The City of Milwaukee will lend $9.3 million to help finance development of the $55.2 million Moderne apartment high-rise under a 13-2 vote this morning by the Common Council.

That decision came after the council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee earlier today unanimously recommended approval. With the full council vote, site preparation work on the Moderne, which will take around two years to build, will begin within a month or so, developer Rick Barrett said.

http://urbanmilwaukee.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/moderne.jpg
http://www.biztimes.com/nf/uploads/Image/5-16-08issue/moderne.jpg

Thought it finally deserved its own thread

ITS ALIVE!! AHH!

And a few larger images for kicks:

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2008/02/590326.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/05/532308.jpg

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/05/532309.jpg

Whooo!! I never gave up hope on this building. And qwerty44, now that it will be under construction it should have it's own thread. Somebody needs to post that picture with the Moderne superimpossed in the skyline. I still have the pic but I don't remember who originally posted it.

From Rinka Chung (http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/The%20Moderne.php#) (Architect)

http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-5.gif

http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-7.gif

Interior:
http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-1.gif

http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-8.gif

http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-2.gif

Skyline
http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-4.gif

http://www.rinkachung.com/Project%20Pages/Moderne/Images/Modern-3.gif

Thanks EastSider, those last two pics were the ones I was talking about.

Thanks EastSider, those last two pics were the ones I was talking about.

Thanks for reminding me about them, huge fan of the shot where the Moderne anchors the skyline. It's sort of weird they haven't updated their rendering of it in two years though, hopefully we don't see a design change.

should be a nice little addition to the skyline:)

should be a nice little addition to the skyline:)

nice use of hyperbole :)

Oh, how I long for Skyking2 to come in here and complain that this project will only further exacerbate the "problem" of Milwaukee's rambling, spread out, gapped skyline. (Not really :crazy2:)

Personally, I love this building, and think this is great news. I am still cautious though, and need to see some construction work.

It'll be an awesome addition to our skyline, but knowing it took $9,000,000 of the city's money to get it done kinda' puts a damper on my excitement :ohno:

It'll be an awesome addition to our skyline, but knowing it took $9,000,000 of the city's money to get it done kinda' puts a damper on my excitement :ohno:

Fox 6 had a little segment on this on the news tonight, which I thought was pretty well done. It said that 2,000 jobs will be created during construction and 50 full time jobs once its built.

In regards to your excitment being dampered, they also interviewed Barrett (developer, not mayor) who said they currently pay $20,000 in taxes on the property. Once its built however, they will pay $1,000,000 in taxes annually. So assuming this doesnt get bombed or destroyed somehow in the next 12 years, the city will get way more in return than the $9,000,000 it spent to help finance it. And one last thing... this was a loan, not a stimulus or assistance package, which means unless this project is a complete failure, the city will not lose any of the money,actually gain interest on it, and get the $880,000 in additional taxes per year to boot.

^Good points. I had no idea it generated that much revenue in a year.

It'll be an awesome addition to our skyline, but knowing it took $9,000,000 of the city's money to get it done kinda' puts a damper on my excitement :ohno:
Normally I would agree with him if he did show up but I'm just happy the Moderne will get built. In my book, if there is anything Milwaukee does well it's that they know how to build real fine and nice looking condos, both big and small.

this is such an awesome building. The only downside is thinking how cool it would be next to that original rendering of the Palomar. :)

But seriously, this is going to be a godsend to the skyline.

The website (http://www.themoderne.net/) now says groundbreaking end of 2009, so hopefully they weren't lying about starting construction this month.

The website (http://www.themoderne.net/) now says groundbreaking end of 2009, so hopefully they weren't lying about starting construction this month.
That could also mean that construction wont start until the end of December though. At least we know it's going to start!

The website (http://www.themoderne.net/) now says groundbreaking end of 2009, so hopefully they weren't lying about starting construction this month.

I thought they originally said December when it got approved.

I thought they originally said December when it got approved.
No, when the city council voted to ok the loan they then said that construction would begin within the month, which would mean end of November.

I saw the site tonight after going to the Bucks game and the orange trailer was still up... no construction yet, and its been 4 weeks since it got loan approval. But honestly after waiting 2 years waiting 2 or 3 more weeks doesn't really bother me.

How is Milwaukee getting the development going? Good job, whoever is running many things in the city. That other tower can go, but anyway, that is cool with the development that Milwaukee is seeing.

How is Milwaukee getting the development going? Good job, whoever is running many things in the city. That other tower can go, but anyway, that is cool with the development that Milwaukee is seeing.
The credit goes to the city council who voted to give the developer a 9.3 million dollar guaranteed loan because the developer fell that much short. I think under normal circumstances and in a much better economy the council probably wouldn't have oked the loan but because the construction means jobs downtown and because a stipulation was worked out that says when possible only Milwaukee minority subcontractors will work on the project it won. It's a good deal and the city council did the right thing.

And yeah qwerty44, I'd rather wait a few more weeks than a few more years, or never.

Does anyone have any new pictures of The Moderne construction site? When this building is completed it will be the 9th tallest building in the city and the tallest building west of the Milwaukee River. It will be just short of the City Hall height (by the flagpole) and taller than the 1000 Water building.

Does anyone have any new pictures of The Moderne construction site? When this building is completed it will be the 9th tallest building in the city and the tallest building west of the Milwaukee River. It will be just short of the City Hall height (by the flagpole) and taller than the 1000 Water building.

They haven't broken ground yet... :ohno:

They haven't broken ground yet... :ohno:

Yeah, so much for "within a couple of weeks".

The website still says groundbreaking end of 2009, and I would be very surprised if they do not start construction in the next two weeks.

Let's hope it's just because of this bitter-cold weather that they're off to a slow start.

Looks like they're tearing down the sales office which was on the lot. There were some moving trucks backed into the entrance, and signs were being taken down.

Hopefully this means ground breaking will be soon! :)

That is a very nice tower. Maybe someone will be around on the weekend there to fish some info from?

@eMatt543 I went by there this morning and the sales office was still there, it didn't look like much had changed... What did I miss?

@eMatt543 I went by there this morning and the sales office was still there, it didn't look like much had changed... What did I miss?

The office is still there, but they were clearing it out. The light up sign on the front is now down.

@eMatt543 Oh sure that makes sense... Gotta empty the office first... Hopefully in the next few days we'll really see some action. Thanks

FYI: The sales office structure is now gone...

FYI: The sales office structure is now gone...

I drove by the site and saw that metal fencing surrounds the property as well as the right lane on Juneau Avenue and the sidewalk is closed for utility work and for construction staging. No heavy machinery yet but I guess that will happen soon.

@eMatt543 Thanks I noticed that yesterday! very cool

Well, even though the end of the year construction hasn't begun it sure looks like things are getting started! Must have been alot of paper work that needed to be done?

There's a large banner going across the side of the site:

Groundbreaking FEB 2010

I think Milwaukee has more great stuff going on now
than Chicago does.

I am most excited about this project than anything else
probably since Trump Tower.

This is a really big thing for Milwaukee and
the midwest in general.

