MILWAUKEE | Development News

[cjreisen]

Milwaukee is such a great city with so much potential, but these blue glass towers are homogenizing this great city and sucking the life out of it. It's a city with so much history and inspiration to pull from for design, why the hell are we building these soulless monoliths.

[bucksfan15]

http://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.biz/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/875-E-Wisconsin.jpg

Wangard renewing effort to expand 875 office at downtown lakefront (https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/10/19/wangard-renewing-effort-to-expand-875-office-at.html)

Milwaukee developer Stewart Wangard said he aims to complete a seven-story second tower at the 875 East Wisconsin Avenue office in 2020 or earlier, and is in talks with possible tenants for the building.

[bucksfan15]

http://urbanmilwaukee.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Exterior-View-from-North-on-Milwaukee-St.jpg


$34 million gift to MSOE announced for next-generation tech facility at center of campus (http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2017/10/23/34-million-gift-msoe-announced-next-generation-tech-facility-center-campus/790456001/)

A $34 million gift to Milwaukee School of Engineering from an alumnus and his wife will allow it to build a new academic facility and launch a next-generation technologies program that will be one of only a few in the nation for undergraduates.

The Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall, funded by a donation from MSOE Regent and alumnus Dwight Diercks and his wife, Dian, will be built at the center of the downtown campus. It will position the school at the educational forefront in artificial intelligence, deep learning, cyber security, robotics, cloud computing and other next-generation technologies, the school announced Monday.

Pretty cool initiative planned by MSOE to help grow their downtown campus. Definitely some fantastic infill right in the heart of downtown. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding MSOE's downtown campus. A few articles mentioned planned residential developments in the near future from them also.

[embora]

$34 million gift to MSOE announced for next-generation tech facility at center of campus (http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2017/10/23/34-million-gift-msoe-announced-next-generation-tech-facility-center-campus/790456001/)



Pretty cool initiative planned by MSOE to help grow their downtown campus. Definitely some fantastic infill right in the heart of downtown. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding MSOE's downtown campus. A few articles mentioned planned residential developments in the near future from them also.

Wow...that is excellent news. If the movie is 100% accurate, it looks like they'll remove the surface parking lots that line up with Highland Ave, in favor of some sort of plaza/courtyard/mall.

[bucksfan15]

Wow...that is excellent news. If the movie is 100% accurate, it looks like they'll remove the surface parking lots that line up with Highland Ave, in favor of some sort of plaza/courtyard/mall.

I'm hoping so, that would be awesome. That sea of MSOE surface lots in the immediate area is an eyesore. I'm glad they are doing something about it.

If I were to make an educated guess, the new residential development they are hinting at will probably be along Water St between Juneau and Knapp on the lot they recently purchased.

What I'm waiting for and what I would really love to see is the lots directly south of me taken care of also. I live in Juneau Towers and the MSOE lots just south of State St between Jackson and Milwaukee need to go. They are primed for development. MSOE is really the only thing holding back the density of that area of downtown.

[Booch]

Milwaukee is such a great city with so much potential, but these blue glass towers are homogenizing this great city and sucking the life out of it. It's a city with so much history and inspiration to pull from for design, why the hell are we building these soulless monoliths.

To me, the soulless monolith is the Chase building.

[LouisVanDerWright]

The Chase building is excellent, do not speak ill of it.

[Steely Dan]

The Chase building is excellent

truth.

particularly that exquisite glass jewel-case entrance lobby.



https://www.emporis.com/images/show/152152-Large-area-glass-box-entry.jpg
source: https://www.emporis.com/images/details/152152/area-glass-box-entry

[embora]

I'm hoping so, that would be awesome. That sea of MSOE surface lots in the immediate area is an eyesore. I'm glad they are doing something about it.

If I were to make an educated guess, the new residential development they are hinting at will probably be along Water St between Juneau and Knapp on the lot they recently purchased.

What I'm waiting for and what I would really love to see is the lots directly south of me taken care of also. I live in Juneau Towers and the MSOE lots just south of State St between Jackson and Milwaukee need to go. They are primed for development. MSOE is really the only thing holding back the density of that area of downtown.

I wonder if MSOE has a master plan that would mention an anticipated use for some of these lots. With as much as MSOE seems to have been building in the past several years, maybe you'll get your wish.

By the way, I used to live on the same block as you. What a GREAT location.

[bucksfan15]

Well the sorely-needed widening of I-94, a log-jammed and unsafe major artery from the western suburbs into downtown, has officially been cancelled. Ironically, the Democrats that sued to stop the project, referring to it as "racist", are now complaining that it has been cancelled.

Ending Freeway Project Is Historic Blunder (http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2017/11/06/the-contrarian-ending-freeway-project-is-historic-blunder/)

Here’s why it matters:
A delay of several years is a distinct possibility. Every year, taxpayer costs to rebuild will grow by tens of millions.

Plaintiffs in I-94 Suit Say Highway Project is 'Racist in its Consequences' (https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/plaintiffs-i-94-suit-say-highway-project-racist-consequences/#/questions)

The project, which has been in the works since 2014, would rebuild and expand 3.5 miles of highway from 16th Street to 70th Street. It would address congestion, safety concerns and the “deteriorated condition” of the freeway, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), by adding lanes and changing the placement of exits and on-ramps.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Fuck highway widening. Move into the city if you don't like commuting in traffic. You can't build your way out of congestion.

[Omaharocks]

Well the sorely-needed widening of I-94, a log-jammed and unsafe major artery from the western suburbs into downtown, has officially been cancelled. Ironically, the Democrats that sued to stop the project, referring to it as "racist", are now complaining that it has been cancelled.

Ending Freeway Project Is Historic Blunder (http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2017/11/06/the-contrarian-ending-freeway-project-is-historic-blunder/)



Plaintiffs in I-94 Suit Say Highway Project is 'Racist in its Consequences' (https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/plaintiffs-i-94-suit-say-highway-project-racist-consequences/#/questions)

Adding lanes is one of the key factors in making roads less safe. Milwaukee is smart to avoid widening a highway that won't result in any long-term benefits, and would bring a host of negatives.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mason-Rendering.jpg

Developer buys Scottish Rite Masonic Center for hotel development
Construction of 220-room hotel expected to begin in summer 2018 (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/hospitality-tourism/developer-buys-scottish-rite-masonic-center-for-hotel-development/)

Ascendant Holdings, LLC, which has offices in Milwaukee and Madison, is planning to begin construction in summer 2018 on the $60 million project, which includes renovating the 80,000-square-foot building and adding a 14-story tower above the existing building.

[bucksfan15]

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeffers.2.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeffers.broadway1.jpg

Seven-story mixed-use building planned next to Mackie, Button Block buildings (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/real-estate/seven-story-mixed-use-building-planned-next-to-mackie-button-block-buildings/)

The proposed new building will be built at 511 N. Broadway, which is currently a parking lot at the corner of East Clybourn Street and Broadway. Engberg Anderson Architects is designing the building.

