for the project.

Someone beat yuh by two hours Coldwake.

good news though, I assume

Someone beat yuh by two hours Coldwake.

good news though, I assume


i think coldwake just gets to work late ;)

http://www.midwestairlinescenter.com/categories/2-midwestairlinescenter/documents/36-floor-plans-specs

Mill Work: This might not help too much -- because I'm thinking you've probably already looked at the current floor plan. But, from what I've heard - the space to the north - where the parking currently is, is where a potential addition would go. That's probably pretty obvious - since its the only open space on the block. What an addition might look like, is probably anyone's guess. A phase III for the center would likely blend with the style of the built part -- just like phase II matched up with Phase I. The Convention Center in Minneapolis also has a large area that is below ground level. I wouldn't see why Milwaukee couldn't do that also.

Here's a question for you... are there any laws or code in Milwaukee/Wisconsin that would protect riparian vegetation such as along the Milwaukee River southwest of Van Buren Street where Habhegger Wheel & Axle is?

I'm trying to picture what form the Riverwalk would take at that point - if it and the accompanying development would veer away from the River to avoid an impact, or if the vegetation could simply be removed. Are you aware of any recent precedent?

The Milwaukee River has a Design Guidelines package assembled and in place since 1992. One document that I reviewed for design work on the Riverboat Road Chewonec property broke the river down into 3 parts: Upper, middle and lower. Each part had distinctive requirements based upon not only current use, but establishing consistent future use. That Habhegger site is in the middle river, I believe.

http://www.mkedcd.org/planning/plans/riverlink/plglmr.html

A new zoning overlay document is in the works that covers the upper river, primarily. This has been in the news lately.

http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccCouncil/2010PDF/MKWRiverOverlayStandards.pdf

You could review each of these to determine how the riparian property is to be handled in each area. Hopefully, they don't use the New Land model of massive inaccessible blazing white limestone riprap seen at Humboldt and the river.

Finally starting to get some stuff going again:


Thursday, April 15, 2010, 2:08pm CDT
Oak Creek to address Lake Parkway extension
The Business Journal of Milwaukee

The Oak Creek Common Council will be briefed April 20 on the possible extension of Lake Parkway to Ryan Road.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Patricia Jursik and Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender will brief the council, which is expected to vote on whether to support the Parkway extension and ask the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to begin a formal study.


The cities of South Milwaukee and Cudahy have already voted to approve the study. Bolender backs studying the possible extension of the Interstate 794, also called Lake Parkway.

"I support the proposal that the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission create a study committee to investigate the feasibility of extending the Lake Parkway south through Oak Creek to provide a connection to Racine County,” Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender stated. "It is important that there be an objective study conducted before any decisions are made regarding this proposed project."

Said Jursik: "Many residents of Oak Creek interested in saving the Hoan Bridge also understand the need to extend the Lake Parkway’s reach to at least Ryan Road."

Someone beat yuh by two hours Coldwake.

good news though, I assume

Ah crap... I opened the thread when I got to work meaning to post it, but by the time I had the chance to finish the post I was too late. :(

Said Jursik: "Many residents of Oak Creek interested in saving the Hoan Bridge also understand the need to extend the Lake Parkway’s reach to at least Ryan Road."

BOOOOOOOOO!! these NIMBY residents clearly don't understand the redesign ideas for replacing the Hoan with a grade-level roadway and drawbridge. the Hoan is a crumbling eyesore, completely unnecessary and a waste of valuable shoreline space. the lake parkway is a nice road, but its traffic won't be noticeably effected by bringing down the Hoan and putting in something at grade instead. Booo to Cudahy residents. Boo to Oak Creek residents. you people need to study a little urban planning!

@MilwaukeeMax Supervisor Jursik's timing on all this makes me think she wants to get the road extended primarily as a reason to "save" the Hoan. But that battle is lost forever prime downtown land will be dedicated to flyover ramps and surface parking.. yikes.

BOOOOOOOOO!! these NIMBY residents clearly don't understand the redesign ideas for replacing the Hoan with a grade-level roadway and drawbridge. the Hoan is a crumbling eyesore, completely unnecessary and a waste of valuable shoreline space. the lake parkway is a nice road, but its traffic won't be noticeably effected by bringing down the Hoan and putting in something at grade instead. Booo to Cudahy residents. Boo to Oak Creek residents. you people need to study a little urban planning!

Thanks for writing this so I didn't have to!! I agree with everything...

Thursday, April 15, 2010, 11:14am CDT | Modified: Thursday, April 15, 2010, 2:55pm

Transportation, retail top needs for Milwaukee downtown
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by Stacy Vogel Davis

Milwaukee has a lot going for its downtown, but it needs to make sure other people know about it, downtown supporters said at the first State of Downtown Economic Forum on Thursday.

“People (who visit downtown) say the architecture is amazing, the attractions are outstanding, the people are phenomenal — where do you hide all this?” County Executive Scott Walker said.


Downtown advocates, including gubernatorial candidates Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, listed positives for Milwaukee’s downtown — a falling crime rate, walkability, access to the lakefront and attractions such as the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Public Museum.

They seemed to agree on the major challenges facing downtown as well — transportation, parking and retail development.

“A well-balanced transportation plan is critical to the health and well-being of our downtown,” said Beth Nicols, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District 21.

Barrett emphasized his plan for a downtown streetcar system. The system will increase use of the Milwaukee County Transit System and, together with the high-speed rail line planned from Milwaukee to Madison, help make the city more attractive for commuters, he said.

“I cannot think of a major American city that is growing that does not have rail as part of its system,” he said.

The Federal Transit Administration allocated $54.9 million to the Milwaukee streetcar system last year after an 18-year stalemate between the city and county over what to do with transit funds.

Barrett expects the city to make a major announcement about the streetcar system soon, he said.
Another $36.6 million will go to the county for its bus rapid transit plan, something Walker touted in his speech. The plan calls for dedicated bus lanes and shelters with real-time arrival and departure information along the existing Fond du Lac and National avenue routes. The county transit system should help people not only get around downtown but also get to downtown, he said.

Both Barrett and Walker listed the Park East freeway corridor and The Brewery development, the former headquarters of Pabst Brewing Co., as opportunities for future downtown development.

Milwaukee Downtown also presented its annual achievement awards at the forum. Receiving awards were:

• Aloft Milwaukee Downtown, Brick and Mortar Award for completing the first downtown Milwaukee hotel since 2001;

• Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, CPR Award for its $18 million renovation under new owner Noble Investment Group, Atlanta;

• Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Jingle Bus, Showcase Award. The award was presented to Coach USA and The Shops of Grand Avenue for their participation in the event;

• Cindy Moran, director of public relations for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Downtown Cheerleader Award;

• Mark Buetow, former Milwaukee Police Department community liaison officer, and Jan Kusko, property manager of Plaza East Office Center and former BID board member, Special Recognition Awards for their work in the downtown.

It's funny they would mention parking as a major challenge as everytime I've been to downtown Milwaukee I've never had a problem finding parking.

Me neither. It's like trafffic. Milwaukeeans have no idea about bad traffic, but you'd think it was New Jersey to hear them complain. Bless 'em.

McKinley Park proposal envisions raise walkway, expanded pavilion

By Steve Schultze of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: April 16, 2010

The south portion of McKinley Park, once home to the old Coast Guard Station, would undergo a $2 million to $12 million redesign with an eye toward drawing people to the underused piece of prime lakefront, under a plan touted by Milwaukee County Parks Director Sue Black.

The reshaping of the area would incorporate the open-air pavilion built in 2008 on the station site, expanding that to better accommodate wedding receptions and other private events. The station was razed after efforts at restoration fell through.

The signature project would also redirect pedestrians and bikers crossing the Brady St. bridge over Lincoln Memorial Drive on a walkway that heads straight toward Lake Michigan instead of circling back to Lincoln. The walkway would culminate with an elevated path about 12 to 14 feet above grade, offering panoramic views of McKinley Marina and the lake.

Open space for soccer, rugby and lacrosse would remain, but a portion of an asphalt parking lot adjacent to the shore would be converted to a circular, open performance area surrounded by the raised walkway.

Black emphasized the plans are preliminary and would undergo a series of reviews. But she's hoping the idea catches fire.

"Our lakefront is just as valuable as Chicago's," she said, noting that the stunning $475 million Millennium Park has become an iconic attraction there. The much-less ambitious plan for the Milwaukee Coast Guard Station site "is our chance to do something spectacular, as well," Black said.

The concept was presented to the County Board's parks committee this week and to the Lakefront Development Advisory Commission last month, to mostly favorable comments. A public hearing before the commission might be the next step, but in order to advance the plan, Black said, she'll need to drum up interest in potential donors.

It's too early to say what role the county might play in the development, said County Executive Scott Walker. Though not ruling out county funding, he said the lion's share of the costs should be covered by private funds. He called the park plan "spectacular" and said he supported offering naming rights to a major donor.

The elevated walkway would enable visitors to get a lake view that's not possible now in that area because of the marina breakwalls, said Rich Tennessen of Eppstein Uhen Architects. The Milwaukee firm provided the concept drawings at no cost to Black.