I really hope they start building it in feb:banana:

Here's an article with some details about postponing the groundbreaking until February:

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/2010/1/6/#moderne-groundbreaking-pushed-back-to-february

i bike past the site every single day on my way to work-- i'll let you know as soon as i see shovels in the ground. across the street, though, the aloft looks increasingly enticing. i'm going to have to stop into their coffee shop fronting the driveway one of these mornings.

New view:

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1183/28007169009moderne.jpg

b-e-a-utiful. can't say enough about how awesome this tower is.

I wish it was 100' taller.

I wish it was 200' taller.

fixed

This isn't New York guys, come on now!

Have they built a security construction fence around this property yet? Last I thought they were to break ground in February. Been a couple weeks since I have driven past...

I wish it was 100' taller.

I agree! First they make the US Bank tower only 600 ft tall... then they settle on making an art addition thats only the most beautiful building in the country instead of the world... now THIS!

I agree! First they make the US Bank tower only 600 ft tall... then they settle on making an art addition thats only the most beautiful building in the country instead of the world... now THIS!

It sounds like you're channeling Skyking :lol:

LOL greeeaaaatttt.....

Here's an article with some details about postponing the groundbreaking until February:

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/2010/1/6/#moderne-groundbreaking-pushed-back-to-february

According to this, groundbreaking was going to be around 6 weeks after the article was published on Jan 6. Wednesday will be 6 weeks from then and hopefully nothing has further delayed things and we start to see some progress in the next week or so.

Groundbreaking delayed again...

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/85222497.html

When the 30 floor Moderne is completed it will be the 8th tallest building in Milwaukee putting City Hall as the 9th tallest building. This will also be the tallest building west of the Milwaukee River. Currently the Wisconsin Tower at 6th and Wisconsin built way back in 1930 is the tallest building west of the river. The 80 year reign of the Wisconsin Tower being the tallest building west of the river will be coming to an end soon.

I emailed the contact from HUD, and she responded that there has not been a final determination made yet on the loan guarantee.

I emailed the contact from HUD, and she responded that there has not been a final determination made yet on the loan guarantee.

way to do some research!! let's hope this gets approval soon!!

Yeah, way to take some initiative! I was actually contemplating contacted Rick Barrett

Yeah, way to take some initiative! I was actually contemplating contacted Rick Barrett

I wish banks would stop being so short sighted. Yes, the economy is currently bad but getting better. However, by the time this sucker is built hopefully the demand for downtown living will be back..... Just my 2 cents...:lol:

Any news???

Rick Barrett is still waiting on HUD's final approval. It was supposed to be announced back in April but we have yet to hear anything. No banks to wait on this time, it's in HUD's hands now.

The Moderne WILL be under construction soon!
HUD Approval is expected within 60 days
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The final approval for a federal loan guarantee to finance the planned downtown Moderne apartment high-rise is expected within 30 to 60 days, project developer Rick Barrett told a Milwaukee Common Council committee Monday.

But that would be months after the scheduled February groundbreaking 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 is waiting for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide the guarantee.

HUD's local 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 council in November approved $9.3 million in city loans for the Moderne, which also will have at least $4.3 million in equity financing from Barrett and his partners.

Lori Lutzka, another department official, said there's no indication HUD will back away from providing final approval.

"It's just a matter of when," she said.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/94790419.html

I think the Journal Sentinal article was a little misleading. I watched the committee meeting on TV last night. The 30-60 day timeframe provided was given by Rick Barrett under duress. Alderman Bob Baumann was hammering Barrett and basically accusing him of misleading the common council. Baumann demanded that Barrett provide a ballpark timeframe of when he expected the HUD approval to go through. In Barretts defense, he cited an article from a trade magazine that highlighted the lengthy delay's by HUD, and that there were no problems with "The Moderns" proposal, but rather a problem with HUD's approval process. It was clear that Baumann had favored the Book Ends project and was forced by the other alderman to support The Moderne

Hey boys and girls, I just talked to Rick Barrett and he said that the financing is running behind (big surprise) but should be completed two weeks from now and he's "very confident" that they will receive the funds. The plan is to break ground 6 weeks after they obtain the financing. So in other words...sounds like this thing should FINALLY start getting off the ground in 2 months! Hearing it straight from him makes me more confident that this is for real. This is by far the building I have been most excited about over the past two years, I'm super excited!! :cheers1:

i work at 6th in mckinley AVE. not sure if u guys seen tht building thts been getting restored but yea its gona be a college! and i can see the site where the moderne is gona be built ! they have the contractor trailer which is findorf there and a yellow bull dozer !!! so tht means there going to start it soon!!

i work at 6th in mckinley AVE. not sure if u guys seen tht building thts been getting restored but yea its gona be a college! and i can see the site where the moderne is gona be built ! they have the contractor trailer which is findorf there and a yellow bull dozer !!! so tht means there going to start it soon!!
Cool but we're all still waiting on the government to ok their loan. Last I heard a decision will be made by the end of this month.

Moderne high-rise loan guarantee wins final OK, work to begin soon
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Aug. 27, 2010 1:10 p.m. |(4) COMMENTS

The final approval for a federal loan guarantee to finance the planned downtown Moderne apartment high-rise has just been granted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an agency spokeswoman told me Friday afternoon.

That approval paves the way for developer Rick Barrett to begin building the Moderne, which will have 203 apartments and 14 condos at the southwest corner of W. Juneau Ave. and N. Old World 3rd St. It will be among the largest construction projects currently happening in the Milwaukee area.

HUD's local 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 also will have at least $4.3 million in equity financing from Barrett and his partners.

Barrett had scheduled a February groundbreaking on the project.

But final approval was delayed largely because HUD nationwide is swamped by a huge increase in loan guarantee applications, Department of City Development officials told members of the council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee in May.

That's occurring because banks and insurance companies have cut back on commercial real estate loans.

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

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/101661458.html

____________________

Finally! Can't wait to see this building rising.

Finally the loan got approved. This is going to be the tallest building west of the Milwaukee River when completed. Wisconsin Tower had held on to that title for the last 80 years and now The Moderne will reign in height over that tower.

This is awesome news for Milwaukee and especially the park east area. Hopefully this can jump start interest in developing park east land. Tallest building west of the river right?

This news made my week. I love this project so much. After speaking with Rick a few weeks ago I knew it would probably happen but getting the official go-ahead is just such great news, I am beyond excited for this tower.

I first want to say that I am very happy about this project and I think it is a good thing for the surrounding area and the downtown area as a whole. I do have some reservations about the project however. First, I am concerned that the estimated price tag of around $55 Million is somewhat unrealistic. If the building is 30 stories tall, that is about $1.8 Million per floor. It costs an enormous amount of money to build high-rises, especially ones this tall. Most of the tacked on money comes from the "high-rise code" which states, among other things, that the building must have back-up generators, pressurized stairwells, and a more intricate sprinkler system. All of these add additional cost. Additionally, the building must be made of steel and concrete (much more expensive than wood, or "stick") and a building this tall will not be able to use a piston-driven elevator. (much less-expensive) In terms of rent prices, the most expensive rents in the city hover around $1.70 per foot, per month. And those are for smaller units. Usually larger units are less expensive on a per-foot basis. Hopefully the estimated $1.94 per foot at Moderne will not price-out potential tenants. With all that being said, I truly truly hope this building works out. But it will be a challenge. I am worried that this project could run out of money mid-construction and turn into another "Staybridge Suites" Except this one will be about 4 times taller.