“The building is massed to provide a strong corner bookended on both Clbourn and Broadway,” Jeffers said in his submission.

The building includes 9,400 square feet of first floor retail and 108 apartments, according to plans submitted to the city.

[The North One]

Oh wow, I love it! The facade is beautiful.

[bucksfan15]

Driverless vehicle lanes on I-94 being studied for Foxconn (http://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2017/11/13/driverless-vehicle-lanes-94-being-studied-foxconn/860515001/)

Pyritz said the process of evaluating and making final decisions on upgrades to I-94 and other roads near the planned Foxconn complex in Mount Pleasant “is a work in progress,” with many options being weighed.

“It’s on the table,” he said of dedicated lanes for driverless vehicles, “but boy, there’s a lot of stuff on the table.”

One possibility, Sheehy said, would be driverless lanes between the Foxconn plant and Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport as a way to move supplies and products to and from the factory.

[J_M_Tungsten]

A bit OT, but what’s the point of autonomous cars? Is driving that inconvenient, or do people want to play on their phones THAT much that we need robots to drive us to and from our destinations? Personally, I love driving, and would never want to give that up to be a passenger in my own car.

[Busy Bee]

dedicated lanes for driverless vehicles

What the hell... Isn't one of the AV "selling points" is that it doesn't require special/dedicated infrastructure? Talk about moving the goalpost. What idiot came up with this idea?

[LouisVanDerWright]

Guys the lanes are for autonomous freight vehicles. Apparently they will be receiving lots of parts directly from the airport and want to have a ROW for driverless freight vehicles which I don't believe are driving on US roads at this time. If they are going to have that kind of traffic and are trying out autonomous techology, I don't see why it wouldn't make sense. Hell, even once this tech is ready for the masses, it will still make sense to build autonomous Lanes on highways to separate slower human traffic so the autonomous ones can go at high speeds in tight convoys. You can't have a human try to jump in with robots tailgating each other at 100MPH.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BMO-Tower-15.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BMO-Tower-2.jpg

BMO Tower construction begins in downtown Milwaukee
25-story building will be home to BMO Harris Bank's Wisconsin HQ, Michael Best & Friedrich (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/real-estate/bmo-tower-begins-construction-in-downtown-milwaukee/)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday in downtown Milwaukee to celebrate the start of construction for the 25-story BMO Tower, an office building that will be home to BMO Harris Bank’s Wisconsin headquarters and Milwaukee law firm Michael Best & Friedrich.

Click here to see a video of the ceremony from WISN-TV Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee.

The $132.6 million project is being developed by Irgens, which purchased BMO Harris Bank’s current 20-story office tower downtown and adjacent seven-level parking structure at 770 N. Water St. in August for $7.1 million. The new office tower will be built at the site of that parking structure, which will be torn down.

Irgens considers middle-income housing, hotel for current BMO office building
Project will begin after new BMO Tower is completed (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/real-estate/irgens-considers-middle-income-housing-hotel-for-current-bmo-office-building/)

When BMO Harris Bank moves into its new 25-story office tower in downtown Milwaukee Irgens will redevelop the bank’s current office building at 770 N. Water St. into a mixed-use development that could include middle-income housing.

Mark Irgens, CEO of Irgens, said the redevelopment plans for the 20-story building will not include typical multi-tenant office space. The downtown Milwaukee market does not need 300,000 square feet of class B office space, he said.

Instead, he is considering partnering with non-traditional owner-users who would use a portion of the space for “institution office.”

Another section of the building could be redeveloped as a hotel, Irgens said.

[coldru]

BMO Tower Construction Cam : http://www.earthcam.net/projects/findorffson/bmotower/

[bucksfan15]

BMO Tower Construction Cam : http://www.earthcam.net/projects/findorffson/bmotower/

Nice find.

[CastleScott]

^ Nice find too, looks like Milwaukee is going into a nice building boom.

[bucksfan15]

^ Nice find too, looks like Milwaukee is going into a nice building boom.

Definitely. Look forward to quite a few more cranes in the air shortly as multiple towers are about to get going in the next few months;

BMO Tower (25 stories)
Couture (44 stories)
Masonic Hotel (14 stories atop current building)
Potawatomi Hotel (19 stories)
St. Johns (20 stories)

[bucksfan15]

Foxconn increasing their plans BIG TIME....

Foxconn increases size of planned Mount Pleasant complex (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/magazines/biztimes-milwaukee/current-issue/foxconn-increases-size-of-planned-mount-pleasant-complex/)

Foxconn officials now say they plan to build a 32 million-square-foot
complex in Mount Pleasant. Original estimates were 20 million square feet for the campus.

Crazy increase in size.

[Busy Bee]

Awesome.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[bucksfan15]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4556/38658960362_c3f6078fcf_h.jpg

[embora]

That's a beautiful sunset and a great view of MKE. Thank you for sharing. Looks like this would also be a good perspective of the contemplated MSOE development on the northwest corner of Milwaukee and State.

[bucksfan15]

That's a beautiful sunset and a great view of MKE. Thank you for sharing. Looks like this would also be a good perspective of the contemplated MSOE development on the northwest corner of Milwaukee and State.

Definitely. I'm going to have a great view of both MSOE's AI Complex and the BMO Tower as they rise so expect lots of pictures of those. You can also see the new arena perfectly in that picture if you know where to look :)

[bucksfan15]

http://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/COV-111317-Foxconn-aerial-CWaltz-2.jpg

Foxconn to submit site plans by Friday following Mount Pleasant approvals
Construction must start in 2018 under developer's agreement

The plans will be the most detailed look at the facilities that Foxconn intends to build. The company has said it would be constructing four facilities including a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display plant, a back-end liquid crystal display module packaging operation, a facility focused on molding and tool and die work and a facility for assembly of final products.

[bucksfan15]

http://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Foxconn-site-plan-120117-2.jpg

Foxconn campus plans include 3 facilities topping 1.5 million square feet
130,000 square feet dedicated to cafeteria footprint alone (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/real-estate/foxconn-campus-plans-include-3-facilities-topping-1-5-million-square-feet/)

The first phase of Foxconn Technology Group’s LCD campus in Mount Pleasant would include five buildings with a footprint of at least 500,000 square feet, including two that would exceed 1.5 million square feet, according to plans submitted to the village of Mount Pleasant.

Another five facilities in the second phase exceed 400,000 square feet, including one that tops 1.5 million

One of those two larger facilities in the first phase is an assembly operation planned along Highway H. That facility is a first priority for construction and the company hopes to have it done by the start of 2019, according to Claude Lois, Mount Pleasant project manager.