The circular outdoor seating area could be used for small music performances or lectures, Tennessen said. He envisions use of low-level lighting without spoiling the evening view.

The pavilion expansion would include restrooms and an adjacent outdoor seating area, he said.

County Supervisor Joe Sanfelippo said he liked the concept, but worried about costs. The county parks maintenance backlog needs attention "before we start adding onto things," he said. A county audit put the parks maintenance problem at more than $200 million. The McKinley Park plan also comes as the county struggles to keep its budget in the black, and some even have suggested dissolving county government and parceling out its functions to the state, municipalities or new special taxing districts.

Robert Spindell, a member of the lakefront commission, suggested scaling the plan back to an upgrade of the pavilion with bathrooms to keep costs down. The elevated walkway is unnecessary, he said.

Jim Goulee, executive director of the Park People advocacy group, praised the concept as a striking lakefront landscape improvement.

"It's really cool," Goulee said.

-------------------------------------------

Sounds like a cool project, I'd say that area is pretty underutilized I'd really like to see a rendering though.......


Also Bicycling Magazine says we are #25 for bike friendly cities....http://www.bicycling.com/topbikefriendlycities/slide27.html

I do find at least some level of hypocrisy in those in here who on one hand are complaining about the presence of freeways that feed into the downtown Milwaukee area and then on the other hand are complaining about the lack of access into the downtown Milwaukee area.

YES, access to downtown Milwaukee could be MUCH better. The lack of good highway access from the northwest (no, Fond du Lac Ave just doesn't cut it!) is a big bugaboo to me. The Stadium and Park West freeways (out to 67th/FdL) should have been built.

Also, I would go farther and seriously study extending WI 794 not just to WI 100 south (Ryan Rd), but all the way to WI 31 at the Racine-Kenosha County line and perhaps even farther. I do know that the Hoan Bridge has some serious structural issues that MUST be addressed, but I am very open to ANY ideas - as long as they do not infringe on its transportation utility. I see a golden opportunity coming up to build a true SHOWCASE entrance into the downtown Milwaukee and 'south shore' areas with this.

Transit and intercity rail (*NO*, it is *NOT* 'high speed', only 'normal to enhanced speed') is an upcoming 'back to the future' thing, but I see intercity as being a much bigger priority than streetcars (I know, it sounds a bit selfish, but I see the Fox Valley line being more useful than the Madison line). When the time comes, as for good places to run streetcars, I would dig out the maps of where they DID go in the mid-20th Century. Milwaukee had a mind-blowing streetcar and electric 'trackless' trolleybus network in the 1940s and into the 1950s - and yet it mainly covered the city that existed during the WWII era, before the Annexation Wars.

And I have said it before, but if/when fuel prices go nutty again, I would give first serious consideration to bringing back the trolleybus system.

Mike

I do find at least some level of hypocrisy in those in here who on one hand are complaining about the presence of freeways that feed into the downtown Milwaukee area and then on the other hand are complaining about the lack of access into the downtown Milwaukee area.

YES, access to downtown Milwaukee could be MUCH better. The lack of good highway access from the northwest (no, Fond du Lac Ave just doesn't cut it!) is a big bugaboo to me. The Stadium and Park West freeways (out to 67th/FdL) should have been built.

Not hypocritical at all to hope for alternate access to downtown other than freeways. (although I think the characterization of the Hoan Bridge by Max is quite extreme and one I don't share). Hard to imagine a Midwestern city with better freeway access to their downtown than Detroit, but that city has, sadly, probably the most currently underused (though certainly not abandoned) downtown anywhere. Conversely, New York, San Francisco, and Boston, for instance, are some of the most automobile-unfriendly environments anywhere, but, with superb mass transit facilities are, to put it mildly, thriving. I know there is some apples-to-oranges element to these comparisons, but without a very robust alternate transportation choice, freeways almost always lead traffic, customers, and business out of a city's core rather than back into it.

Transit and intercity rail (*NO*, it is *NOT* 'high speed', only 'normal to enhanced speed') is an upcoming 'back to the future' thing, but I see intercity as being a much bigger priority than streetcars (I know, it sounds a bit selfish, but I see the Fox Valley line being more useful than the Madison line). When the time comes, as for good places to run streetcars, I would dig out the maps of where they DID go in the mid-20th Century. Milwaukee had a mind-blowing streetcar and electric 'trackless' trolleybus network in the 1940s and into the 1950s - and yet it mainly covered the city that existed during the WWII era, before the Annexation Wars.

But if you do the intercity rail and no streetcar...when you take the train from the Fox Valley to Milwaukee...how will you get from the Intermodal Station to wherever you are tying to go? The streetcar helps solve that. So really, you need to do both. Freeways are useless without local roads, just as intercity rail is pretty useless without local transit.

Home-grown in River West
Posted on 19 April 2010.
By Staci Staffaroni


Ask a Milwaukeean where to go for Mexican food and the common responses will likely fall within a two to three block radius south of the 6th Street bridge. However, instead of heading south, venturing just a few blocks west of campus one can unexpectedly find a cozy, inviting space serving Latin American food with a West Coast flair.

Café Corazon, at 3129 N. Bremen St., serves quality, fresh food at an honest price. Corazon means “heart” in Spanish and the owners have put just that into their business. The three owners can often be found cooking, serving and bartending.

Corazon currently serves dinner and a weekend brunch, but with a proposed expansion for outdoor seating may soon serve lunch as well.

It has been five months since they opened and the owners cannot believe the response.

“When we opened I thought I would have to do a lot of advertising,” Owner George Mireles said. “I haven’t had to do any [advertising] and we are getting a lot of repeat customers.”

The décor is Latin-inspired, Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, and vintage religious with light, soft teal and bright, tomato red as dominant colors.

Like the “Day of the Dead”, a Mexican holiday celebrating those that have passed, the building sat a skeleton, vacant for years.

Built in 1907 and once home to a biker bar, John Kelly bought the angular brick building in Riverwest over a decade ago. The building sat empty while Kelly lived and worked in Minneapolis. Then, about five to six years ago Kelly started talking with friend Mireles. Mireles and wife Wendy, then living in San Francisco, opted to invest in the business with Kelly.

“I built the kitchen myself,” Mireles said. “And the bar is original … I just cut it back.”

Mireles had the idea for a different concept in the neighborhood he once lived in – a taquería. In November of last year, Café Corazon went from an idea to a reality, a reality that has crowds packing the small, but unique space. However, for many it is worth the wait.

For the rest of the article click below

http://www.uwmpost.com/2010/04/19/home-grown-in-river-west/

Does anyone else find the raised walkway proposal for McKinley kind of weird? I suppose it has potential, and I'll definately have to see some renderings to pass judgement, but isn't the point of a park to be in it and enjoy it instead of looking down at it from above? There's sightlines of the lake many places, is this necessary?

Just initial thoughts, I'm open to seeing the actual plan of the project before I'm set in my opinion.

It sounds pretty cool to me. A different vantage point. Sort of like a boardwalk.

Does anyone else find the raised walkway proposal for McKinley kind of weird? There's sightlines of the lake many places, is this necessary?
I'm open to seeing the actual plan of the project before I'm set in my opinion.
Me too.
It would have to be a pretty snappy design, especially at ground level, to avoid a dingy under-the boardwalk (or El, or freeway) look.

:ohno:

Check out these new renderings of the new restaurant at the Pieces of Eight site. I'm surprised how boring they are.....quite sad.

http://www.wisn.com/slideshow/entertainment/23198677/detail.html

:ohno:

yep, pretty uninspired.

McKinley Park Proposal a Great Plan for a Great Lake (drawings included) (http://dancody.org/archives/mckinley-park-proposal-a-great-plan-for-a-great-lake-drawings-included.html) via Dan Cody's blog.

Could have been nicer had the unique Prairie Styled old Coast Guard Station been restored instead of being left to rot, demolished, and replaced by a dinky picnic shelter.

McKinley Park Proposal a Great Plan for a Great Lake (drawings included) (http://dancody.org/archives/mckinley-park-proposal-a-great-plan-for-a-great-lake-drawings-included.html) via Dan Cody's blog.

Could have been nicer had the unique Prairie Styled old Coast Guard Station been restored instead of being left to rot, demolished, and replaced by a dinky picnic shelter.

I'll post the pics here ( kind of big )... Overall I like these designs a lot... yes the picnic shelter is a far cry from the old Coast Guard Station, had it been restored. I really appreciate the land design and landscaping that has been proposed.

Before
http://dancody.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/screen-capture-1.png

Conceptual Drawing 1
http://dancody.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/screen-capture-2.png

Conceptual Drawing 2
http://dancody.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/screen-capture-3.png

Also I don't know how feasible this idea would be but, I always thought it would be great if we could replace the parking lots on the Lakefront (War Memorial, Veterans Park, ...) with underground parking which would be covered by a grass roof, basically more park. Anyone ever heard of that being done anywhere?

I like it a lot.

...

Also I don't know how feasible this idea would be but, I always thought it would be great if we could replace the parking lots on the Lakefront (War Memorial, Veterans Park, ...) with underground parking which would be covered by a grass roof, basically more park. Anyone ever heard of that being done anywhere?