I first want to say that I am very happy about this project and I think it is a good thing for the surrounding area and the downtown area as a whole. I do have some reservations about the project however. First, I am concerned that the estimated price tag of around $55 Million is somewhat unrealistic. If the building is 30 stories tall, that is about $1.8 Million per floor. It costs an enormous amount of money to build high-rises, especially ones this tall. Most of the tacked on money comes from the "high-rise code" which states, among other things, that the building must have back-up generators, pressurized stairwells, and a more intricate sprinkler system. All of these add additional cost. Additionally, the building must be made of steel and concrete (much more expensive than wood, or "stick") and a building this tall will not be able to use a piston-driven elevator. (much less-expensive) In terms of rent prices, the most expensive rents in the city hover around $1.70 per foot, per month. And those are for smaller units. Usually larger units are less expensive on a per-foot basis. Hopefully the estimated $1.94 per foot at Moderne will not price-out potential tenants. With all that being said, I truly truly hope this building works out. But it will be a challenge. I am worried that this project could run out of money mid-construction and turn into another "Staybridge Suites" Except this one will be about 4 times taller.

I'm worried of a "Staybridge Suites" scenario as well :ohno:

I first want to say that I am very happy about this project and I think it is a good thing for the surrounding area and the downtown area as a whole. I do have some reservations about the project however. First, I am concerned that the estimated price tag of around $55 Million is somewhat unrealistic. If the building is 30 stories tall, that is about $1.8 Million per floor. It costs an enormous amount of money to build high-rises, especially ones this tall. Most of the tacked on money comes from the "high-rise code" which states, among other things, that the building must have back-up generators, pressurized stairwells, and a more intricate sprinkler system. All of these add additional cost. Additionally, the building must be made of steel and concrete (much more expensive than wood, or "stick") and a building this tall will not be able to use a piston-driven elevator. (much less-expensive) In terms of rent prices, the most expensive rents in the city hover around $1.70 per foot, per month. And those are for smaller units. Usually larger units are less expensive on a per-foot basis. Hopefully the estimated $1.94 per foot at Moderne will not price-out potential tenants. With all that being said, I truly truly hope this building works out. But it will be a challenge. I am worried that this project could run out of money mid-construction and turn into another "Staybridge Suites" Except this one will be about 4 times taller.

It seems WI is the new 'show me' state... anyway, on what professional knowledge do you question this project? It seems you throw alot of questions out there but no facts.

Anyway, the problem with Staybridge is the developer stole the investors' money, not that costs skyrocketed.

@ Jesse

1: I work for a real-estate development and property management firm, and we have a bit of experience in building commercial space, apartments, condos, and high-rises and monitor how our rents compare to other companies in the city.

2: You are correct about Staybridge, I should have made it more clear that my concern was the building becoming a "see-thru" building and just sit as an unfinished eyesore.

@ Will

I don't have numbers that I can reference, that would confirm or deny the construction costs, but you must since you're skeptical of their numbers.

What would you estimate that a building of this size would cost?

@ Jesse, well let us look at the numbers. According to the Biz Times, and several other media outlets, the estimated construction cost is about $55 Million. They plan to have 202 apartments and and 14 condos. So that gives us a total of 217 units. So if we break that up, we are talking about $253,456 per unit. That number is just if they divided the $55 million between the 217 units. It does not include construction costs, which on a high-rise are much more than, say, a 5 story "stick" building. At $250,000 per unit, how luxurious could they be? Enough to justify $1.94 a foot? I think around $70-90 million (ballpark just off the top of my head) However, in order to close, they must have a signed contract from Findorff (G.C.) But Findorff can add costs to the project via "change orders".

@ Jesse, well let us look at the numbers. According to the Biz Times, and several other media outlets, the estimated construction cost is about $55 Million. They plan to have 202 apartments and and 14 condos. So that gives us a total of 217 units. So if we break that up, we are talking about $253,456 per unit. That number is just if they divided the $55 million between the 217 units. It does not include construction costs, which on a high-rise are much more than, say, a 5 story "stick" building. At $250,000 per unit, how luxurious could they be? Enough to justify $1.94 a foot? I think around $70-90 million (ballpark just off the top of my head) However, in order to close, they must have a signed contract from Findorff (G.C.) But Findorff can add costs to the project via "change orders".

Yes, thank you, I'm aware of the different types of construction needed and how they can change depending on location/height/cost of materials. However, I don't see how your 'ballpark' numbers have any value, as you said they're basically pulled right out of the air.

I find it amusing that you're breaking it down by unit, wouldn't SF be a better gauge of cost?

You are correct on both. I did just pull those numbers out of the air. Maybe Findorff got a deal on construction materials (costs have gone down in recent years) As for your second point, we really can't say how much the units will cost on a per sq. foot basis. But you are correct that that is a better breakdown of cost. The Moderne website does not have floor plans. This conversation makes it sound like I don't want this building. I think this building is great. I am just a little worried that it will become the next Staybridge or Park Lafayette. (Although that was more a case of an out of town developer not knowing the market and building a couple hundred condos right when the recession hit.)

The prices for these buildings vary a great deal from building to building. Look at both the Kilbourn and University Club Towers. Although they are similar in floor count, both of those buildings have more sq ft then the Moderne. Yet Kilbourn cost $52 million and UCT cost something like $82 million. There's a lot that goes into the final cost. Height plays a lot into it, but so does amenities, materials, Fixtures, utilities, etc.

Considering how much the cost of comodities and materials have dropped in the last two years, along with the availability of skilled labor, I'm not surprised to see a pretty conservative price tag for the Moderne even with that great design.

This conversation makes it sound like I don't want this building. I think this building is great. I am just a little worried that it will become the next Staybridge or Park Lafayette. (Although that was more a case of an out of town developer not knowing the market and building a couple hundred condos right when the recession hit.)

I hear where you're coming from... I was just curious where your ideas were coming from. I wasn't trying to bust your chops... too much :lol:

Welcome to skyscrapercity

- Jesse

Its all good. My ideas come from working in the industry for 5 years and my father working in it for 40 years, both in the private and public sector. But let's do what the conservative talkradio hosts do and somehow spin this into a conversation about how evil the High-Speed train is and how it is the only campaign issue in the fall gubernatorial election, instead of the none-important, none-train related issues such as jobs in the state, healthcare, education, funding for the UW system and such and such.

But no really, let's stick on the ball here. :cheers:

Has anyone heard any news? I'm wondering why after we've waited for so very long for the federal loan to get approved ground breaking hasn't started already.

Moderne high-rise loan closing expected by December, HUD says

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 18, 2010 7:00 a.m. | Despite winning final approval for its federal loan guarantee in late August, construction still hasn't started on downtown Milwaukee's $55 million Moderne apartment high-rise.