Finally, some clarity and more detailed plans for Foxconn. There are a lot of crazy big numbers thrown around in the article. It is a bit difficult to wrap my head around the size of this campus. I live in downtown MKE but work in Racine so I pass the site every day on my way to work. I'll be sure to provide lots of photo updates. I know this is a skyscraper site but man, this complex is going to be a whole different beast. It's going to be crazy watching it rise. Plus, I would assume this is only going to continue to fuel, if not accelerate, the boom happening in downtown Milwaukee. I could see a couple residential towers (in addition to the rumored Foxconn office tower) rise from the influx of residents into the metro area.

[mbradleyc]

Guys the lanes are for autonomous freight vehicles. Apparently they will be receiving lots of parts directly from the airport and want to have a ROW for driverless freight vehicles which I don't believe are driving on US roads at this time. If they are going to have that kind of traffic and are trying out autonomous techology, I don't see why it wouldn't make sense. Hell, even once this tech is ready for the masses, it will still make sense to build autonomous Lanes on highways to separate slower human traffic so the autonomous ones can go at high speeds in tight convoys. You can't have a human try to jump in with robots tailgating each other at 100MPH.

Exactly! They will need five lanes to accommodate this plus the regular expansion, the fifth lane being separate and therefore wider. Plus special on/off ramps at the airport and at KR so the AVs can get to and from their points without affecting normal traffic. I really hope this is being taken seriously by the planners. No half measures. It will take longer than they are saying and cost more, but it can be done.

This is the 21st century I've been waiting for and right in my own backyard!

Still, there is a rail line that runs even more directly between the two. You would think it might be more efficient to add a dedicated set of tracks along that to do this. But that would involve The Canadian Pacific and their unions as well as the FRA and all the government.

But that's Amtrak's line too, so maybe they could do both. High-speed commuter and freight rail and AV highway.

I'm just tripping now!

Mitchell's freight operations are going to have to expand and Amazon is going to want some of that. I can even see Kenosha Regional getting some freight business. Revive that plan from 25 years ago.

Since the freeway reconstruction stopped just north of S/142 in Kenosha, which is right at both Amazon and the north side of the airport, and Uline, they can do that AV lane right to there as well. Trainlines too. Wow!

For all that Mitchell has been trying to lure northern Chicago and Lake County for passengers, the freight operations might be the real key to growth. O'Hare has substantial freight obviously, but they are seriously approaching maximum capacity. If the two states can build out a combination of rail and highway infrastructure along this combined ROW at least up to Rondout/the Edens spur, that can do so much for the regional economy.

If Amazon doesn't choose Milwaukee, I know it's very unlikely, I really hope they pick Chicago. That will benefit the region. Milwaukee will get a piece of that action too.

[LouisVanDerWright]

I'm from Milwaukee and live in Chicago so all the action in between the cities is exciting for me. I remember when 94 was still two lanes in places, now it's an absolute futuristic racetrack. Can't wait to see these two great cities grow even closer together. I think Foxconn is a great fit for Milwaukee given the role of precision industry and manufacturing throughout its history. It seems that Chicago has always been more heavy industry (stock yards, railways, giant smelters, etc) while Milwaukee has always gravitated towards the higher end durable goods like heavy equipment, control systems, factory equipment, etc. Milwaukee also still has the highest percentage of its workforce employed in Manufacturing out of any city in the US so it's a natural fit to bring high tech manufacturing in as well.

Chicago has evolved more from it's heavy industry roots, but the precision manufacturing like Johnson Controls, Manatowac, Bucyrus (now CAT), Rockwell Automation, etc has really stayed put in Milwaukee. Foxconn is a brilliant addition to that community and legacy and is really even more exciting in the general context of the industrial and logistics development that has blown up not just in this corridor, but all the corridors around Chicago as far out as I-39/I88, Gary, Rockford, Kenosha, etc. Hopefully Chicago is able to capitalize on it's clear preeminence in logistics and the current corporate and tech booms downtown and bring in Amazon. These two players would really mark the Milwaukee-Chicago region as a Class A tech hub and a great paring of industrial know how and service/tech sector innovation.

[bucksfan15]

I'm from Milwaukee and live in Chicago so all the action in between the cities is exciting for me. I remember when 94 was still two lanes in places, now it's an absolute futuristic racetrack. Can't wait to see these two great cities grow even closer together. I think Foxconn is a great fit for Milwaukee given the role of precision industry and manufacturing throughout its history. It seems that Chicago has always been more heavy industry (stock yards, railways, giant smelters, etc) while Milwaukee has always gravitated towards the higher end durable goods like heavy equipment, control systems, factory equipment, etc. Milwaukee also still has the highest percentage of its workforce employed in Manufacturing out of any city in the US so it's a natural fit to bring high tech manufacturing in as well.

Chicago has evolved more from it's heavy industry roots, but the precision manufacturing like Johnson Controls, Manatowac, Bucyrus (now CAT), Rockwell Automation, etc has really stayed put in Milwaukee. Foxconn is a brilliant addition to that community and legacy and is really even more exciting in the general context of the industrial and logistics development that has blown up not just in this corridor, but all the corridors around Chicago as far out as I-39/I88, Gary, Rockford, Kenosha, etc. Hopefully Chicago is able to capitalize on it's clear preeminence in logistics and the current corporate and tech booms downtown and bring in Amazon. These two players would really mark the Milwaukee-Chicago region as a Class A tech hub and a great paring of industrial know how and service/tech sector innovation.

Couldn't have said it better myself. If Chicago does land Amazon, I hope Milwaukee tries to pull anything it can out of it, be it a satellite office, or just residents who get priced out of Chicago by advertising a 1-hour, traffic-free Amtrak ride from downtown to downtown. You won't need a car as you can just take the streetcar right from the Intermodal Station. Hell, most Chicagoans sit in traffic for an hour anyway. Why not make Chicago wages while taking advantage of Milwaukee's cost of living? Looks like Amtrak is looking to ramp up service already between the 2 cities with the Hiawatha Line running right through the Foxconn site. Trying to increase service to 20 trains per day, 10 each way.

Could Milwaukee Build A Foxconn City? (https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2017/12/13/eyes-on-milwaukee-could-milwaukee-build-a-foxconn-city/)

Representatives of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission were at the city ZND committee meeting and Bauman noted that WisDOT “almost (has) a shovel-ready program to utilize existing infrastructure, add three round trips a day, 10 total.”

On a separate note, the main point of the article is that Bauman somehow thinks Milwaukee is going to annex land in Racine County for a satellite city. I read the article and how it would need to go down but don't see it happening. Eventually, and probably sooner rather than later, Milwaukee is going to need to re-explore the KRM (Milwaukee-Racine-Kenosha) commuter rail proposal.