I can't think of an example off-hand, but I can't imagine this having not been done somewhere. All you'd have to make room for is a few ventilation ducts coming out of the ground.

Also I don't know how feasible this idea would be but, I always thought it would be great if we could replace the parking lots on the Lakefront (War Memorial, Veterans Park, ...) with underground parking which would be covered by a grass roof, basically more park. Anyone ever heard of that being done anywhere?

It's been done in lots of places in lots of cities.

Some local examples, good and bad, include the Discovery World garage, Spaights Plaza at UWM, O'Donnell Park, and MacArthur Square.

Update on the New Land / Anchor Bank drama:

New Land, AnchorBank litigation stalls upscale grocery plans
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 20, 2010 7:15 a.m. |(2) Comments

John and Anne Nehring's plans to open a Nehring Family Market on Milwaukee's east side have been stalled by a foreclosure suit filed against developer Boris Gokhman, who owns the site.

That's the word from Gokhman, who spoke to me Monday afternoon. We chatted during a break in a hearing at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, where Madison-based AnchorBank is trying to get a receiver appointed in its foreclosure suit against Gokhman and partner Walter Shuk.

Gokhman and Shuk, who operate New Land Enterprises, said the Nehrings want to make sure the dispute involving Anchor and the developers is resolved before they go forward on the project.

"They want us to clean up the issues," Gokhman said.

The Nehrings announced last year plans to develop the market at the Habhegger site, at N. Water and E. Brady streets.

The bank is seeking to foreclose on that site, as well as on New Land's Oriental Theatre building, on Milwaukee's east, and the Fox Bay Building, in Whitefish Bay. Anchor claims Gokhman and Shuk owe $15 million from some defaulted loans.

New Land has responded by saying Anchor acted in "bad faith" by filing the suit.

Anchor was in court Monday trying to persuade Milwaukee County Circuit Judge William Pocan to appoint a receiver to operate the properties. New Land still manages the properties, even though Anchor has been collecting the rent from tenants since the foreclosure suit was filed in January.

Anchor's attorney, Andrew Wronski, told Pocan that the Oriental building's roof is leaking and needs repairs, and that Gokhman and Shuk were late in paying property taxes.

But New Land contends that the money to pay the taxes wasn't available because Anchor froze the company's account. New Land attorney Stephen Kravit also said that, prior to filing the foreclosure suit, Anchor was willing to loan money to repair the roof only if Gokhman and Shuk agreed to a brief of the $15 million in loans on "more difficult" terms.

Pocan has scheduled another hearing for 1:30 p.m. Friday to hear testimony from both sides.

The EeeEW, Eh? plan is nice, breaking up a relatively featureless field into more modestly scaled spaces. They've eliminated fully half of the McKinley Marina's parking, don't know if that will be acceptable or not based upon the usage of those spaces.

Markitect, I'm certain you know that the wonderful CG Station was effectively irreparable. The clay tile structure was degraded beyond saving and plaster skin in similar shape. Restoration would have entailed replacement-in-kind and you'd still have the use / function problem due to Wisconsin's Public Trust Doctrine.

Finally, typical parking structures go for around $20-25K PER SPACE. Underground with a vegetated roof, even more. Underground BELOW the water table, even MORE than more. Milwaukee doesn't have the density or land constraints to make this a viable plan on the lakefront.

I forgot to add that the new pavilion replacing the CG Station is an embarrassingly clunky and ham-fisted prairie style shed. Who designed it?

Thanks for posting the pictures. I like that they broke it up a bit, and the general design is not offensive. I still can't get a good idea of what the raised walkway will look like unfortunately. I guess we're still back at wait and see!

Miltown and D-res; here is an example of underground parking in Minneapolis north across the street from the Minneapolis Convention Center;

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=44.97048,-93.274634&spn=0.001848,0.004801&t=k&z=18

if you click on satelite with labels, there is an exit ramp parallel to Marquette Ave., while the main entrance/exit is off of 12th st.
And the pedestrian skyway in the triangle part has a stairwell that goes down to the underground structure.
try the streetview.

http://dancody.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/screen-capture-3.png



this will probally look good, but it is a shame that this part of the lakefront isn't better. Parks are nice and all, but we need businesses down there. They should have built a promenade along the water and allow resturants, bars, shops, and other things to develop around it. Kind of like Venice Beach. People like to be near the lake and do things. There simply isn't much down there and thats why Alterra, that custard stand, and Bradford Beach are so popular.

Oh, and we should build something like the Santa Monica Pier (sans amusment park)---but that's just a pipe dream.

Miltown and D-res; here is an example of underground parking in Minneapolis north across the street from the Minneapolis Convention Center;

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=44.97048,-93.274634&spn=0.001848,0.004801&t=k&z=18

if you click on satelite with labels, there is an exit ramp parallel to Marquette Ave., while the main entrance/exit is off of 12th st.
And the pedestrian skyway in the triangle part has a stairwell that goes down to the underground structure.
try the streetview.


Cool, thanks. that's exactly what I was talking about!

[ but we need businesses down there. They should have built a promenade along the water and allow resturants, bars, shops, and other things to develop around it. Kind of like Venice Beach. People like to be near the lake and do things. There simply isn't much down there and thats why Alterra, that custard stand, and Bradford Beach are so popular.

Oh, and we should build something like the Santa Monica Pier (sans amusment park)---but that's just a pipe dream.

The problem is Milwaukee does not have enough people to go around to keep the city lively like Los Angeles does. Case and point, downtown Los Angeles is dead but Santa Monica pier and Venice beach are lively.

If you build up one area of the city like San Antonio did with the riverwalk, or Atlantic City, NJ's boardwalk the rest of the downtown becomes a ghost town. Milwaukee's downtown is already silent after 6pm every day with the exception of Water Street bars, one block of North Milwaukee Street-- bars, and some places in the Third Ward.

The Grand Avenue mall needs more retail not just in the mall but across the street along West Wisconsin Avenue. It's hard for downtown Milwaukee to compete with Bayshore's "downtown" lifestyle mall, shopping experience.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/91618189.html

Park East apartment project getting new developer
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 21, 2010 7:15 a.m.

A long-delayed plan to build apartments in downtown's Park East area is undergoing a change in developers.

St. Paul-based CommonBond Communities has agreed to buy a portion of the site, bordered by N. Milwaukee, N. Jefferson and E. Lyon streets and E. Ogden Ave., from an investment group led by Chicago developer Rich Curto.

CommonBond plans to build a five-story building, with 87 apartments and street-level retail space, said Joe Schwenker, spokesman for the developer. Curto would own the retail space, totaling 11,000 square feet, Schwenker said.

The project, called Park East Commons, would include 61 spaces of underground parking. The units would have one to three bedrooms, Schwenker said. The developer hopes to begin construction during the third quarter, and the apartments would take a year to complete.

CommonBond is seeking federal affordable housing tax credits to help finance the project.

In return for the credits, which are sold to raise equity financing, developers must lease apartments at below-market rents to people whose households earn no more than 60% of the area's median income.

For a two-person household in Milwaukee that maximum income is $32,520, with the limits increasing as the household size increases. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority is to decide by June 18 whether Park East Commons will receive credits.

The monthly rents would range from $420 to $920, Schwenker said.

Curto, who declined to comment, had planned to build 121 units, including 27 apartments with below-market rents and financed with tax credits.

The city Redevelopment Authority board in January approved a $30 million bond issue to help finance Curto's project. The bond issue wouldn't involve a city loan to Curto, whose group would be responsible for paying back the debt. The bonds, sold under the authority's name, would be tax-exempt, allowing Curto to borrow at a lower interest rate.

However, CommonBond's plan doesn't call for using the city-issued bonds, Schwenker said.

After the land sale to CommonBond, Curto's group will retain around 60% of the 2-acre site, which is the only Park East parcel so far sold by Milwaukee County. Curto could could develop his portion of the site for hotels or housing.

The problem is Milwaukee does not have enough people to go around to keep the city lively like Los Angeles does. Case and point, downtown Los Angeles is dead but Santa Monica pier and Venice beach are lively.

If you build up one area of the city like San Antonio did with the riverwalk, or Atlantic City, NJ's boardwalk the rest of the downtown becomes a ghost town. Milwaukee's downtown is already silent after 6pm every day with the exception of Water Street bars, one block of North Milwaukee Street-- bars, and some places in the Third Ward.

The Grand Avenue mall needs more retail not just in the mall but across the street along West Wisconsin Avenue. It's hard for downtown Milwaukee to compete with Bayshore's "downtown" lifestyle mall, shopping experience.


i'm going to go out on a limb here and venture that you don't live in the city, do you? you're right that things used to be like that, but the downtown and especially the nearby boroughs of the east side hold their own for after-hours foot traffic throughout the week and especially on the weekends. downtown maybe not so much as it is mostly a business district, but this project isn't exactly for downtown anyway... it's closer to the brady st. neighbourhood and north ave.
the reality is that the pop. density of milwaukee is actually comparable to that of los angeles... so, a pier project like theirs could definitely have a chance here...