However, developer Rick Barrett told me he expects to soon schedule a groundbreaking. :cheers:

Barrett says the delay is due to the complex process needed to finalize the project's financing: a $41.4 million loan from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust; $9.3 million in city loans, and at least $4.3 million in equity financing from Barrett and his partners.

The AFL-CIO loan is subject to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guarantee. A spokeswoman at HUD's Milwaukee office said the closing documents for The Moderne loan are under review, and are expected to be finalized in December.

If Barrett defaults on the AFL-CIO loan, the money to pay it back would not come from a general fund provided by U.S. taxpayers, as I previously (and inaccurately) reported. »Read Full Blog Post(5)

Moderne high-rise loan closing expected by December, HUD says

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 18, 2010 7:00 a.m. | Despite winning final approval for its federal loan guarantee in late August, construction still hasn't started on downtown Milwaukee's $55 million Moderne apartment high-rise.

However, developer Rick Barrett told me he expects to soon schedule a groundbreaking. :cheers:

Barrett says the delay is due to the complex process needed to finalize the project's financing: a $41.4 million loan from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust; $9.3 million in city loans, and at least $4.3 million in equity financing from Barrett and his partners.

The AFL-CIO loan is subject to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guarantee. A spokeswoman at HUD's Milwaukee office said the closing documents for The Moderne loan are under review, and are expected to be finalized in December.

If Barrett defaults on the AFL-CIO loan, the money to pay it back would not come from a general fund provided by U.S. taxpayers, as I previously (and inaccurately) reported. »Read Full Blog Post(5)

Yippy!! It's about time!! Thanks for posting this. :)

Moderne high-rise project seeks city street work permit

By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

http://www.jsonline.com/newswatch/111270454.html

Dec. 3, 2010 11:24 am :):):)

The Common Council's Public Works Committee, at its Wednesday meeting, will consider a request for a permit allowing Moderne construction manager J.H. Findorff and Son to use a portion of an alley and Old World 3rd St. when it begins work on the upcoming project.

But it's another sign for the skeptics that the project, planned for the southwest corner of W. Juneau Ave. and N. Old World 3rd St., is moving forward.

The $55 million Moderne, which will have 203 apartments and 14 condos, won final approval in August for a federal guarantee on developer Rick Barrett's $41.4 million loan from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust.

That loan is expected to close this month, according to a spokeswoman at the Milwaukee office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If Barrett defaults on the AFL-CIO loan, the money to cover any loss would come from a fund generated by mortgage insurance premiums that borrowers pay as part of the HUD program

How long has that Findorf trailer been sitting on the lot? It may have just don't recall it being that big. Went to the Harbor House for dinner last night and drove around to see the Christmas lights.

Moderne high-rise loan finalized, work to begin in early 2011
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 21, 2010 1:53 p.m.

I reported in November that the federal loan guarantee for downtown Milwaukee's Moderne high-rise was expected to be finalized in December.

I just got off the phone with a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's local office. She told me Moderne developer Rick Barrett and HUD officials are signing the loan guarantee documents "as we speak."

I haven't had a chance to call Barrett yet. But I assume this means the groundbreaking will be scheduled soon, perhaps for after the holidays. The work on the Moderne, which will take about two years to complete, will begin in 2011.

The HUD guarantee backs the Moderne's main financing: a $41.4 million loan from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust...

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/112265454.html

^ an early christmas present. awesome!

it's about time!

Downtown project gains loan guarantee
Moderne will be built in former freeway corridor
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Dec. 21, 2010

The federal loan guarantee for downtown Milwaukee's Moderne high-rise was signed Tuesday, paving the way for work to begin in early 2011 on the $55 million project.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/112292494.html

Downtown project gains loan guarantee
Moderne will be built in former freeway corridor
By Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel

Dec. 21, 2010

The federal loan guarantee for downtown Milwaukee's Moderne high-rise was signed Tuesday, paving the way for work to begin in early 2011 on the $55 million project.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/112292494.html
Yeah!! but I still wish they would give a date for ground breaking though.

Site preparation work underway for The Moderne
Published December 29, 2010 - Real Estate Weekly

The day after developer Rick Barrett closed on the financing package for the $55 million Moderne development last week, workers with J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. began preparation work at the site, located southwest of Old World Third Street and Juneau Avenue in downtown Milwaukee...

...Site preparation work for The Moderne is continuing this week, and construction work is expected to begin next week, said Eric Wynn, Findorff senior project manager. “We are taking this week and doing a lot of the mobilization to the job site,” Wynn said. “The week of January 3 we hope to start actual, physical construction."...

http://www.biztimes.com/realestateweekly/2010/12/29/site-preparation-work-underway-for-the-moderne

Photo taken on 1/29/2011 - Sorry for the lousy clarity. It was a window rolled down shot while the guy behind me was beeping his horn as I drove through the green light. They are driving pilings which is odd as I thought they would have removed some ground first. Do they drive them deep then remove the ground to create the foundation?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03166.jpg

Any new updates? I don't get to mke very often anymore so this site is the only way I know what is happening in the city.

Honest86, I'm also not in the city right now, but I noticed that the developers have construction pictures posted on the website for the Moderne. Seems like they are updating them every 2 weeks or so, although I haven't figured out how to get them any larger.

If you click here (http://www.themoderne.net/), they should show up after the intro graphics play.

I wouldn't be opposed to some larger pics though, if anyone has a chance to head over to the site!

Hot off the press! Saturday February 5, 2011. A 347' tower rising from the ground.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03167.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03168.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03169.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03170.jpg
Foundation for the crane
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03171.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03172.jpg
They started digging!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03173.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03174.jpg
This old building will be dwarfed by the 30 story tower.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03175.jpg

nice pics boatnurd.:cheers:

I always like that 3 story building next door too.

This is big news for MKE.
Its the just the beginning for the Park East and surrounding area.

Sorry, too much work to resize on a cell phone. These from this afternoon. NOW there is a tower crane on the site.


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/dresphotos/2011-02-10_14-22-29_748.jpg


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/dresphotos/2011-02-10_14-22-36_861.jpg

here you go... some video i shot on my bike ride to work today...
PTAQUHTV2D0

A crane already. That was quick!

I believe the The Moderne will be the most influential structure built in the city of Milwaukee in many years.

It stretches the city north and west while raising the skyline in a whole new dimension. This may also create a catalyst of activity in an area that has been virtually dormant (in terms of height) in more than 30+ years. I think this will be the tallest building in Wisconsin west of the Milwaukee river. Correct?

From a top down view, The Moderne will frame the city center stretching it to four corners: The Breakwater, US Bank, Clark Building, and The Moderne. Now, lets get hope the middle gets filled in with other super-talls.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03182.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03183.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03184.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03185.jpg

Yes, this will be the tallest building west of the Milwaukee River. The building will be the 9th tallest in Milwaukee when completed. It will be just short of the flagpole height at Milwaukee City Hall and taller than 1000 Water. I agree that that the Moderne will be similar to BreakWater because it will be a towering hi-rise dominating the skyline in the neighborhood. I think in the future we will see more neighborhoods in Milwaukee near the downtown go along with this type of development and also preservation.

just curious if anyone knows what used to be on this site where the Moderne is being built... yeah, yeah, I know it's been an 'empty lot' for years and years but I wondered what the last building on this site had been and when...