It's going to be really fun to watch the 94-corridor grow.

[Booch]

I hate to put a downer on the mood, but Chicago is not going to land Amazon. It is likely going to Atlanta.

Personally, I would prefer to distance ourselves as much as possible from Chicago. Or rather, the state of Illinois. Nothing personal against the residents, as I work in Illinois about 50% of the time. Just the legislature.

[bucksfan15]

http://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Potawatomi-Hotel-Expansion-2.jpg

Potawatomi breaks ground for second hotel tower
$80 million project expected to open in spring 2019 (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/construction/potawatomi-breaks-ground-for-second-hotel-tower/)

The $80 million project will add 119 rooms and suites to the 381-room hotel, bringing the total room count to 500 and making it the second largest hotel in the city.

The hotel will also feature a spa and additional meeting space. It is expected to open in the spring of 2019.

“The fact that you went from zero (rooms) to the number two in a couple of years is amazing,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “Maybe in a couple of years you can do a third tower.”

The second hotel tower at the casino will be attached to the 19-story, 381-room hotel tower that was built at the casino in 2014.

[bucksfan15]

Let the FOXCONN era commence.....

Foxconn plans big concrete-production plant; water main contracts approved (https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2017/12/20/foxconn-plans-big-concrete-production-plant-water-main-contracts-approved/969665001/)

The work is expected to begin the first week in January and be completed by April, to coordinate with state Department of Transportation reconstruction of the east frontage road along I-94 and improvements to Racine County Highway H.

The contract awards come as Foxconn is expected this week to make a major financial commitment toward the ambitious plans it has outlined for a $10 billion electronics factory in Racine County employing up to 13,000 people.

With the contracts awarded this week comes a glimpse into Foxconn’s initial construction plans. The Highway H water main will feed a big “batch” plant Foxconn will use to make concrete for the huge manufacturing complex — 22 million square feet in all — the company plans to build in an area bounded by I-94, Highway KR, Highway H and Braun Road.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MSO1.jpg

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MSO2-650x473.jpg


Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra acquires former Warner Grand Theatre
New MSO performance center slated to open fall 2020 (https://www.biztimes.com/2017/industries/nonprofit-philanthropy/milwaukee-symphony-orchestra-acquires-former-warner-grand-theatre/)

The MSO announced in December 2016 that an anonymous patron donor was leading an initiative to buy the vacant Art Deco-style theater, located in a 12-story building on West Wisconsin Avenue across from the Shops of Grand Avenue, to convert it into its new concert hall.

The organization launched a special $120 million fundraising campaign to secure enough money to acquire, design and renovate the theater, as well as paying for an endowment for the symphony. The MSO has raised $93.5 million to date.

The MSO is expected to purchase the building by Dec. 31. The grand opening of the new Milwaukee Symphony Center is expected in fall of 2020.

Such an amazing project for the city. I've been waiting for this theater to be brought back to life. It's probably one of the most gorgeous in the city. It's going to provide a world-class venue for a world-class symphony. Another huge win for the western side of downtown.

[bucksfan15]

St. John's on the Lake to start construction on 22-story Milwaukee east side housing tower (https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2018/01/04/st-johns-lake-start-construction-22-story-milwaukee-east-side-housing-tower/1001519001/)

Construction is to begin this spring on a 22-story tower that will expand a Milwaukee east side housing community and alter the city's skyline overlooking Lake Michigan.

St. John's on the Lake expects to open the tower, with around 170 new units, in spring 2020, said Renee Anderson, president at St. John's Communities Inc., which operates the housing complex.

[Steely Dan]

^ nice.

still hoping the couture pops one of these years.

[bucksfan15]

^ nice.

still hoping the couture pops one of these years.

Me too man.....me too. Although I think I'm getting more antsy to finally see some renderings of either the 24-story hotel planned for the Park East or the hotel tower planned for the Third Ward. Speaking of Park East, Wangard has been AWFULLY quiet about any of their projects in that immediate vicinity. Now that the North End is wrapping up, I'm wondering if we will see any movement on any of Wangard's sites.

But until then, we've got the BMO, Poto, and St. John's towers going up with 777. That Masonic Hotel tower expansion should be breaking ground in the coming months too eh?

***Side note*** Renderings of the St. John's tower mentioned above are included in the article. Unfortunately it is tough to link images from that site.

[Tom In Chicago]

Saw the blueprints for 1550 North Prospect Avenue = 28 floors @ 301' 4"

. . .

[Steely Dan]

Saw the blueprints for 1550 North Prospect Avenue = 28 floors @ 301' 4"

. . .

i believe that would make it the tallest building in milwaukee outside of downtown.

hell, it'd be the tallest building in the state of wisconsin outside of downtown milwaukee.

[Skyking33]

Hi, all - just jumped over here form that other site, and what a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to participating in positive discussion about all of the exciting development in the Greater Milwaukee Area. :yes:

[bucksfan15]

Hi, all - just jumped over here form that other site, and what a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to participating in positive discussion about all of the exciting development in the Greater Milwaukee Area. :yes:

Welcome. Not anywhere near as active as SSC but it would definitely be nice to have some new members on here for discussion purposes. :cheers:

With the weather easing up a bit, I'm going to try and get out soon for some pictures so I can post a construction rundown. Especially with 3 new towers (Poto, BMO, and St. John's) recently getting underway.

[Skyking33]

Welcome. Not anywhere near as active as SSC but it would definitely be nice to have some new members on here for discussion purposes. :cheers:

With the weather easing up a bit, I'm going to try and get out soon for some pictures so I can post a construction rundown. Especially with 3 new towers (Poto, BMO, and St. John's) recently getting underway.

The liberal and condescending slant on the other site gets nauseating, so I’m all for contributing to a site where my viewpoints can be heard without being chastised just because I don’t agree.

[bucksfan15]

Work Begins on Third Saint John’s Tower (https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2018/01/08/plenty-of-horne-work-begins-on-third-saint-johns-tower/)

Work has begun on the demolition of an enclosed garden at Saint John’s on the Lake at a cost of $50,000, the first of many complicated steps in the two-year process of constructing a new, 22-story, $123 million tower for the senior housing and licensed care facility at the southeast corner of N. Prospect Ave. and E. Kane Pl.

“Noticeable construction will begin in the next two weeks or so with demolition of the walled garden along Prospect and subsequent installation of an electrical vault in preparation for construction anticipated to begin in March,” Renee Anderson, the President & CEO of St. John’s, tells Urban Milwaukee in a written statement. Work will begin this week.

I'm not sure how to post images from Urban Milwaukee but renderings are included in the article if you click the link. I like it. It will be a nice addition to the 13-story tower rising at 1840 N Farwell and the rest of the East Side skyline. Hopefully it will be joined soon by both Portfolio and 1550 Prospect.