I know i shamelessly plug or boost riverwest
cant help it. Some locals around think there are too many
chachis there. Never heard of chachi before hanging out in
milwaukee, i guess that is another way of saying hipster.
Even though alot of people have weird fashion sense
there i still count it as my favorite neighborhood,
its the most affordable neigborhood that is close to the lake
IMHO. Bayview is nice too though.

Anyways this corazon cafe looks pretty cool.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2832459&id=202483904406

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2832424&id=202483904406

google maps shows how the retail space looked before
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+corazon+milwaukee&fb=1&gl=us&hq=cafe+corazon&hnear=milwaukee&cid=0,0,959243878095644575&ei=9yDPS9bFJIvWNdOyhdYB&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA

I find that the most exciting
when previously dead retail space has
a cool new business in it. Especially if the building
is on a side street.

City gets cleanup grants for downtown, north side development sites
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 21, 2010 3:37 p.m.

The Environmental Protection Agency is providing three $200,000 grants to pay for cleanup work at 1027 N. Edison St.; N. 30th St. and W. North Ave., and N. 21st St. and W. Garfield Ave., the Department of City Development announced Wednesday

All three sites are owned by the city Redevelopment Authority, and will be marketed for redevelopment after the cleanup is done.

The authority last year granted a purchase option for the Edison St. site to restrauteur Russ Davis, who's proposed a mixed-use building for the lot. Davis, whose businesses include the Red Accordion and Riverwalk Boat Tours, might develop a restaurant, offices or housing on the site.

The site at 21st St. and Garfield Ave. would include homes that would be part of The Legacy development, which is building homes on vacant lots in the area.

Possible future development at 30th and North Ave. includes light manufacturing and retail storefronts, according to the Department of City Development.

Milwaukee has spent more than $20 million in local, state and federal funds to investigate and clean up polluted sites over the last 12 years, according to the department. That work has helped spur private investment in areas such as the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center.

The problem is Milwaukee does not have enough people to go around to keep the city lively like Los Angeles does. Case and point, downtown Los Angeles is dead but Santa Monica pier and Venice beach are lively.

If you build up one area of the city like San Antonio did with the riverwalk, or Atlantic City, NJ's boardwalk the rest of the downtown becomes a ghost town. Milwaukee's downtown is already silent after 6pm every day with the exception of Water Street bars, one block of North Milwaukee Street-- bars, and some places in the Third Ward.

The Grand Avenue mall needs more retail not just in the mall but across the street along West Wisconsin Avenue. It's hard for downtown Milwaukee to compete with Bayshore's "downtown" lifestyle mall, shopping experience.

I got to disagree with some of this. I don't think downtown Milwaukee dies at 6 PM. There always seems to be something going on down there. Not saying that there is high pedestrian traffic, but people are there at resturants, theaters, sporting events, work, drinking, etc.

As for the lakefront, I think there are enough people to go around in Milwaukee to further develop it and add more tourist attractions. People are always going to go down there, rather then hang out in downtown---at least in the summer and on weekends. I think we should continue adding in more ammenities to bring in more tourists and people who wouldn't otherwise hang out in Milwaukee---including many residents.

I know i shamelessly plug or boost riverwest
cant help it. Some locals around think there are too many
chachis there. Never heard of chachi before hanging out in
milwaukee, i guess that is another way of saying hipster.
Even though alot of people have weird fashion sense
there i still count it as my favorite neighborhood,
its the most affordable neigborhood that is close to the lake
IMHO. Bayview is nice too though.

Anyways this corazon cafe looks pretty cool.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2832459&id=202483904406

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2832424&id=202483904406

google maps shows how the retail space looked before
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+corazon+milwaukee&fb=1&gl=us&hq=cafe+corazon&hnear=milwaukee&cid=0,0,959243878095644575&ei=9yDPS9bFJIvWNdOyhdYB&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA

I find that the most exciting
when previously dead retail space has
a cool new business in it. Especially if the building
is on a side street.

yeah, that place looks pretty decent. I like these sort of businesses that are in houses or on side streets. Especially bars, like Wolskis, Red Dot, and places like that.

this will probally look good, but it is a shame that this part of the lakefront isn't better. Parks are nice and all, but we need businesses down there. They should have built a promenade along the water and allow resturants, bars, shops, and other things to develop around it. Kind of like Venice Beach.
Oh, and we should build something like the Santa Monica Pier (sans amusment park)---but that's just a pipe dream.
Milwaukee doesn't have the endless miles and miles of beachfront that allows for the variety you wish for. The relatively uncluttered character of the lakefront is what helps keep Milwaukee from being "just like" someplace else. I would personally prefer a thinning of attractions. (Do you really want more surface parking, and for Lincoln Mem. Drive to be more congested?)
More design and commercial attention should be paid to the region's other corridor of recreation, that one beginning at the Festival grounds and going west to the Harley Museum, Potawotomi Casino, Mitchell Park and domes, Miller Park/VA grounds/Hank Aaron Trail, State Fair Park and Zoo/County grounds/Hansen Park, right through the center of the County, in fact.
While the Lakefront is about as popular as its modest dimensions allow (yes Veterans Park and the Marina have space), the Menomonee River corridor, if I can call it that, is still not perceived as more of the recreation/entertainment venue that it has clearly become than the heavy industrial "Valley" it once was. I think the potential for tying the various attractions together and expanding popular commerce, including honky-tonk and carnival types, has barely begun to be realized there.

Summerfest to add 460 parking spaces

By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: April 22, 2010 9:36 a.m.

Summerfest will add 460 parking spaces just west of the Marcus Amphitheater through a deal approved Thursday to buy a vacant industrial building.

The Summerfest Board voted to buy the former Charter Wire building for $815,000. The building will be torn down to clear space for expansion of the surface lot near the Rip Tide Restaurant.

---- ---- Just kidding, hopefully this just sets this land aside for near future development!!!!
---- ----

Junior Achievement will build headquarters, kids business center at Park Place site
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
April 22, 2010 11:48 a.m.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin has agreed to buy five acres on W. Liberty Drive in the Liberty at Park Place development, and will build a new headquarters there.

The 40,000-square-foot facility also will house the new JA BizTown and JA Finance Park programs, said Tim Greinert, group president. Those programs teach work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneur skills to school-age children.

Junior Achievement plans to begin construction this summer on the development, Greinert said Thursday. The group will have the new facility, north of W. Good Hope Road and east of Highway 45, open by spring 2011.

The group's headquarters is now at 6924 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale.

the rest of the story...
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/91827244.html

Hawks F Josh Smith takes a jab at Milwaukee
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 6 hours ago

ATLANTA — First, Joakim Noah. Now, Josh Smith.

The Atlanta forward is taking a jab at Milwaukee, saying "everybody knows there's nothing to do" in the city that will host the Hawks in Games 3 and 4 of the playoffs.

Smith made his comments Thursday when someone asked him what he planned to do after the series shifted to the Bucks' home court. Game 3 is Saturday night.

Smith says he's never really done anything in Milwaukee and will "just be happy to find a restaurant." When a reporter jokingly asked if he'd ever take a vacation there, Smith replied, "Would you go? Everybody knows there ain't nothing to do in Milwaukee."

Noah, the Chicago Bulls forward, incurred the wrath of Cleveland fans by saying their city didn't measure up to his entertainment standards.

:bash:

^^ And where exactly does Atlanta rank on his scale?

(I've got my tickets to the game.)

It's done... I will be there Saturday, I will boo. And when I see him at one of our many restaurants in our far more urban environment downtown, I will boo. And when I see him out at our clubs, I will boo. And when I see him pulling a drunk-out-of-her-mind girl to a back room, I will call the cops.

It's done... I will be there Saturday, I will boo. And when I see him at one of our many restaurants in our far more urban environment downtown, I will boo. And when I see him out at our clubs, I will boo. And when I see him pulling a drunk-out-of-her-mind girl to a back room, I will call the cops.

lol.. errr....

..yeah

Really though, he just needs to find the right spot. This is no worse than any national media coverage we get, graciously pointing out how 'slow' life moves around here. :lol:

Milwaukee doesn't have the endless miles and miles of beachfront that allows for the variety you wish for. The relatively uncluttered character of the lakefront is what helps keep Milwaukee from being "just like" someplace else. I would personally prefer a thinning of attractions. (Do you really want more surface parking, and for Lincoln Mem. Drive to be more congested?)
More design and commercial attention should be paid to the region's other corridor of recreation, that one beginning at the Festival grounds and going west to the Harley Museum, Potawotomi Casino, Mitchell Park and domes, Miller Park/VA grounds/Hank Aaron Trail, State Fair Park and Zoo/County grounds/Hansen Park, right through the center of the County, in fact.
While the Lakefront is about as popular as its modest dimensions allow (yes Veterans Park and the Marina have space), the Menomonee River corridor, if I can call it that, is still not perceived as more of the recreation/entertainment venue that it has clearly become than the heavy industrial "Valley" it once was. I think the potential for tying the various attractions together and expanding popular commerce, including honky-tonk and carnival types, has barely begun to be realized there.

yeah, I agree we don't have a ton of space down there---but I think this particular spot would have made for a nice area to develop. Not asking for anything too massive but the Lakefront could use some additions.

