Depending on which news sources you follow, Milwaukee is going through either a “renaissance” or a “reinvention.” Or maybe it’s a “reboot” or a “reimagining,” like that crappy Tim Burton version of Planet Of The Apes. However you want to define it, it’s safe to say that Milwaukee is currently building a lot of new shit.
• What’s bigger, better, and shinier than a new Milwaukee Bucks arena? How about an adjoining parking structure to go along with that new arena? No, scratch that: How about 90 “higher-end” apartments to go along with the adjoining parking structure that’s going along with the new arena? Now we’re talking. Milwaukee-based Royal Capital Group LLC will begin construction of the $17.5 million apartment development this fall, with an opening date set for fall 2018. (“Just in time for game day,” Royal Capital owner Kevin Newall says.) The apartments will occupy the five upper levels of the six-story structure, and will include “a neighborhood cafe, flexible event space and a sports lounge, open to both residents and the public” on the first floor. Rents have yet to be determined, but it’s safe to say you won’t be able to afford them. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Remember when Pabst kinda-sorta actually came back to Milwaukee? Well, it’s for real now: A new microbrewery and taproom, located in the converted German Methodist church on the old Pabst grounds, are set to open in May. A brewpub, restaurant, and outdoor beer garden are also included in the plans. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• A new library on Good Hope Road is one step closer to becoming a reality. The library—part of a mixed-use development that also includes a four-story, 65-unit apartment complex—is the handiwork of the Milwaukee Public Library and two African-American-owned firms, Maures Development Group, LLC and Royal Capital Group, LLC. The project is awaiting approval from the Milwaukee Common Council. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Speaking of the Common Council, its Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee unanimously approved design updates to the planned Hammes Company headquarters and the Bucks new arena. According to Urban Milwaukee, the locations are separated by only a few blocks, but the designs are worlds apart. “Hammes is proposing a controversial classical design for their new office building, meanwhile the Bucks development arm is building an entertainment center and arena that makes heavy use of glass and modern design elements.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• In even more steamy Common Council news, the CC recently set aside more than half a million dollars to “help pay for six projects that will construct new housing, rehabilitate existing housing and convert historic buildings to adaptive reuse—all to provide housing for low-income city residents.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• Marquette University, already in the throes of building new shit, is making its new shit even bigger. Two additional floors are being added to the school’s pre-existing residence hall project. The expansion to the expansion will add 140 beds and cost a cool $12 million. [BizTimes]
• BMO Harris Bank will build a new branch in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. The bank’s new location will be directly across the street from its current office, which was closed last summer after being damaged in the neighborhood’s unrest. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• In “new shit they’re not building” news, an apartment development planned for 1632-1648 N. Franklin Place on Milwaukee’s east side will no longer include a 10-story tower. Because of neighbor concerns, the 140-unit complex will be bumped down to a five-story, 96-unit complex. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]