I think this puts Milwaukee's U/C tower count at 5; Poto, St. John's, 777 Van Buren, 1840 Farwell, and BMO. The Masonic Hotel, 1550 Prospect, and Couture could be starting within months bringing that tower count up to 8. Kind of unheard of in Brew City. There's also quite a few proposals like Portfolio, Nexus, the Park East hotel, and the Third Ward hotel that have gone quiet that very well could join the party.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeffers.2-360x262.jpg

Jeffers buys site downtown for seven-story mixed use building (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/jeffers-buys-site-downtown-for-seven-story-mixed-use-building/)

Jeffers, president of Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Co., submitted plans to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission in November for a development on the site, which would be called Broadway Connection. The project, which is next to the Mackie and historic Button Block buildings, will be constructed on at the corner of East Clybourn Street and Broadway.

Not a tower but definitely a nice infill project for the CBD. Added residents/density is always a plus. I really enjoy how well it integrates into that historic block not overpowering, in my opinion, 2 of the most beautiful historic buildings in Milwaukee.

[Tom In Chicago]

The liberal and condescending slant on the other site gets nauseating, so I’m all for contributing to a site where my viewpoints can be heard without being chastised just because I don’t agree.

Just a note of moderation here since you're new. . . you won't get chastised because of something others may not agree with, but you will if it strays off-topic. . . please keep that in mind when commenting. . .

. . .

[Skyking33]

Just a note of moderation here since you're new. . . you won't get chastised because of something others may not agree with, but you will if it strays off-topic. . . please keep that in mind when commenting. . .

. . .

Ten Four :tup:

[Busy Bee]

Oh boy

[bucksfan15]

Oh boy

Sorry, about to stray off topic quick for a post...

"You slip me the cash and I'll slip you the wiener."

Awesome, man. One of my favorite movies. :cheers:

[bucksfan15]

Developer now plans condos, instead of apartments, on Milwaukee's east side riverfront (https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2018/01/10/developer-now-plans-condos-instead-apartments-milwaukees-east-side-riverfront/1020075001/)

Wangard Partners Inc. still wants to develop a four-story building at N. Water and E. Brady streets.

But, instead of 92 apartments and 4,500 square feet of street-level commercial space, the firm is now proposing to develop 94 condos with no commercial space.

"We had a number of people approach us about wanting to buy condominiums at this site," said Stewart Wangard, chief executive officer. "And we listened."

I’ll believe t when I see it. Wangard has a history of not following through on their projects as referenced in the article. They’ve been sitting on the last remaining plots in the Park East for a while now with nothing to show for it.

Also tucked into the article is the cancellation of the project at 234 S Water.

[embora]

Jeffers buys site downtown for seven-story mixed use building (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/jeffers-buys-site-downtown-for-seven-story-mixed-use-building/)



Not a tower but definitely a nice infill project for the CBD. Added residents/density is always a plus. I really enjoy how well it integrates into that historic block not overpowering, in my opinion, 2 of the most beautiful historic buildings in Milwaukee.

Absolutely a great infill! I have a soft spot in my heart for developments that fill in parking lots that are only a fraction of a block. And it looks pretty nice, too, from what I can see in the small image that the article featured.

[bucksfan15]

Absolutely a great infill! I have a soft spot in my heart for developments that fill in parking lots that are only a fraction of a lot. And it looks pretty nice, too, from what I can see in the small image that the article featured.

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeffers.broadway1.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/jeffers.2.jpg

Found some bigger images from BizTimes.

[embora]

Found some bigger images from BizTimes.

:cheers:

[bucksfan15]

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Goll-mansion-2-1.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Goll-Tower-02.jpg

Construction work for Goll Mansion apartment tower to begin soon
Architect says developer has secured financing for $55 million project (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/construction/construction-work-for-goll-mansion-apartment-tower-to-begin-soon/)

Construction work will begin soon for the Goll Mansion apartment tower on Milwaukee’s East Side, a project that will include moving a 120-year-old house and building a 28-story, 192-unit apartment tower behind it.

Developers of the controversial $55 million project have secured financing and will soon begin the first phase of construction, which is moving the mansion, at 1550 N. Prospect Ave., said Thomas Miller, principal with Kahler Slater architecture in Milwaukee, who designed the project.

“The project has secured financing and is moving forward,” Miller said. “Planning, testing and preparation is ongoing and an exact date for the move hasn’t been identified.”

[bucksfan15]

Foxconn to create North American headquarters in downtown Milwaukee (https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2018/02/05/foxconn-buy-downtown-milwaukee-office-building-room-hundreds-employees/307123002/)

Foxconn estimates it will have 870 employees in "business support functions" in southeastern Wisconsin by the end of 2022, according to a Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. analysis.

The downtown Milwaukee property includes a 2-acre site, with a large parking lot, bordered by Wisconsin Ave., Michigan St., Jackson St. and Van Buren St. That could provide space for additional development.

Foxconn buying downtown Milwaukee office building (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/foxconn-buying-downtown-milwaukee-office-building/)

Foxconn told state officials it would have 870 business support positions in finance, IT and human resources out of the 13,000 it plans to create.

The first article mentioned the current building, when full, held around 600 people. If Foxconn's North American HQ is going to hold 870, one would have to assume something additional is going to be built on the connected surface lot. If I were to wager a guess, it is going to be tall.

[Booch]

Not to be a downer, but we all need to pump the brakes regarding development in Milwaukee. Right now we have a lot of talk and not a lot of action. Between the Couture, Foxconn, Marcus, and the laughable idea that Johnson Controls will invest in a tower...we just need to take a deep breath.

[bucksfan15]

Not to be a downer, but we all need to pump the brakes regarding development in Milwaukee. Right now we have a lot of talk and not a lot of action. Between the Couture, Foxconn, Marcus, and the laughable idea that Johnson Controls will invest in a tower...we just need to take a deep breath.

1. Foxconn is a done deal, and a very big one at that. For both downtown MKE and the southern suburbs.
2. Nobody (on this forum at least, SSC is a different story) thinks JCI is even an option anymore.
3. Marcus's tower proposal is a joke in my eyes.
4. Even without the Couture, which I highly doubt is going to happen, Milwaukee still has a flurry of towers going up; BMO (25 stories), St. Johns (22 stories), 1550 Prospect (27 stories), 1840 Farwell (ok, only 13 stories), Poto (19 stories), 777 (34 stories), and likely the Masonic Hotel (14 stories atop existing building). That's quite a bit of height Milwaukee is adding to the skyline. If the Couture does shock me and get started, thats an additional 44 stories right on prime lakefront property. I don't think anyone needs to pump any brakes.

[NathanPlotkin_MKE]

With the XFL returning in 2020, rumor has it they are looking for some new cities to house new teams?