This is what I had in mind. Sorry, it looks ghetto but thats all I got to work with and this took me 3 minutes. :lol:

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7887/afaz.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/afaz.jpg/)

Hawks F Josh Smith takes a jab at Milwaukee
By PAUL NEWBERRY (AP) – 6 hours ago

ATLANTA — First, Joakim Noah. Now, Josh Smith.

The Atlanta forward is taking a jab at Milwaukee, saying "everybody knows there's nothing to do" in the city that will host the Hawks in Games 3 and 4 of the playoffs.

Smith made his comments Thursday when someone asked him what he planned to do after the series shifted to the Bucks' home court. Game 3 is Saturday night.

Smith says he's never really done anything in Milwaukee and will "just be happy to find a restaurant." When a reporter jokingly asked if he'd ever take a vacation there, Smith replied, "Would you go? Everybody knows there ain't nothing to do in Milwaukee."

Noah, the Chicago Bulls forward, incurred the wrath of Cleveland fans by saying their city didn't measure up to his entertainment standards.

:bash:

yeah, I heard about this. Naturally, as a Bucks fan and a Milwaukee homer,I vented against ATL fans talking s--t on one of their blogs.

Can somebody tell me exactly what Milwaukee or Cleveland lack that so many athletes complain about when they have to play there? I think this is an interesting question. Athletes always say or imply that Milwaukee sucks as a city. I hate to sound provincial, but what the hell are we really missing here that a city like Atlanta has? Because it seems to me that these fools are equating strip clubs and nightclubs with "things to do". I have never been to any nightclubs in Milwaukee, so you guys might have to let me know how they are. Never have I cared for the idea of paying to get into somewhere to listen to loud, crappy music, pay for overpriced beers, and be someone I'm not in an attempt to get with skanks. Watching a few episodes of Jersey Shore kind of turned me off from the idea of having to be in a compact room with a bunch of guys in Affliction shirts and guidos fighting over the remaining women like a bunch of wild apes fighting for control of the pack. :lol:

And if we are talking strip clubs, Silk is the best I have been to. Even better then the ones in Las Vegas. Silk has just as hot of chicks AND the prices are cheaper. Not to mention, they work harder for their money.

yeah, I heard about this. Naturally, as a Bucks fan and a Milwaukee homer,I vented against ATL fans talking s--t on one of their blogs.

Can somebody tell me exactly what Milwaukee or Cleveland lack that so many athletes complain about when they have to play there? I think this is an interesting question. Athletes always say or imply that Milwaukee sucks as a city. I hate to sound provincial, but what the hell are we really missing here that a city like Atlanta has? Because it seems to me that these fools are equating strip clubs and nightclubs with "things to do". I have never been to any nightclubs in Milwaukee, so you guys might have to let me know how they are. Never have I cared for the idea of paying to get into somewhere to listen to loud, crappy music, pay for overpriced beers, and be someone I'm not in an attempt to get with skanks. Watching a few episodes of Jersey Shore kind of turned me off from the idea of having to be in a compact room with a bunch of guys in Affliction shirts and guidos fighting over the remaining women like a bunch of wild apes fighting for control of the pack. :lol:



Completely agree. I like how even people making millions of dollars have to make fun of someone/something else to feel better about themselves. To them I say, go f*** yourself, and we don't want you here anyway. I will most certainly be booing him on Saturday as well.

Milwaukee doesn't have the endless miles and miles of beachfront that allows for the variety you wish for. The relatively uncluttered character of the lakefront is what helps keep Milwaukee from being "just like" someplace else. I would personally prefer a thinning of attractions. (Do you really want more surface parking, and for Lincoln Mem. Drive to be more congested?)
More design and commercial attention should be paid to the region's other corridor of recreation, that one beginning at the Festival grounds and going west to the Harley Museum, Potawotomi Casino, Mitchell Park and domes, Miller Park/VA grounds/Hank Aaron Trail, State Fair Park and Zoo/County grounds/Hansen Park, right through the center of the County, in fact.
While the Lakefront is about as popular as its modest dimensions allow (yes Veterans Park and the Marina have space), the Menomonee River corridor, if I can call it that, is still not perceived as more of the recreation/entertainment venue that it has clearly become than the heavy industrial "Valley" it once was. I think the potential for tying the various attractions together and expanding popular commerce, including honky-tonk and carnival types, has barely begun to be realized there.

no, i agree that any willy-nilly development on the lakefront is a bad idea but the idea of some tasteful, architecturally significant developments on the lakefront could be a really nice idea. personally, i have a dream of one day seeing jones island returned to its historical stature with narrow streets lined by houses in a true fisherman's wharf -- if this was recreated properly, it could become a huge tourist attraction. it doesn't have to be black or white. there is room for parks and sports fields (which aren't always that pretty, by the way) and also good-looking developments along the lakefront.

yeah, I heard about this. Naturally, as a Bucks fan and a Milwaukee homer,I vented against ATL fans talking s--t on one of their blogs.

Can somebody tell me exactly what Milwaukee or Cleveland lack that so many athletes complain about when they have to play there? I think this is an interesting question. Athletes always say or imply that Milwaukee sucks as a city. I hate to sound provincial, but what the hell are we really missing here that a city like Atlanta has? Because it seems to me that these fools are equating strip clubs and nightclubs with "things to do". I have never been to any nightclubs in Milwaukee, so you guys might have to let me know how they are. Never have I cared for the idea of paying to get into somewhere to listen to loud, crappy music, pay for overpriced beers, and be someone I'm not in an attempt to get with skanks. Watching a few episodes of Jersey Shore kind of turned me off from the idea of having to be in a compact room with a bunch of guys in Affliction shirts and guidos fighting over the remaining women like a bunch of wild apes fighting for control of the pack. :lol:

And if we are talking strip clubs, Silk is the best I have been to. Even better then the ones in Las Vegas. Silk has just as hot of chicks AND the prices are cheaper. Not to mention, they work harder for their money.


i agree... besides, atlanta is a HORRIBLE town.

to be fair, though, Milwaukee really effed-up by not building a proper rail mass-transit system here. it is a leading factor for many conventions and tourists not coming here.

to be fair, though, Milwaukee really effed-up by not building a proper rail mass-transit system here. it is a leading factor for many conventions and tourists not coming here.

Um, I know you've got a big hard on for mass transit... but as someone who spent several years in an industry where I ran, organized, and put on conferences across the country I can honestly tell you that having rail was not a main factor in which city won our bids.

The best I can say is that it was a nice afterthought to be able to tell our conference goers "And you can take the convenient train to x destination" in the conference welcome packets.

Yeah, I actually read an article about a year ago that polled NBA players, and Milwaukee surprisingly was ranked #3 or 4 for cities players like to visit. Some player was quoted as saying players love to come to Milwaukee because it's one of only 3 cities in the NBA to have a casino in the city limits.

Anyways, screw Josh Smith. Even if the Hawks beat the Bucks, they are sure to be out next round. For the time being though....FEAR THE DEER!

Milwaukee is loaded with stuff to do if you like culture.

Pro athletes look for more carnal entertainment. Milwaukee has no massage parlors anymore.

The strip clubs don't let you really touch the women and they aren't totally nude. In other cities-such as Atlanta-that's different. In Texas you can get some serious table dances, very good. Especially if the woman likes you.

Milwaukee has no horse track, either.

But I love it.

I can't think of any reason to vacation in Atlanta. Or Indianapolis, where that Republic Airlines prick lives.

i agree... besides, atlanta is a HORRIBLE town.

to be fair, though, Milwaukee really effed-up by not building a proper rail mass-transit system here. it is a leading factor for many conventions and tourists not coming here.
Building? in the mid-20th century, Milwaukee had a absolutely MIND BLOWING streetcar and electric 'trackless' trolleybus network. It was all gone by the mid-1960s.

:ohno:

Mike

I guess people have different priorities when they go somewhere for entertainment. I am glad we don't have to fall back on strip clubs, nightclubs, and rap music to take pride in Milwaukee.

Thanks Eriol for taking out your local frustrations on Indianapolis. Sorry to hear you won't be putting Indy on your list of vacation destinations -- we're truly bummed. Btw, Indy is a great city - and it continues to be the most successful large metropolitan area (larger than 1 million people) in the Midwest in terms of population growth. It must be doing something right to get so many people to want to live there. Milwaukee might want to pay attention to some of the things going on in Indy - instead of trying to bash it, like you were trying to do, apparently, by picking it out of the blue to insult. Sorry about your Midwest Airlines going kaput -- but in the real world, the stronger eat the weak.