I am soliciting the answer to this quiz question. This may be a stumper to those in another forum.

I am soliciting the answer to this quiz question. This may be a stumper to those in another forum.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/getimage.jpg

Look just to the right. I remember a auto store or something like that. Was it part of MATC? Anyway, this is only within the past 20 years or so.

just curious if anyone knows what used to be on this site where the Moderne is being built... yeah, yeah, I know it's been an 'empty lot' for years and years but I wondered what the last building on this site had been and when...

It used to be a one story Car-X auto repair shop back in the 80's and 90's. The building next door still has the faded advertising for the shop.

Here it is! Boatnurd took this photo in 1988. Pawed through hundreds of pics I had on file from my earlier days of Milwaukee photography. Skylinedude is correct. And, check out the Park East freeway behind the Sydney HIH building. That was one eyesore.... Thanks.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/ModerneSite1988001.jpg

It used to be a one story Car-X auto repair shop back in the 80's and 90's. The building next door still has the faded advertising for the shop.

ahhhhh... yes, thank you for shaking out the old cob webs in my head! I remember that car x when the park east used to run north of it.. for some reason I had totally forgotten about that. I wonder what was there before THAT...

Here is some history of the Moderne site. I found an advertisment from the June 20, 1948 Milwaukee Journal saying that the site is called "Klein Pest Control". The slogan the company had is "feed people, not rats". Here is the link to the ad: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0T4aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FyUEAAAAIBAJ&dq=1141%203rd&pg=1599%2C1815235

Also, the earliest known ad for Klein Pest Control goes back to 1945 and then it was acquired in 1972 by Terminix International and then moved down the block from this location. So the Moderne site went from Klein Pest Control to Car-X and now to the Moderne.

Now i'm not 100% familiar with the process of erecting a tower crane, but am I thought they did it all at once. However, it seems that with the height of the tower crane right now, it will need to be taller eventually to complete the building.

Could anyone fill me in on this?

As the building gets taller -- they connect the side of the tower crane to the building to help stabilize it (the crane) and keep adding sections to the top of it as needed to keep the crane taller than the building under construction.

Ah makes sense, thanks for the info.

This is a great looking project!

Here are some pics I took on February 14th of the Moderne site. The crane I would guess is somewhere around 75 to 100 feet off the ground until the building rises from the ground. They are using the vacant land to the west of Sydney Hih at 4th and Juneau and moving materials over Juneau Avenue on the crane to the building site. Flaggers are there every few minutes controlling traffic. I wouldn't be too surprised if they eventually close Juneau Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets until the building is topped off for safety.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5445930219_50ac391e7f_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/5446535346_9e04901d6a_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5445931121_8225226c00_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5445929367_2fda6a174e_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5445932927_a0d8a4c8f4_z.jpg

new photos of the underground/foundation levels being put in...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/5452218894_ee764b2fb0_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5451608843_a1d421cf47_z.jpg

^^ So can anyone else not see the second photo in the previous post?

The 2nd photo indeed is not shown or available.

Shows up for me *shrug*

It's there now. We all see it and not a big deal.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a picture, but the columns and wire cores of the columns are slightly above ground level now. It's looking good :)

Some pics would be greatly appreciated!

Here are some new skyline shots from Flickr with the crane for The Moderne constuction at different angles.

Fond du Lac Avenue View

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5570147051_8bc220a878_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/sets/72157626376316414/

4th Street and Wisconsin Avenue View

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5569974885_3d74b0f6a7_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/sets/72157626376316414/

Old World 3rd Street View

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5569965301_8ef522e924_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/sets/72157626376316414/

Milwaukee RiverWalk View

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5570552206_df8c946b6b_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cool/sets/72157626376316414/

Wow, I really like that 4th and Wisconsin view! I assume that is from the parking structure set back from Wisconsin right?

Anywho, all those angles will look amazing with the Modern in them in the coming years! :D

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/ff787dc5.jpg

Wow, I really like that 4th and Wisconsin view! I assume that is from the parking structure set back from Wisconsin right?

Anywho, all those angles will look amazing with the Modern in them in the coming years! :D

Yes, the photo from 4th Street looks like its from that parking structure. The Old World 3rd Street and 4th Street photo views will be a very dramatic change with a 30 story hi-rise with the buildings around it between 3 and 8 stories tall.

Yes, the photo from 4th Street looks like its from that parking structure. The Old World 3rd Street and 4th Street photo views will be a very dramatic change with a 30 story hi-rise with the buildings around it between 3 and 8 stories tall.

gahh! so, you didn't take these photos?! dude, if you're going to post someone else's photos, you have to credit them properly! seriously!

gahh! so, you didn't take these photos?! dude, if you're going to post someone else's photos, you have to credit them properly! seriously!

I posted the link to the gallery for those distantce photos. Thanks for the reminder.

It's official, The Moderne is above grade! Sorry I don't have pics.

I have pics that I took from the site but I can't post them because I can't access the site on a computer anymore (only on my phone)

I took these today of the Moderne site...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5666736808_6992a850cf_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5666171717_e0b8beca58_z.jpg

That's a lot of steel.

The Moderne updated their website today with more pictures. the project looks like it is chugging along nicely.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5692219254_7e2ebe853b_z.jpg

For the sake of redundancy:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/dresphotos/2011-05-18_17-23-57_702.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/5802808063_e9dc81ac33_z.jpg

working on the second level now...

Thanks Max. It is hard to believe that this will soon be a towering 30 story building that will be injecting so much life into this area of downtown.

Thanks for the update!

snapped this shot biking home last night... things are progressing very quickly on the Moderne.. working on the 4th floor already...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/5844302875_b721b95ee3_z.jpg

Excellent, it'll be great to start seeing the construction from a distance by the end of the summer.

Am I just crazy, or do the second and third floors look really small?

Those are floors for parking, it doesn't take much height for car parking.

Am I just crazy, or do the second and third floors look really small?

I think relative to the ground floor, they look small, but no.. they'll probably have 8' - 10' ceilings.. no amazing loft ceilings, but standard height for most buildings and homes, I think.

The website claims "11 foot floor to ceiling windows" so those bottom floors are likely parking. I think I have a copy of the plans somewhere around the office. I'll take a look.

Yup. Parking. The apartments start on level 8. Condos on 28, penthouses on the 29th and 30th floor.

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/moderne.jpg

I took this picture from the top of JVT May 1st.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03213.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03212.jpg

Who knows if the Moderne will be an all concrete poured construction (30 floors) or will they use steel girders after the parking garage section is completed? And, is steel more expensive then using all concrete?

Who knows if the Moderne will be an all concrete poured construction (30 floors) or will they use steel girders after the parking garage section is completed? And, is steel more expensive then using all concrete?

I would think all concrete would be more expensive, since it probably weighs more?? and I don't know that you could reach the same height with just concrete.. but someone else might have a better answer..