Would you guys like to see an XFL team in Milwaukee?

[bucksfan15]

With the XFL returning in 2020, rumor has it they are looking for some new cities to house new teams?

Would you guys like to see an XFL team in Milwaukee?

Eh, I would much rather have an NHL or MLS team.

I personally wouldn't watch it but I know nothing about viewership or XFL attendance or the league in general. How big of a stadium or arena does the XFL need? Where would they play in Milwaukee? Milwaukee surely wouldn't build a stadium for the XFL.

[NathanPlotkin_MKE]

Eh, I would much rather have an NHL or MLS team.

I personally wouldn't watch it but I know nothing about viewership or XFL attendance or the league in general. How big of a stadium or arena does the XFL need? Where would they play in Milwaukee? Milwaukee surely wouldn't build a stadium for the XFL.

I was thinking, if they were to build a stadium, the Menominee Valley would be the perfect place to put it.

[bucksfan15]

I was thinking, if they were to build a stadium, the Menominee Valley would be the perfect place to put it.

It would be. I just don't see Milwaukee dishing out funds for an XFL stadium. Even if we did have the funds, I would rather them be used for a soccer specific stadium (also in the valley as you suggested) in hopes of attracting an MLS team. Can the XFL play at a soccer stadium? Or do they need a football-specific stadium?

[NathanPlotkin_MKE]

It would be. I just don't see Milwaukee dishing out funds for an XFL stadium. Even if we did have the funds, I would rather them be used for a soccer specific stadium (also in the valley as you suggested) in hopes of attracting an MLS team. Can the XFL play at a soccer stadium? Or do they need a football-specific stadium?

I'd say, make one that can be interchangeable. And if the stadium is big enough... perhaps the Packers could make a return how they used to back in the days of County Stadium?

[bucksfan15]

I'd say, make one that can be interchangeable. And if the stadium is big enough... perhaps the Packers could make a return how they used to back in the days of County Stadium?

That revenue is too important for Green Bay. They won't give up any home games to Milwaukee, especially with the Title Town District currently being built. Don't get me wrong, I would love it, as a majority of their fans come from Milwaukee anyways, but it just isn't going to happen. They keep those former Milwaukee season ticket holders happy with the Milwaukee ticket package which I believe is the Gold Package.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Ballpark-Commons-PDD-Submittal-Final-21-650x355.jpg

Large suburban project moving forward....

Independent minor league pro baseball team coming to The Rock
(https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/arts-entertainment-sports/independent-minor-league-pro-baseball-team-coming-to-the-rock/)

Zim-Mark Properties LLC, which is developing the Ballpark Commons project, purchased the last piece of the property for the project at 8200 W. Old Loomis Road on Feb. 14 from Milwaukee County for $1 million according to state real estate records and plans to break ground on construction of a 4,000-seat ballpark for the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball team this spring.

Ballpark Commons, a $130 million mixed-use development featuring the 4,000-seat ballpark, commercial and retail businesses, restaurants, residential apartments, and various entertainment and active lifestyle features.

I play baseball here in summer so expect lots of picture updates on this one. Should be a cool project to watch rise. 4,000 seat stadium, Top Golf complex, Apartments, Office, Retail, and additional sports-related developments such as an all-purpose indoor sports facility.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Yards-front-rendering-2018-02-13.jpg

Small but important infill development for the booming Fifth Ward neighborhood.

Apartment project pitched for Reed Street Yards in Walker’s Point
Linden Street Partners currently constructing another Walker's Point development (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/apartment-project-pitched-for-reed-street-yards-in-walkers-point/)

A five-story apartment building is being proposed for Milwaukee’s Reed Street Yards, where the city and General Capital Group have spent the last three years working to develop a water technology business park.

Brookfield-based Fiserv Inc. is considering moving its corporate headquarters to Reed Street Yards or The Corridor development in Brookfield. The firm has not publicly commented for several months on its intention.

“We think Fiserv would be a plus and are hoping that it happens, but we did not base our decision on that,” Richardson said. “We are just pleased to be part of the overall Reed Street Yards project and want to be involved in the overall development.”

This project is right across the train tracks from the firms other project, The Quin. Let's hope Fiserv makes the move from Brookfield to downtown, specifically Reed Street Yards.

[bucksfan15]

Got a tower crane going up for the Poto Hotel.

[cabasse]

i took a new consulting job, and am in town this week meeting the team. (HQ's in old 3rd ward) this city is cool as hell - totally flies under the radar b/c of chicago, but i'm looking forward to coming back for future trips already. everyone keeps saying gotta come back for summerfest.

[bucksfan15]

i took a new consulting job, and am in town this week meeting the team. (HQ's in old 3rd ward) this city is cool as hell - totally flies under the radar b/c of chicago, but i'm looking forward to coming back for future trips already. everyone keeps saying gotta come back for summerfest.

Glad you enjoyed our city. Definitely a hidden gem overshadowed by Chicago. If you like the 3rd Ward check out the 5th Ward/Walkers Point, it's the "new 3rd Ward".

Milwaukee is a whole different beast in summer. The city really comes alive. Summerfest is a good time. Milwaukee has some surprisingly great beaches like Bradford. Brewer's games are a blast (even if you aren't a fan of the team, the tailgating/party atmosphere make it enjoyable for all). This year Harley also has their big anniversary to close out summer and those bike rallies take over the entire city, it's pretty crazy to see. There are big ethnic festivals on the lakefront every weekend from German Fest and Italian Fest to Mexican Fiesta and Asian Moon. There's something for everyone. Best yet, since this is a skyscraper forum, there should be plenty of towers going up in summer for you to feast your eyes on; Goll Mansion, Farwell Tower, Poto, BMO, 777, Masonic Hotel, and possibly the Couture.

Enjoy the city man! We're happy to have ya.

[embora]

i took a new consulting job, and am in town this week meeting the team. (HQ's in old 3rd ward) this city is cool as hell - totally flies under the radar b/c of chicago, but i'm looking forward to coming back for future trips already. everyone keeps saying gotta come back for summerfest.

Welcome to Milwaukee, Cabasse. :cheers:

[bucksfan15]

Looks like the Couture is in for another lengthy “delay”

Personally I think this project is dead and I will continue with that mindset going forward. It’s too bad because I was really looking forward to watching Milwaukee’s tallest apartment building rise.

We should have seen this coming years ago.

[bucksfan15]

Fencing is up around the site of the new Buck’s apartment building. I think it’s some decent infill and will be the first residential project of the arena district.

[Woofman15]

Just curious where did you hear this is delayed? I have been looking for articles about it but so far I have not seen anything official. So disappointing if its true since we were looking forward to an anchor and the height on that corner! Also a big loss for the street car and brining life to the street all year long. Sad since it all seemed to have been a win win for the city! What a shame if this does not go up! I am generally a quiet observer here but this
really sucks if true!