As you probably know, the Milwaukee region used to be larger than the Indy region - but greater Milwaukee has only been growing by about 5 - 6 % per decade over the past several decades. The Indy area has been growing by around 15% per decade since the seventies. Between 2000 and 2009, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area has grown by 218,555 people according to US Census bureau estimates. In the same time, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area has grown by only 58,924. Generally, Indy and Milwaukee are pretty similar in terms of cultural attractions -- so there's no need to try to type up some kind of big comeback saying how superior Milwaukee is culturally. Its not. I've been there. Both cities have pretty much the same types of major attractions. Some of Indy's are better than Milwaukee's and vice versa. So --- sorry Milwaukee got bashed by an Atlanta Hawks player -- but turning around and trying to bash Indianapolis on SSC isn't going to get you anywhere. (At least you beat the Hawks on the floor tonight -- so congrats on that.) Anyway, bottom line is --- its not cool to complain about someone insulting your city, and then turn around and doing pretty much the same thing to another city.

Thanks Eriol for taking out your local frustrations on Indianapolis. Sorry to hear you won't be putting Indy on your list of vacation destinations -- we're truly bummed. Btw, Indy is a great city - and it continues to be the most successful large metropolitan area (larger than 1 million people) in the Midwest in terms of population growth. It must be doing something right to get so many people to want to live there. Milwaukee might want to pay attention to some of the things going on in Indy - instead of trying to bash it, like you were trying to do, apparently, by picking it out of the blue to insult. Sorry about your Midwest Airlines going kaput -- but in the real world, the stronger eat the weak.

As you probably know, the Milwaukee region used to be larger than the Indy region - but greater Milwaukee has only been growing by about 5 - 6 % per decade over the past several decades. The Indy area has been growing by around 15% per decade since the seventies. Between 2000 and 2009, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area has grown by 218,555 people according to US Census bureau estimates. In the same time, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area has grown by only 58,924. Generally, Indy and Milwaukee are pretty similar in terms of cultural attractions -- so there's no need to try to type up some kind of big comeback saying how superior Milwaukee is culturally. Its not. I've been there. Both cities have pretty much the same types of major attractions. Some of Indy's are better than Milwaukee's and vice versa. So --- sorry Milwaukee got bashed by an Atlanta Hawks player -- but turning around and trying to bash Indianapolis on SSC isn't going to get you anywhere. (At least you beat the Hawks on the floor tonight -- so congrats on that.) Anyway, bottom line is --- its not cool to complain about someone insulting your city, and then turn around and doing pretty much the same thing to another city.

I don't think he is hating on Indy, rather that Republic Airlines CEO who trashed Milwaukee.

In all reality, all the Midwestern cities are pretty equal, aside from Chicago. Even the larger tier like St. Louis or Minneapolis dont' really blow away the smaller tier (Milwaukee, Indy, KC etc.) in regards to things to do. At least in my experiences. Everybody has museums, resturants, cultural venues, live music, sports, and stuff like that. Braggery about that sort of stuff is rather silly in my opinion. Unless you live in like New York City or London, which had so much s--t to do that we couldn't get it all done in a week when I was there last year.


Oh, and that Bucks game last night was awesome. The B.C. was rocking! Josh Smith did absolutely nothing and looked like a fool. The Bucks have something special with Squad 6 and that young core of players. I really think when the Bradley Center is filled and has a hard working team on the floor---it's one of the best NBA arenas.

Last night's game was the loudest, best Bucks game that I have ever been to. I took a date there that had never been to a basketball game before, and she was swept away by the energy at the BC. Bucks fan +1.

Yeah, it was totally crazy there last night. I've never seen a bucks game so lively. Some of the new cheers are a bit awkward... but I guess you'll have that when so many basketball virgins all cram in at the same time.

Milwaukee library proposal calls for fewer but larger libraries, mixed uses
By Larry Sandler and Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: April 25, 2010 9:08 p.m.

More than half of Milwaukee's city libraries would be dramatically reshaped by a 10-year, $18.1 million plan to merge some neighborhood libraries into regional centers and move others into buildings shared with housing, stores or hotels.

Struggling with increasingly tight operating budgets, Milwaukee Public Library officials are trying to avoid rising maintenance costs by replacing aging facilities with a new array of libraries more in tune with a digital world.

But they will have to overcome skepticism from residents and some aldermen, who cherish the network of 13 libraries, spaced no more than three miles apart.

The Library Board is proposing to replace some of its 12 neighborhood libraries with two or three larger area libraries; three mixed-use facilities that would combine neighborhood libraries with housing or other uses; and two or three miniature "express libraries" in supermarkets, coffee shops or other high-traffic spots, leaving three to five traditional neighborhood libraries. The plan wouldn't affect the Central Library downtown.

If Mayor Tom Barrett and the Common Council agree during the 2011 budget process this fall, the change would start on the northwest side, where the Mill Road and Capitol libraries would be replaced by a single, larger new building, and on the east side, where developers have suggested housing or hotels to share space with the East Library. Work is under way to move the northwest side's Villard Ave. Library into a new building with multigenerational housing.

Library officials started studying the options last year, under pressure to cut costs. Budget cuts have sliced the schedules of the branch libraries by 15 hours a week over the past five years, to 35 hours a week, except for the federally funded Center Street Library. The budget for buying books, compact discs and other materials also has been trimmed during that time.


Rest of the article...
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/92063839.html


----

Also, GO Bucks!!!!! Yes, the decibel meters were the highest all season!!!!!!

No, I like Indianapolis just fine. I've been through there many times. I don't have anything against Atlanta either.

I also like New York very much and most of the cities I've been to.

Even Chicago.

I wouldn't vacation in most of them unless I had relatives living there and needed to visit.

My idea of a vacation generally involves sightseeing and the ocean.

^^ I agree. Vacation means somewhere warm in the winter - with beaches - and/or one of the world class cities like New York, Paris, Barcelona, LA, San Francisco, etc. during the other times of the year. I do enjoy checking out the other (non-beach / smaller) cities for a few days when traveling to / through the area. I've got a conference in Cincinnati this week - so it'll be nice to see all the latest that is going on there while I am staying downtown. Likewise, it would be good to spend a few days in Milwaukee during the Summer to catch up on everything going on there. Last time I was there was the early 2000's - so I'm sure there are plenty of new things to see and do.

I really hope they get rid of the library on North Ave. in this plan. It just seems like a bad use of space for that particular location, now that that stretch is so focused on eating and entertainment. Clearly there's enough residents in the area to support a library in the area, I just don't like that location. It's also as plain as you can get, right next buildings such as Beans and Barley, US Bank on the corner, Sil's, etc. etc. The library there really breaks up the scene up in a bad way.

I remember about ten years ago or so there was a plan to move that library to a new building either across the street or just north of its current location, but it never happened.

^^ I agree. Vacation means somewhere warm in the winter - with beaches - and/or one of the world class cities like New York, Paris, Barcelona, LA, San Francisco, etc. during the other times of the year. I do enjoy checking out the other (non-beach / smaller) cities for a few days when traveling to / through the area. I've got a conference in Cincinnati this week - so it'll be nice to see all the latest that is going on there while I am staying downtown. Likewise, it would be good to spend a few days in Milwaukee during the Summer to catch up on everything going on there. Last time I was there was the early 2000's - so I'm sure there are plenty of new things to see and do.

I'm with you on the second part. My vacations always involve going to places off the beaten path. I've vacationed in Cleveland, Des Moines, Peoria IL, etc. My absolute favorite vacation was to North Platte NE.

And GarfieldPark, while you're in Cincinnati make sure you wander up into Over-the-Rhine on Vine St. That neighborhood is one of the most unique in the midwest. It's been through the washing machine a few times, and the latest cycle started with riots in 2001. If you stay South of Liberty Ave, you'll find a really interesting mix of boutiques, local shops, urban gear, and street vendors. If you feel comfortable enough. Check the website for Findlay Market. It's a public market located North of Liberty in Over-the-Rhine. It's probably one of the best public markets in the country. It's great when the market's open, but the neighborhood is kind of scary when the market's closed, so check the hours on their website before you go.

Also worth a gander is "Mainstrasse" across the river in Covington, KY. And if you have a car, make sure you take a trip up to Mt. Adams to get a great view of the city. The best spots are: 1) from the pilgrimage steps at the Immaculata Church 2) from the Playhouse in the Park and 3) from the parking lot of the Celestial Restaurant on Celestial St.

The most important thing to remember is that Cincinnati is much older than most other cities in the Midwest and has many many layers of history. Every neighborhood in that city has something unique to offer, so try not to write any off too quickly. Over-the-Rhine, Northside, Mt Adams, Hyde Park Square, Mt Lookout Square, Mainstrasse, Tusculum Ave, Clifton, and Mariemont are all worth visiting.




Sorry for that incredibly off topic digression. I just love Cincinnati.

The redevelopment of the East Side library is part of the Library plan. The plan involves redeveloping the site and locating a new library as a tenant in a mixed-use building...

The redevelopment of the East Side library is part of the Library plan. The plan involves redeveloping the site and locating a new library as a tenant in a mixed-use building...

Cool, I'll be interested to see that. As long as the styling isn't plain and they put the parking in the back.

@perilouspete I think it would be a great way to add some more density (apartments), put the property back on the tax roles, and get a updated library in the process.

as much as I love our libraries, we probally don't need as many of them. It would be sad seeing the Mill Road library go because I have been getting books there since childhood. Most of the time I am there though, 90% of the people are just teens using the computers to check their Facebook pages or renting DVDs. And they have a security guard now.

