At long last, there’s a compelling plan to save the Domes

Ever since a fallen chunk of concrete caused the temporary closure of the Mitchell Park Domes back in 2016, the question of how to save the beleaguered Milwaukee landmarks has been discussed, studied, and discussed again. When the issue came up last summer, things looked dire. Demolition was on the table.

But at a meeting of the Milwaukee County Board’s Committee on Parks and Culture on Tuesday, advocacy group Friends of the Domes, along with representatives from Milwaukee County Parks and preservation and revitalization group The Alexander Company, presented an optimistic case to repair and subtly “reimagine” the Domes.

Phase 1 of the plan, as presented by Friends of the Domes Executive Director Christa Beall Diefenbach, would total $107 million. Thirty million dollars, roughly 28% of the total, would come from Milwaukee County, spread out over six years. Thirty-five million dollars would come from private philanthropy. The remaining percentage would come from a combination of as-yet-unsecured federal and state historic tax credits, and other federal and state grants and funding.

The plan would place the Friends of the Domes in charge of Domes operations, and would remove the facility from the County’s ledger. The County would not be on the hook for any further expenses.

As for the “reimagining” of the Domes, Beall Diefenbach detailed a number of improvements and new features. Phase 1 would include a larger gift shop, an expanded cafe, and an interactive “Little Sprouts” children’s garden in the existing 5,000-square-foot greenhouse. Phase 2 would include a new “nature learning center” and a new courtyard—both of which could host events such as weddings.

Reducing energy inefficiencies and investing in and activating surrounding Mitchell Park was also part of the plan. Mitchell Park would remain a County-operated park.

All improvements and new features, along with a slight admission increase, would increase Domes revenue and increase visiting time from one hour to two to three hours, Beall Diefenbach said.

“This has been on our community’s agenda for decades,” she said, noting that the time to act was now, and that demolition of the Domes would still cost the County roughly $11 million. She also likened the proposed public-private partnership to a “good old fashioned barn raising.”

At one point, Committee Chair Sheldon Wasserman suggested putting the idea of a $30 million County investment to a binding referendum. Beall Diefenbach downplayed the idea, explaining that private donations would depend on the County’s commitment.