I would think all concrete would be more expensive, since it probably weighs more?? and I don't know that you could reach the same height with just concrete.. but someone else might have a better answer..

I actually think concrete might be cheaper given the cost of metals right now. As far as reaching the same height, I do believe that new 2,000ft. + building in Dubai was constructed using this concrete construction method.

A recent construction shot

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5939947241_065d093b93.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davereid/5939947241/)
The Moderne (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davereid/5939947241/) by davereid2 (http://www.flickr.com/people/davereid/), on Flickr

A recent construction shot

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5939947241_065d093b93.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davereid/5939947241/)
The Moderne (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davereid/5939947241/) by davereid2 (http://www.flickr.com/people/davereid/), on Flickr

This can't be too recent. The photo I took last week has more floors.

@Boatnurd Funny I guess I'm a bit behind on my pics!

Someone really needs to tell the webmaster for the Moderne's website that they need to check their calender for February. They have all their pictures showing construction dated, and one set of pictures they have on the site is dated Feb 29th 2011. :ohno: This wasn't a leap year, February had only 28 days.

From the Moderne Facebook Page



http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.248378805181840.67305.203680922984962&type=1

From the Moderne Facebook Page



http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.248378805181840.67305.203680922984962&type=1

Thanks! Looks like they're up to the 7th floor.

Thanks! Looks like they're up to the 7th floor.

They must be getting closer to the one floor per week pace. The best photo is the one with the very narrow space between the southern exterior wall and the north wall of cream city brick from the building next door which was built back in 1884. Two buildings and 127 years difference. Not many other cities have that combination in age of buildings mixed in.

They must be getting closer to the one floor per week pace. The best photo is the one with the very narrow space between the southern exterior wall and the north wall of cream city brick from the building next door which was built back in 1884. Two buildings and 127 years difference. Not many other cities have that combination in age of buildings mixed in.

Strange question here: How will they go about painting or finishing that wall... I'm just guessing they aren't going to leave it plain cinder blocks??

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284256_248380705181650_203680922984962_994435_2957797_n.jpg

Strange question here: How will they go about painting or finishing that wall... I'm just guessing they aren't going to leave it plain cinder blocks??

Even a bigger question is what happens down the line if the older building needs tuck-pointing or facade repair? Not even space for someone to walk through. Very odd.

Its the urban equivalent of the space under the fridge! God knows what's going to accumulate in there.

Thanks! Looks like they're up to the 7th floor.

6th floor, you mean, right? we call the street level floor the ground floor and the floor above it is the first floor and so forth, right? at least that's how I learned it.

Its the urban equivalent of the space under the fridge! God knows what's going to accumulate in there.

that's a very common sight among the dense city blocks in NYC. I remember seeing a narrow alley like this one in some city someplace I visited and it was completely crammed full of garbage that people had been throwing in there. they might have to put up a tiny thin fence between these buildings to prevent that from happening.

6th floor, you mean, right? we call the street level floor the ground floor and the floor above it is the first floor and so forth, right? at least that's how I learned it.

Ground floors are the 1st floor to me. There on the seventh floor which ever way you want to count.

that's a very common sight among the dense city blocks in NYC. I remember seeing a narrow alley like this one in some city someplace I visited and it was completely crammed full of garbage that people had been throwing in there. they might have to put up a tiny thin fence between these buildings to prevent that from happening.
(I know it often seems like I'm on your case Max, but it's not intentional.)
Anyway, speaking as a former resident of many many years, alleys are very rare in New York City, except on tv crime dramas, and development is so intense in Manhattan that there is usually no vacant space at all between adjacent buildings; in fact, two older buildings are often separated by a shared common "party wall".
I think it would surprise many visitors that behind the solid rows of town houses there are often beautiful yards and gardens forever invisible from the street.

(I know it often seems like I'm on your case Max, but it's not intentional.)
Anyway, speaking as a former resident of many many years, alleys are very rare in New York City, except on tv crime dramas, and development is so intense in Manhattan that there is usually no vacant space at all between adjacent buildings; in fact, two older buildings are often separated by a shared common "party wall".
I think it would surprise many visitors that behind the solid rows of town houses there are often beautiful yards and gardens forever invisible from the street.

yup, as a former resident of NYC I appreciated that as well. what's even stranger is in a city like Marrakesh, Morocco.. the medina in the old part of the city is crammed with structures built on top of each other along noisy, crowded, filthy streets that almost all look like grungy slums (well, in the West they would be).. but then.. you go into some of these places and within their walls are these magnificent beautiful peaceful garden courtyards with swaying palm trees and no noise from the streets evident at all. it's bizarre.

Even a bigger question is what happens down the line if the older building needs tuck-pointing or facade repair? Not even space for someone to walk through. Very odd.

It'll be done from the inside, just like any of the thousands of other buildings with party walls in the city.

Drove past Moderne today... Looks like 8 floors complete working on the 9th. Sorry I couldn't take a picture... fun to see the crane working.

Up she rises...
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/063d295d.jpg

At what point do they raise the crane? Currently it is at the low point and cannot be seen from most vantage points throughout the city.

At what point do they raise the crane? Currently it is at the low point and cannot be seen from most vantage points throughout the city.

Over the last few days, I've noticed this new blue crane-like structure being put together at the top of the 10th floor (you can kind of see it in the picture I took last night above). I wondered if this might have something to do with the crane extension to its full height. It would make sense, as the building is getting to the point of being nearly as tall as the red crane itself...

Over the last few days, I've noticed this new blue crane-like structure being put together at the top of the 10th floor (you can kind of see it in the picture I took last night above). I wondered if this might have something to do with the crane extension to its full height. It would make sense, as the building is getting to the point of being nearly as tall as the red crane itself...

Thought the Blue crane was for concrete and having the ability to move about on top to fill forms and pour floors.

Go to The Moderne Facebook page and you will see exterior pre-cast panels going in on the alley side of the building.

Thought the Blue crane was for concrete and having the ability to move about on top to fill forms and pour floors.

Im pretty sure you're right, also I've noticed it's been there for a few weeks now.

That blue thing rises with each floor to provide and disperse the cement. I believe the cement is fed from the first floor and pumped upwards.

It's coming along nicely...

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/285811_260566973963023_203680922984962_1048839_5997127_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/194666_260566883963032_203680922984962_1048837_3871998_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/286835_260566670629720_203680922984962_1048832_7926328_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/287503_260566600629727_203680922984962_1048831_4305685_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/287211_260567403962980_203680922984962_1048848_4191277_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/324763_260567620629625_203680922984962_1048855_5400663_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/325755_260567437296310_203680922984962_1048849_5948559_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/341095_260567477296306_203680922984962_1048850_56844_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/337487_260567003963020_203680922984962_1048840_1879579_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/325107_260567850629602_203680922984962_1048861_7898094_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/339491_260566707296383_203680922984962_1048833_1155815_o.jpg

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/4en1vanm/327567_260566770629710_203680922984962_1048835_2680512_o.jpg

Thanks for the update!

New photos from September 7th on the Facebook page. Looks like its up to the 12th floor.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Moderne/203680922984962

New photos from September 7th on the Facebook page. Looks like its up to the 12th floor.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Moderne/203680922984962

And a bit of facade going up as well. Nice!

Does anyone know if the final building design was changed or was the building shortened from the original proposal? The reason I ask is because in the renderings online for the Moderne, there are 5 wider floors above the black granite horizontal block that wraps around the building's front and then the floors above that are a bit narrower. In the current construction, though, I'm noticing that the levels narrow after only 4 floors above that black granite. Anyone else know anything about this?

I can only speculate that the parking requirements for the apartments is lower than for the condo's so when they changed the unit types for the building they reduced the size of the parking podium to increase the number of units for rent.

That being said, in the renderings, it looks like the first floor has the same height as the rest of the floors, but that seems to have also changed in the construction.

I can only speculate that the parking requirements for the apartments is lower than for the condo's so when they changed the unit types for the building they reduced the size of the parking podium to increase the number of units for rent.

That being said, in the renderings, it looks like the first floor has the same height as the rest of the floors, but that seems to have also changed in the construction.

yeah, I noticed that too about the ground floor appearing to have a higher ceiling than in the renderings, but I guess I just chalked that up as a perspective difference or imperfection in the rendering. Still, an entire missing floor is hard to account for-- you make a very good guess, though, honest86. Since that's part of the parking section, it's possible that rental units wouldn't need as many parking spaces (not sure why, exactly). Still, if they didn't lower the building by an entire floor and instead converted that parking floor into another floor for apartment units, wouldn't those extra units create a demand for more parking and thus the extra floor?
Maybe someone closer to the job knows the answer.

I know that the city is leasing the building parking spaces in the structure across the alley. So, they may have leased more spaces and removed a level of parking. That's my best guess...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03236.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03238.jpg

Eventually, once I'm able to sort and edit them, I may post some more photos from Doors Open; but, I thought I'd post these quickly since the building is going up so fast.

From City Hall Bell Tower, Saturday:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/somberwinter/DoorsOpen100.jpg

From First Wisconsin Center Observation Deck, Sunday:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y73/somberwinter/Doors%20Open%20Sunday/DoorsOpen041.jpg

Swinter,

I stood in the long line at City Hall early Saturday morning 8:45am only to get to the front and find out there were few if any tickets available. The City Hall Tower tour had been sold out right away. Look forward to seeing other city skyline photos from that angle. Something we do not see very often.

The Moderne's facebook page is updated with more pictures.

Boatnurd, I'm sorry to hear you missed it; I figured quite a few people would be disappointed when I calculated just how few tickets were available. Fortunately, I guessed right on timing and, arriving an hour early, I waited behind just about twenty people. I have about one hundred pictures from city hall so I will post the decent ones once I edit enough.

As you can see, the view of The Moderne was better from the bank, but being in the open air and looking straight down at the city made the view from the bell tower special.

swinter, really enjoyed your photo of the moderne from the US bank tower. I was wondering if you could re-post it. Was telling a friend about it and then it wasn't there any longer.

More photos up on the facebook page. Looks like glass installation has started!

Look like the building is approaching the halfway point in height. I would guess that by the end of October the crane will be raised to full height. When that is done the crane will be seen from the north over Brewers Hill.

Here is the link to the new construction photos on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281369305216123.74133.203680922984962&type=3

two weeks later.... >_<

lil peapod, I don't know if you still want to see the observation deck view again; somehow I must have lost the original edit when I was making the Doors Open photo thread, but I've re-edited the image now. The old post should be working again if you check it.

thanks, swinter. very cool image.

I was going southbound on I-43 and I can now see The Moderne construction crane rise behind the radio tower in Schlitz Park viewing this just north of the Capitol Drive exit. Would be great to see a pic from this location.

I was going southbound on I-43 and I can now see The Moderne construction crane rise behind the radio tower in Schlitz Park viewing this just north of the Capitol Drive exit. Would be great to see a pic from this location.

That crane must have been raised either yesterday afternoon or today. I was down there looking at the site Friday morning and it had not yet been raised. Sad I missed it. Did see the extensions however in the Sidney Hih parking lot.

A pic from Moderne's facebook page. Taken Oct 25th.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313090_291300040889716_203680922984962_1175150_1139492726_n.jpg

It looks like they raised the crane for the Moderne over Halloween weekend. I keep forgetting to snap a picture, anyone else get one?

Here are some new Moderne photos taken on 11/1/11 from the "Milwaukee My Home Town" Flickr page.

View from Old World 3rd Street
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6303055612_6fd0d04b71_b.jpg

View from Cherry Street Bridge
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6303242775_4d6d4f8581_b.jpg

Wide shot from Cherry Street Bridge and the Riverwalk
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6303244037_1a2fc07dc5_b.jpg

View from the Pleasant Street Bridge
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6302528743_edfb279125_b.jpg

View from Hubbard Street
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6302531055_99a87f63c5_b.jpg

View from Level 4 of the Lydell Garage at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6303057418_a1602e3007_b.jpg

is the crane or any part of the tower visible/going to be visible when driving eastbound on i-94? I always liked the skyline driving that direction

is the crane or any part of the tower visible/going to be visible when driving eastbound on i-94? I always liked the skyline driving that direction

I have driven from a few different angles and it will be really tough to view on I-94 going eastbound. The building and crane are over at 3rd and Juneau on the northwest side of Downtown which the land in that area is at least 100 feet or more lower in elevation compared to Brewers Hill just to the north and Macarthur Square and the Courthouse to the southwest. Also the height of the buildings along I-794 blocks the view of most anything on the northwest side of Downtown unless you are on the Hoan Bridge. The best views of The Moderne rising on a clear day are going southbound to your left on I-43 at Capitol Drive and also in spots between Locust Street and McKinley Avenue on I-43. The best views I think are walking along the Riverwalk between Kilbourn and the Holton Viaduct with the best view I would say is on the Cherry Street Bridge by Manpower and over at 6th and McKinley by MATC and Everest College. They are up to the 18th Floor which at a one floor per week pace and with winter approaching I would say the top floor possibly be in by the end of March.

I've been meaning to take some pictures from work (17th floor, Clarke Building) as I've got a great view of it going up, but I'm not sure how I'd load then from my hard drive as the link supports a URL address for pictures.

Could someone explains this possibly?

I've been meaning to take some pictures from work (17th floor, Clarke Building) as I've got a great view of it going up, but I'm not sure how I'd load then from my hard drive as the link supports a URL address for pictures.

Could someone explains this possibly?

You need to have your images hosted on the internet somewhere first, then setup your link to the location you upload them to. Notice in a lot of the photos here on this site, flickr is very popular for doing this. You need to sign-up for a free account first, upload your photos from your computer to your flickr account, and you can then share them at will using the URL.

http://www.flickr.com/

You need to have your images hosted on the internet somewhere first, then setup your link to the location you upload them to. Notice in a lot of the photos here on this site, flickr is very popular for doing this. You need to sign-up for a free account first, upload your photos from your computer to your flickr account, and you can then share them at will using the URL.

http://www.flickr.com/

http://imageshack.us/ is also a good spot to host images. I use that one a lot.

Alright, thanks a bunch I'll get some up ASAP

Some pictures from Moderne's Facebook page. From Nov 15th.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303843_303106159709104_203680922984962_1220662_1740636481_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/319619_303107529708967_203680922984962_1220705_1887886891_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321660_303107859708934_203680922984962_1220714_800995516_n.jpg

Notice any differences?

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1183/28007169009moderne.jpg http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321660_303107859708934_203680922984962_1220714_800995516_n.jpg

Looks like the lower portion is at least one floor shorter in the construction photo than the rendering.

Notice any differences?


The windows in the rendering appears quite a bit bigger than the actual ones.

Looks like they snuck in a parking podium.

Lokks like the The Moderne is up to the 20th floor. New photos on the Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311566088863111.80136.203680922984962&type=1

Story about the operator of the 380 foot crane with some pictures of the crane and The Moderne.

http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/134873563.html#id_60042443

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03265.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03268.jpg

View from the Lake Front - slight telephoto. We will not be able to see this 30 story tower from the lake front as in this photo, just the top of the crane is peaking through. The crane is taller than the building will be. Too bad Milwaukee sits in a valley whereas many of the taller building are not seen properly from a distance.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a232/boatnurd/DSC03274A.jpg

Boatnurd, your photos show them starting on the 23rd floor from what I can see.

Boatnurd, your photos show them starting on the 23rd floor from what I can see.

Yep, that is what I counted. Funny how all these stories cannot be seen from many view points in the city. You can hardly see this structure when making the west bound turn on the highrise bridge. Hidden in its river level setting.

I am just starting to see hints of the building in spots going south along I-43 north of Capitol Drive to McKinley Avenue. The top 5 floors will probably be visible from the north and northwest. I agree, no view from the lakefront or even from the hoan bridge.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.324417454244641.82147.203680922984962&type=1

Taken by me:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u291/kdickert/Mod3.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7295/mod2wa.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/mod2wa.jpg/)

Nice pics this building is looking good. I've always found it interesting how Milwaukee's taller buildings are so spread out amongst the city.

The January update on the Moderne's facebook page look pretty cool. They have interior shots of drywall installs, and views of some of the units. I is really going along fast.

I encourage you all to be more than armchair tourists and go look at the Moderne and other developments in Milwaukee in person, not just through the white glow of your computer screens... The interior views are cool on the fb site but the latest, greatest images you can see of the building, you're going to get with your own two eyes.


Nice shots, hydrogen!

I encourage you all to be more than armchair tourists and go look at the Moderne and other developments in Milwaukee in person, not just through the white glow of your computer screens... The interior views are cool on the fb site but the latest, greatest images you can see of the building, you're going to get with your own two eyes.

Agreed MilwaukeeMax. Seeing this new construction from various focal points around the city are amazing. This building adds so much depth to Milwaukee and stretches the city in a whole new direction. Seeing this rise from MLK and Burleigh driving south is spectacular as it pops up. Or, take in the view from the Pabst Brewery around Juneau and the roundabout and you will see the sheer height of this building compared to others in the backdrop.

Does anyone know if the Moderne is topped out yet?

Does anyone know if the Moderne is topped out yet?

I live just down the street from the moderne and no, I don't think it has topped out yet.. I haven't counted the floors in a while but I could see unfinished work on the top today, which would suggest they are still adding floors. I'll take a closer look tomorrow when I bike past it.

From the January 19th photos on their Facebook page they are starting on the 29th or 30th floor, it probably will be some time in February when they top off the building.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.345321458820907.86762.203680922984962&type=1

From the January 19th photos on their Facebook page they are starting on the 29th or 30th floor


^^
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406501_345322625487457_203680922984962_1353119_869037897_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.345321458820907.86762.203680922984962&type=1 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.345321458820907.86762.203680922984962&type=1)

so did they actually top off by january like the website says? does anybody have other pictures besides the 2 a month updates from Facebook?

so did they actually top off by january like the website says? does anybody have other pictures besides the 2 a month updates from Facebook?

Okay, so.. as I mentioned before, if you live in the Milwaukee area or Wisconsin in general, I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU to visit downtown yourselves instead of getting all your updates through your computer screen via the Moderne Facebook page.
For those of you out of town, obviously you can't do that, so I will personally let everyone know when the Moderne appears to be topped out, as I bike past it every single day to and from work. As of right now, no, the building is not topped out-- there are still floors cropping up at the top. I'll snap some new photos for all of you tomorrow morning on my way in.

They've got to be close though. It looks like the core is just about there. [The tower] does have quite an impact, especially from WI 145 just east of the freeway.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6768479237_8e1e2a34fb_b.jpg
Copyright & All rights reserved by johndecember (http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndecember/with/6692105225/)

I count 27 floors by looking at the last 2 pics that Looksee posted which means they have 3 more floors until top-off.

Okay, you shameless vultures, as promised, here are a couple of snapshots I took earlier today while biking past the Moderne.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/382ec8b6.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a81/Maximilian77/0156f6a9.jpg

Kaw Kaw :)

From that last pic MilwaukeeMax so graciously posted for us I count 28 which means 2 more floors until top-off.

I'm planning to see a game in Miller Park this summer and I'll definitely swing by this building to see it in person. Looks good!

Okay, you shameless vultures, as promised, here are a couple of snapshots I took earlier today while biking past the Moderne.


Thank you, Milwaukee Max! :)

I was in town a couple of weeks ago and saw it. It looks like it'll be a nice addition to Milwaukee's skyline and streetscape.

No problem. I'll take more pictures in the future for you out-of-towners. I'm glad to hear you'll be or were in town too.. If you come to see the Moderne, do so on foot and walk along 3rd street to check out some of the newer (and older) shops and restaurants in the area. I like supporting the Asian Mart, even though he may not be there much longer and a club or restaurant may move in..I like making sushi so they always have the supplies I need. Brick pizza is pretty good by-the-slice pie to try too. I haven't been to the Irish Rec Room yet but I'm meaning to. Old German Bier Hall is always fun as well and the spice house and the usingers sausage shop and cheese shop next door have great food items and gifts.

---

From the Moderne Facebook page:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/427297_357086930977693_203680922984962_1388360_197974478_n.jpg

The view is fantastic but would be so much better if that massive parking garage wasn't there. I wonder what this will look like in 100 years?

so underrated. Just beautiful. Look at that blue water. The DT is just so spread out. Hopefully Kohl's will add density in the area around the Moderne. Looking good!

My camera and I would love to take a tour of this building if they ever have a open house.

Very nice! I'd love to see a bit more of the River heading south, too.

I think parking garages are form fitting function and are indispensible. That one allows the Marcus Center to serve patrons and will be replaced soon by a larger multi-purpose building in any case.

The real waste of space here are the florist warehouse right on the River and the townhouses that interupt the Riverwalk. I keep hoping someone will file suit to force them to allow a section of Riverwalk to fulfill the public ownership of waterways and lakebeds.

Thanks for posting it!