Seeing these libraries be closed and combined into a single one in a vacant grocery store (with added senior housing) however is a travesty. Mill Road library isn't Central Library or anything, but it is an interesting building in my opinion. It's completely circular, with it's sections surrounding an open circular desk area. Too bad there isn't money to renovate/update it.

The redevelopment of the East Side library is part of the Library plan. The plan involves redeveloping the site and locating a new library as a tenant in a mixed-use building...

that sounds like a good idea. My only concern is I hope they don't go with some boring looking building. Bayview and Washington Park libraries are both nice, but I would like to see something more bold there.

My absolute favorite vacation was to North Platte NE.


North Flat? Really? I mean Really?! Aside from the fact that it's the largest town between Grand Island and Denver, or Cheyenne, I must be missing something. Must've been one interesting trip! Do share! :)

For the record, I do actually have an interesting childhood vacation memory of North Platte. Since adulthood, however, it was always just a gasoline stop for me while traveling between home and Wiscconsin when I lived out west. (Their McDonald's is probably one of the best run in the country.)

Okay, I know it's not really development related, but what a game again tonight for the Bucks! The BC was rocking - even louder than Game 3. I can't wait for Game 6! FEAR THE DEER!!! :banana:

Same here J-hah, it was awesome and was even crazier then game 3. I loved how Josh Smith was boo'd every time he got the ball. All the fans clearly knew about his Milwaukee comments.

Fear the Deer baby! Love seeing the Bucks defend the home court and the attention they are getting from people in this city now. Keep it up and we might, just might, get a new arena. :lol:

Fear the Deer baby! Love seeing the Bucks defend the home court and the attention they are getting from people in this city now. Keep it up and we might, just might, get a new arena. :lol:

Something's gotta work!!!! ...

Continuous Milwaukee development updates via flickr courtesy of compujeramey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/compujeramey/).

Fear the Deer! Fear the Deer! Fear the Deer!

Fear tha mothaf----n deer! Fear them! B.C. is going to be absolutely rocking on Friday. Trevor Hoffman blew another save!? Don't care!

No Development News???? WHO CARES! FEAR THE DEER!

No Light Rail? WHO CARES! FEAR THE DEER!

No Moderne? WHO CARES! FEAR THE DEER!

Okay, I went a bit too far.....but WHO CARES......FEAR THE DEER!

worst. bucks catch-phrase. ever.

fear da dear doncha knooo lol

I cannot WAIT to be at the BC on Friday :D :D :D

worst. bucks catch-phrase. ever.

fear da dear doncha knooo lol

you don't sound like you seriously fear the deer.

:lol:

I'm sure Hoffman will be fine. I think he can't handle the cold weather.

you don't sound like you seriously fear the deer.

:lol:
I don't fear the deer, I beer the deer. :cheers:

Otherwise they have a star in the making with Jennings but it seems to me everyone else around him are playing beyond their abilities and I hope they can keep it up. When it comes to the Bucks I've learned a long long time ago to never get too confident in them and to just enjoy the present while it's good.

Now all the Buck's need is Eddie Doucette to broadcast the games. Just like the old days.

I think the phrase "Fear the Deer" would have a lot more meaning if instead of that really crappy rap they do before the game on the jumbotron, they should show YouTube clips of actual deer gorring and attacking people...


Just a thought. Ha.

We've gotten so off track here... :lol:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNGGbozilko&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LNGGbozilko&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

:D LOL, that video is hilarious!!

The Bucks don't stampede, they just gore people!

The one thing Milwaukee lacks is a geniunely large urban commercial district that competes with anything the suburbs have to offer.

And something besides a shoddy, ever-deflating bus system




And a champion nba team ;)

Bayou Restaurant & Lounge closes Sunday
By Jeff Sherman
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Write

Published April 28, 2010 at 10:05 a.m.
Bayou will close for good on Sunday.

Owners William and Robert Jenkins in 2006 pictured with the Bayou architects.After nearly four years, Bayou Restaurant & Lounge, the Cajun fusion restaurant and bar on the banks of the Milwaukee River at 2060 N. Humboldt Blvd., is closing. Its final day is Sunday, May 2.

Owners William and Robert Jenkins tell me "this is definitely not the last you will hear from us, but a lagging economy coupled with 21 months of bridge construction has taken its toll."

I interviewed Rob Jenkins last October and could easily sense the frustration over the lingering Humboldt Bridge project. Yet, as I noted in the interview, I've always enjoyed Bayou and give the Jenkins brothers a ton of credit for changing and adapting as the market and construction ebbed and flowed.
.....
I've heard a few rumors about another local restaurant owner taking over the liquor license at Bayou. However, this remains unconfirmed. Until then, you have one final weekend to enjoy Bayou.

Personally, I wish the Bayou owners all the best.

http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/bayouclosing.html?22500

Seriously, screw the Zoo Interchange. The Humboldt Bridge needs to get finished this month. I don't understand, nor do I care about what's taking them so long. Just finish the damn thing.

great... I had a gift card to Bayou...

Friday, April 30, 2010

Study says Milwaukee is 25th most fun city in U.S.

The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by Stacy Vogel Davis

Josh Smith can hang his head all the way back to Atlanta.

Contrary to the recent statements by the NBA Atlanta Hawks forward, there’s lots to do in Milwaukee, according to a new Portfolio.com/bizjournals study.

The study ranked Milwaukee as the 25th most fun city in the country, defeating such tourism meccas as Las Vegas (ranked 26th), Washington, D.C. (27th) and Orlando, Fla., (42nd). Madison ranked 19th.

“Milwaukee is more fun than Vegas,” said Paul Upchurch, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, upon reviewing the study. “The truth finally comes out.”

Bayou Restaurant & Lounge closes Sunday
By Jeff Sherman
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Write

Published April 28, 2010 at 10:05 a.m.
Bayou will close for good on Sunday.

Owners William and Robert Jenkins in 2006 pictured with the Bayou architects.After nearly four years, Bayou Restaurant & Lounge, the Cajun fusion restaurant and bar on the banks of the Milwaukee River at 2060 N. Humboldt Blvd., is closing. Its final day is Sunday, May 2.

Owners William and Robert Jenkins tell me "this is definitely not the last you will hear from us, but a lagging economy coupled with 21 months of bridge construction has taken its toll."

I interviewed Rob Jenkins last October and could easily sense the frustration over the lingering Humboldt Bridge project. Yet, as I noted in the interview, I've always enjoyed Bayou and give the Jenkins brothers a ton of credit for changing and adapting as the market and construction ebbed and flowed.
.....
I've heard a few rumors about another local restaurant owner taking over the liquor license at Bayou. However, this remains unconfirmed. Until then, you have one final weekend to enjoy Bayou.

Personally, I wish the Bayou owners all the best.

http://onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/bayouclosing.html?22500

To be fair, Bayou was fucking garbage. And the owner was a self-aggrandized idiot. And his hummer was an H2, so even more reason to say good riddance. Really I could care less. Hopefully something decent goes there.

To be fair, Bayou was fucking garbage. And the owner was a self-aggrandized idiot. And his hummer was an H2, so even more reason to say good riddance. Really I could care less. Hopefully something decent goes there.

Totally agree. Hate to see a local business close, but even their drinks were garbage.

JSonline (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/92414184.html)

http://media.jsonline.com/images/42919772_will%20allen.jpg

Milwaukee urban farmer Will Allen is a world hero, according to the editors of Time magazine.

Allen, founder of the Growing Power farm and training center on Milwaukee's north side, joins former President Bill Clinton and 23 others in the hero category of The 2010 "Time 100: The World's Most Influential People" . The annual "Time 100" issue hits newstands Friday.

Allen has long been a force in the field of urban agriculture. He gained national acclaim for his work in 2008, when he was named a John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation Fellow and a winner of one of the foundation’s prestigious “genius grants.”

Allen also is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, an organization of leaders and thinkers founded by Bill and Hillary Clinton to to address global challenges, including hunger and malnutrition. And in February, First Lady Michelle Obama invited Allen to the White House to speak to the nation at the launch of her “Let’s Move!” initiative to reverse childhood obesity in America.

Allen also is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, an organization of leaders and thinkers founded by Bill and Hillary Clinton to to address global challenges, including hunger and malnutrition.



:lol::lol::lol::lol:

hypocrites. What do the Clintons know about fighting poverty and hungery/malnutrition?

That's right boys and girls.. NOTHING. Shit if it weren't for Bill, Haiti wouldn't have been such a huge disaster, wiping out hundreds of thousands. And of course now the man gets to join another moron, Bush, in helping the benighted people of Haiti. Fuck this country is full of imbeciles. There's a great video of Bush and Clinton in Haiti shaking people's hands, and Bush shakes a man's hand and then wipes his hand on Clinton's shoulder. Fucking assholes. Allen is much more of a hero than either of these twits.

sooo..... any word on the Moderne? it's now May and they still have the "groundbreaking February 2010 sign up... and all it's being used for is parking...

Friday, April 30, 2010

Study says Milwaukee is 25th most fun city in U.S.

The Business Journal of Milwaukee - by Stacy Vogel Davis

Josh Smith can hang his head all the way back to Atlanta.