[bucksfan15]

Just curious where did you hear this is delayed? I have been looking for articles about it but so far I have not seen anything official. So disappointing if its true since we were looking forward to an anchor and the height on that corner! Also a big loss for the street car and brining life to the street all year long. Sad since it all seemed to have been a win win for the city! What a shame if this does not go up! I am generally a quiet observer here but this
really sucks if true!

One of the guys over on SSC e-mailed the JS and his response did not sound optimistic hinting at a lengthy delay. Not sure what what that means for the Green Line running to the lakefront.

[bucksfan15]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/26016959647_03cc7dbc8a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FD2HFM)The Fresh Coast (https://flic.kr/p/FD2HFM) by bucksfan86 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/123920798@N02/), on Flickr

[Woofman15]

Thanks for the information.
Lets hope its a delay and not the end of the project!
I have faith in Rick Barrett he was able to get the Modern out of the ground during the down turn not an easy task!
This is a huge project for that corner of downtown and the city! I would think it will enliven the entire lakefront for work and play! The light rail will also benefit dramatically from the connection.
Let’s hope it is simply a temporary delay!

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Saint-Johns-On-The-Lake-Rendering-002-400x291.jpg

St. John’s to hold groundbreaking ceremony for 22-story tower on April 13

Saint John’s on the Lake on Milwaukee’s East Side will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 13, to celebrate the start of construction of a 22-story residential tower.

The campus is currently made up of a 22-story tower that opened in 2011 on the south end with a one-story building connecting it to the campus’ original 10-story building.

The new tower will be built on the north parking lot of Saint John’s at Kane Place and Prospect Avenue.

Also....

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NewBMOtower2-1.jpg

A new tower crane just went up for BMO's new tower.

BMO Harris office building ready to rise after tower crane erected (https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2018/04/09/bmo-harris-office-building-ready-to-rise-after.html)

Contractors on the BMO Tower in downtown Milwaukee are approaching the turning point where instead of digging and tearing things down, they’ll be building structures up.

The project to build a 25-story office tower started in November, as crews began tearing down BMO Harris’ parking structure on Water and Wells streets in Milwaukee. Workers have since dug a hole that is about 30 feet down at its deepest point to make room for the new tower’s basement.

And....

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Potawatomi-Hotel-Expansion-2.jpg

Potawatomi's new hotel tower is already growing vertically. I believe they are on the 2nd or 3rd floor by now.

I will try and get out soon to take a bunch of pics to give people who don't live in the city a better feel for all the projects U/C right now.

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Goll-mansion-updated-052416-23-650x473.jpg


Fund-raising for $30 million Lakefront Gateway Plaza will begin later this year (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/construction/fund-raising-for-30-million-lakefront-gateway-plaza-will-begin-later-this-year/)

Marcoux also told the committee that Chris Houden, with Palisade Properties Management LLC., plans to break ground on the 28-story Goll Mansion apartment tower project at 1550 N. Prospect Ave. in August.

Goll Mansion Tower to begin in August.

[bucksfan15]

Farwell Tower

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/804/26506892147_2fe4bfcac4_h.jpg

Contour

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/812/27507030308_f530a79441_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/876/41377002871_0e0f218321_h.jpg

North of Brady

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/877/41376974291_8e9f9572cd_h.jpg

North End (Foreground) Jackson Street Apartments (Background)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/882/41377002351_823c3f859c_h.jpg

Hammes HQ

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/873/41334889542_98dbb5e1b2_h.jpg

The PLAYOFF BOUND Bucks New Arena #fearthedeer

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/875/39568165590_d942457a60_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/885/41334916912_31fceb73b3_h.jpg

Bucks Parking Structure and U/C Bucks Apartments

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/813/40482263105_cfbf60ff06_h.jpg

[bucksfan15]

Hyatt Place @ The Brewery

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/41376968781_a1d61c3c50_h.jpg

Vim (Foreground) and Vigor (Background) or Vice Versa

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/27507061688_bd568e3a29_h.jpg

Streetcar Shed

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/813/40482263405_40b32489b3_h.jpg

Streetcar Testing Area

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/26506891637_ebc64f04b0_h.jpg

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/40482264905_ffa995e26f_h.jpg

The Quin

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/783/41376973001_50348f104d_h.jpg

BMO Tower

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/899/26506873357_e75931906c_h.jpg

NML's 2 Masterpieces (777 and HQ)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/890/27507060018_bef59fec20_h.jpg

Just a cool skyline shot from the Fifth Ward

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/41376970601_4ef27901d7_h.jpg

[cjreisen]

You deserve some kind of medal for this update, looks fucking amazing and makes me want to go to Milwaukee! Very very nice development, Milwaukee, land of the Germans starting to look more like modern germany. Very cool. Can you one day provide updates of how the riverfront is looking, with all the new dev there?

[tdawg]

Milwaukee is looking fantastic. It's wonderful to see a great American city making a comeback.

[embora]

Thank you for the wonderful photos, Bucksfan! It's great to get the comprehensive update!

The Hammes building flew below my radar. It's nice to see an extra building I wasn't even aware of!

Farwell Tower
Hammes HQ

[bucksfan15]

Thank you for the wonderful photos, Bucksfan! It's great to get the comprehensive update!

The Hammes building flew below my radar. It's nice to see an extra building I wasn't even aware of!

Honestly, it doesn't even paint a full picture of what is currently happening in Brew City. I probably only got half of the projects I intended to before I ran out of daylight. I'll try and get the rest at some point. Don't forget, Milwaukee is about to break ground on a handful of additional towers in the coming months. Things are getting exciting.

[bucksfan15]

You deserve some kind of medal for this update, looks fucking amazing and makes me want to go to Milwaukee! Very very nice development, Milwaukee, land of the Germans starting to look more like modern germany. Very cool. Can you one day provide updates of how the riverfront is looking, with all the new dev there?

Thanks. I'll put some riverfront shots on the agenda for next time.

[bucksfan15]

Large new residential building planned in Third Ward (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/large-new-residential-building-planned-in-third-ward/)

The project, planned for a site southeast of East St. Paul Avenue and North Jefferson Street, will take up the entire eastern half of the block, said Matthew Jarosz, coordinator for the Third Ward Architectural Review Board.

“Robert wanted to be very careful about the information getting out,” Jarosz aid. “It looks like a very fine project. It is multiple stories and is a very large building.”

The review board will consider the proposal on Wedensday.

Excited to see these renderings.

[bucksfan15]

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rinkachung6.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RinkaChung-3.jpg

Proposed Third Ward apartment building includes retail, We Energies substation
Robert Joseph hoping to break ground on project this year (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/energy-environment/proposed-third-ward-apartment-building-includes-retail-we-energies-substation/)

Milwaukee developer Robert Joseph is planning a seven-story mixed-use development at the southwest corner of East St. Paul Avenue and North Jefferson Street in the city’s Historic Third Ward neighborhood.

The development includes 60 apartments, two-stories of 3,500 square feet of retail space at the north corner and three stories of above-ground parking on the south side of the building.

In the middle, on North Jefferson Street, would be an 11,000-square-foot We Energies substation.

Not what I picture when I hear "large" development but I like it. Great infill and fits into the surrounding neighborhood.

[embora]

Proposed Third Ward apartment building includes retail, We Energies substation
Robert Joseph hoping to break ground on project this year (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/energy-environment/proposed-third-ward-apartment-building-includes-retail-we-energies-substation/)



Not what I picture when I hear "large" development but I like it. Great infill and fits into the surrounding neighborhood.

Interesting. I've never heard of a mixed use Residential/electrical substation. I'll be interested to see how it works out.

[bucksfan15]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1737/41826165175_e3e8b42930_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26J32GT)Milwaukee Skyline 2018 #milwaukee #skyline (https://flic.kr/p/26J32GT) by bucksfan86 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/123920798@N02/), on Flickr

[Randomguy34]

Foxconn announces North American headquarters in Wisconsin
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn said it would establish its North American corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, following the purchase of a building in the city's downtown area.

In a statement, Foxconn said more than 500 people would work at the seven-story building in downtown Milwaukee.

The announcement comes almost a year after the company disclosed plans to invest $10 billion over four years to build a 20 million-square-foot LCD panel plant in Wisconsin that could eventually employ up to 13,000 people.

Taiwan-based Foxconn, known formally as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer and employs more than a million people.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/16/foxconn-announces-north-american-headquarters-in-wisconsin.html

[bucksfan15]

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/WCD.POPULOUS05.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/WCD.POPULOUS03.jpg

https://www.biztimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/WCD.POPULOUS02.jpg

Convention center expansion concepts presented to WCD board (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/ideas/government-politics/convention-center-expansion-concepts-presented-to-wcd-board/)

A consulting firm hired by the Wisconsin Center District presented three concepts to expand the downtown Milwaukee convention center Friday, but there is still no funding plan in place for the $247 million to $277 million project.

Tampa, Florida-based Crossroad Consulting also told Wisconsin Center District Board members that a larger convention center would need 1,000 new hotel rooms within walking distance to be successful.

[bucksfan15]

Foxconn announces North American headquarters in Wisconsin

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/16/foxconn-announces-north-american-headquarters-in-wisconsin.html

Foxconn says downtown Milwaukee building will be its North American HQ (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/real-estate/foxconn-says-downtown-milwaukee-building-will-be-its-north-american-hq/)

“The only thing he pointed out that was wrong was the height of our building. It should not be here. It should be all the way up here,” Woo said, pointing closer to the height of the U.S. Bank building.

Asked afterwards if those jokes were aspirational or if the company had specific future building plans, Woo said it is a goal, but the current building is also a good fit. He did note the parking lot adjacent to the building gives Foxconn options.

“There is plenty of opportunity for us to redevelop this place,” he said.

Later he added he would like to see a skyscraper.

“I don’t think there is anything stopping us, the sky is really the limit,” he said.

Stay posted. Foxconn is dropping hints of a new skyscraper in Milwaukee's future.

[41Forum]

Eh, I would much rather have an NHL or MLS team.

I personally wouldn't watch it but I know nothing about viewership or XFL attendance or the league in general. How big of a stadium or arena does the XFL need? Where would they play in Milwaukee? Milwaukee surely wouldn't build a stadium for the XFL.

Well we will never get a NHL team thanks to Chicago being afraid of the competition and refusing the waiver. It's still a shame that they're destroying a perfectly good building in the Bradley Center. :hell:

Also, per JSOnline, https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2018/08/17/milwaukee-has-plan-b-streetcar-loop-if-couture-tower-isnt-built/988718002/ they're showing the cards that it appears that the only hole being dug will be to bury the project.

[Urbannizer]

Tallest Wood Building in Western Hemisphere (httphttps://urbanmilwaukee.com/2018/10/06/eyes-on-milwaukee-the-tallest-wood-building-in-north-america/)

New Land Enterprises has announced a bold plan to build a 21-story mass timber apartment building in East Town. If completed, the building, known as Ascent, would be the tallest timber structure in the Western Hemisphere according to the company.

The news comes just months after New Land released plans to build a seven-story mass timber office building, the city’s first, along the Milwaukee River in Westown.

Mass timber is an engineered product made by combining layers of lumber into a stronger material. The material is capable of building much taller buildings than conventional wood construction methods because it only chars (rather than burning up) in a fire and offers enhanced strength.

The engineered material offers substantial environmental benefits over steel or concrete. Because of its reduced weight, it also can reduce the size of a building’s foundation allowing faster construction. Construction speed is further enhanced with the use of prefabricated components. Building codes have been recently updated to allow for the new material to be used in the United States and a number of projects have been built in the Pacific Northwest.

Planned to rise 238 feet, the tower is being designed by New Land partner Korb + Associates Architects and engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti. The team will present the project at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat annual conference in Dubai on October 20th.

The tower is planned for a long-vacant site at the northeast corner of N. Van Buren St. and E. Kilbourn Ave. The site at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave. is currently a parking lot and a vacant commercial building. City records indicate a New Land-affiliate has owned the 28,504-square-foot lot since 2011.

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/wp-content/gallery/juneau-town/kilbourn-night-t.jpg

[bucksfan15]

https://6803l1jplwe1s1hjp4dfnjlb-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/180618_BRADY-WATER_01-650x366.jpg

Wangard announces condo project on Milwaukee’s East Side (https://www.biztimes.com/2018/industries/construction/wangard-announces-condo-project-on-milwaukees-east-side/)

The development, known as Brady & Water, is to be built in three phases at 1701 N. Water St. The first phase will include up to 70 units, with construction expected to begin in the summer.

While it is certainly a fantastic proposal, and I love the riverwalk, Wangard does not have a very good track record with this site and has had trouble getting some of their projects out of the ground. Good news is, they recently sold off one of their newer buildings and pulled out of another development agreement which seems to signal them focusing on this project. Guess we'll see what happens this summer. Very high profile site on the lower east side at the intersection of 2 major thoroughfares, Water and Brady Streets.

[The ATX]

We had a steady flow of some pretty nice Milwaukee developments in 2018, but nothing has been nothing posted this year. Have things slowed down?

[Busy Bee]

Thanks for asking that, I've noticed this thread being pretty slow and wondered the same thing.

Only if you're looking can it find you...;)

[embora]

People tend to discuss Milwaukee Development more over at SSC, than here at SSP: https://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4012