Contrary to the recent statements by the NBA Atlanta Hawks forward, there’s lots to do in Milwaukee, according to a new Portfolio.com/bizjournals study.

The study ranked Milwaukee as the 25th most fun city in the country, defeating such tourism meccas as Las Vegas (ranked 26th), Washington, D.C. (27th) and Orlando, Fla., (42nd). Madison ranked 19th.

“Milwaukee is more fun than Vegas,” said Paul Upchurch, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, upon reviewing the study. “The truth finally comes out.”
I don't know about that list. Albany, NY before Milwaukee or even Las Vegas? Really?

I really don't understand why it is taking so long to complete the humboldt street bridge. Hasn't it been under construction for almost 2 whole years? That bridge being down has killed off the good life, bayou, and probably made leasing out the lofts and condos in the beerline neighborhood a hassle. There is no way it should take that long to complete a simple bridge with a river walk. I wonder if there is any kinda news organization we can contact to find out why it's taking so long to complete.

As for the Moderne, it more than likely will get built (and that part of Milwaukee sure needs it). Park East always saddens me wen I walk of drive past it. The county should just give the land to the city.

UWM is almost done with their master plan and it does seem like the engineering campus will get built in Tosa. Hopefully UWM makes the right decision and builds the new freshwater school at the greenfield site. I'm sure the city will oblige and move the coal and salt mounds somewhere else.

I wish the economy would get better faster so that many proposed projects can get under way. I hope that the "catalyst" somehow gets built (original design). And whose with me that Milwaukee needs revitalize Wisconsin ave and get a new tallest building?

Council OKs lobbyist for streetcar plan
By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: May 4, 2010 11:40 a.m. |(0) COMMENTS

Milwaukee aldermen Tuesday narrowly authorized a no-bid contract for a lobbyist to press the city's $64.6 million downtown streetcar plan.

The initial phase of the line would run from the downtown Amtrak-Greyhound station to the lower east side, following St. Paul Ave., N. Broadway, E. Wells St., N. Jackson and N. Van Buren streets and E. Ogden Ave., a route that would lead through the Historic Third Ward and past City Hall.

That phase would be funded by $54.9 million in long-idle federal transit aid, matched by $9.7 million in local money. The city is seeking another $25 million in federal money, matched by $6.25 million in local dollars, to extend the line north from Ogden Ave. to E. Brady St., along N. Prospect and N. Farwell avenues, and north from the depot along N. 4th St. and W. Juneau Ave., past the Shops of Grand Avenue, Frontier Airlines Center and Bradley Center to the new Brewery development.

Ald. Bob Bauman pushed for the lobbyist to work with Federal Transit Administration officials. He said action on releasing the initial $54.9 million had been slow because it did not follow the normal federal process, and consultant Jeffery Boothe had the experience to guide the plan through bureaucratic obstacles.

City officials are seeking another $70 million in federal money to extend the streetcar line north to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, but Bauman said existing city lobbyists could handle that part.

The Common Council authorized the contract for Boothe on an 8-6 vote.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/92778599.html

----------------------------------------

Interesting, seems to be a combination of the three routes that were being studied.

I really don't understand why it is taking so long to complete the humboldt street bridge. Hasn't it been under construction for almost 2 whole years? That bridge being down has killed off the good life, bayou, and probably made leasing out the lofts and condos in the beerline neighborhood a hassle. There is no way it should take that long to complete a simple bridge with a river walk. I wonder if there is any kinda news organization we can contact to find out why it's taking so long to complete.

As for the Moderne, it more than likely will get built (and that part of Milwaukee sure needs it). Park East always saddens me wen I walk of drive past it. The county should just give the land to the city.

UWM is almost done with their master plan and it does seem like the engineering campus will get built in Tosa. Hopefully UWM makes the right decision and builds the new freshwater school at the greenfield site. I'm sure the city will oblige and move the coal and salt mounds somewhere else.

I wish the economy would get better faster so that many proposed projects can get under way. I hope that the "catalyst" somehow gets built (original design). And whose with me that Milwaukee needs revitalize Wisconsin ave and get a new tallest building?

Don't forget about the progress being made on St John's on Prospect Ave. I live right across the street and it's gaining height every day. It has to be about 6 or 7 stories high already.

Next, let's also hope for Transera to get build and the downtown Marcus theater. There's a lot in the pipe line... We just need that darned economy to turn around!!!:bash:

Seriously, screw the Zoo Interchange. The Humboldt Bridge needs to get finished this month. I don't understand, nor do I care about what's taking them so long. Just finish the damn thing.
The Zoo Interchange is of BEYOND CRITICAL IMPORTANCE to the economy of the Appleton/Oshkosh/Fond du Lac area and its health CANNOT be ignored.

Mike

Council OKs lobbyist for streetcar plan
By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: May 4, 2010 11:40 a.m. |(0) COMMENTS

Milwaukee aldermen Tuesday narrowly authorized a no-bid contract for a lobbyist to press the city's $64.6 million downtown streetcar plan.

The initial phase of the line would run from the downtown Amtrak-Greyhound station to the lower east side, following St. Paul Ave., N. Broadway, E. Wells St., N. Jackson and N. Van Buren streets and E. Ogden Ave., a route that would lead through the Historic Third Ward and past City Hall.

That phase would be funded by $54.9 million in long-idle federal transit aid, matched by $9.7 million in local money. The city is seeking another $25 million in federal money, matched by $6.25 million in local dollars, to extend the line north from Ogden Ave. to E. Brady St., along N. Prospect and N. Farwell avenues, and north from the depot along N. 4th St. and W. Juneau Ave., past the Shops of Grand Avenue, Frontier Airlines Center and Bradley Center to the new Brewery development.

Ald. Bob Bauman pushed for the lobbyist to work with Federal Transit Administration officials. He said action on releasing the initial $54.9 million had been slow because it did not follow the normal federal process, and consultant Jeffery Boothe had the experience to guide the plan through bureaucratic obstacles.

City officials are seeking another $70 million in federal money to extend the streetcar line north to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, but Bauman said existing city lobbyists could handle that part.

The Common Council authorized the contract for Boothe on an 8-6 vote.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/92778599.html

----------------------------------------

Interesting, seems to be a combination of the three routes that were being studied.

I love the idea but I just don't know how much it's going to be used. And do they need to run it down crowded Prospect Ave? Prospect is already jammed up enough with busses, pedestrians, people trying to park, so on.... Does it really need another obstacle?

Living on the East Side for several years now, unless this thing connects to a larger system that can get me to Miller Park, the airport, Marquette, BC, and so on... I'll probably only use it for a cheaper cab alternative at bar time. Especially if it's just a city bus on tracks.

Oh, off topic a little bit. Has anyone every been on Wisconsin Ave by the US Bank building when like 5 to 8 city busses are all lined up 1 after the other going both ways on Wisco Ave???? To me that seems like someone isn't doing a very good job scheduling stops or that maybe we have too many busses running??? Any thoughts??? It just bugs the hell out of me every time I see it....

I love the idea but I just don't know how much it's going to be used. And do they need to run it down crowded Prospect Ave? Prospect is already jammed up enough with busses, pedestrians, people trying to park, so on.... Does it really need another obstacle?

Living on the East Side for several years now, unless this thing connects to a larger system that can get me to Miller Park, the airport, Marquette, BC, and so on... I'll probably only use it for a cheaper cab alternative at bar time. Especially if it's just a city bus on tracks.

Oh, off topic a little bit. Has anyone every been on Wisconsin Ave by the US Bank building when like 5 to 8 city busses are all lined up 1 after the other going both ways on Wisco Ave???? To me that seems like someone isn't doing a very good job scheduling stops or that maybe we have too many busses running??? Any thoughts??? It just bugs the hell out of me every time I see it....

St Johns on April 21st 2010
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4540715179_9c73c5e540_o.jpg

I really don't understand why it is taking so long to complete the humboldt street bridge. Hasn't it been under construction for almost 2 whole years? That bridge being down has killed off the good life, bayou, and probably made leasing out the lofts and condos in the beerline neighborhood a hassle. There is no way it should take that long to complete a simple bridge with a river walk. I wonder if there is any kinda news organization we can contact to find out why it's taking so long to complete.


They stated on WISN that they encountered some unexpected soil compositions once things got under way (i.e. harder rock, etc). That sounds like total BS to me...I'm no bridge builder, but it would seem they would have taken samples well before construction began to know what they were up against. I hope they sock the contractor with some overdue fees on this one...two years to rebuild one little bridge is unacceptable.

The Zoo Interchange is of BEYOND CRITICAL IMPORTANCE to the economy of the Appleton/Oshkosh/Fond du Lac area and its health CANNOT be ignored.

Mike

So is our public transit system, but we're doing a damn good job ignoring that.

I don't know, the Park East Failed, and so did the Embarcadero. I think we need to do a few more studies to make sure that the new interchange will be economically viable before we should move ahead with construction. We can let the car drivers use a dirt road alongside the former interchange until they can figure out a way to pay for their own roads.

I'm seriously sick of this double standard. :goodnight: