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.
• The Milwaukee Ballet—which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020—is getting a new home. A 50,000-square-foot building was approved last week by the Historic Third Ward Architectural Review Board. The school, rehearsal, and performance space will be located on the property of the Italian Community Center, at 132 N. Jackson St. At a meeting, designer Jim Shields noted that the Milwaukee Ballet’s new home will be made of brick (to better fit in with surrounding buildings), describing it as “a tall big warehouse you can dance in.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• The five-story, 69-unit, 2,600 square-feet-of-commercial-space Vue apartment building is nearing completion in Bay View. Located on the former site of Faust Music, at 2202 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., the $9.5 million building will serve as “an anchor to the south side neighborhood’s main street.” Sing along, priced-out Bay View! Bay Vue rising! / Bay Vue rising!
• Wangard Partners Inc. recently purchased a five-story, 107,500-square-foot building in Walker’s Point. There are no definite plans for the building (located at 507 S. Second St.), though one option is to transform it into “loft-style offices and production space with restored hardwoods and brick to house creative, tech and start-up companies.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Milwaukee Public Museum president and CEO Dennis Kois will reveal the location and conceptual design for the museum’s new downtown home in October. According to Kois, “We are actively investigating sites and have been working with local politicians and business leaders on where might be the best location to get the biggest lift for the community.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Lots of new shit in the Brady Street area! More on the way! [Urban Milwaukee]
• Couture developer Rick Barrett sat down with the Milwaukee Business Journal to talk about the future of Milwaukee and “[pushing] the accelerator to the floor.” A random quote:
“Restaurants are wildly vibrant. You’ve created a vibe within a city that makes it exciting. When people think of cities they think of being part of the action. We all saw it happen in Seattle, Denver and Minneapolis. I think it’s our turn. I think its Milwaukee’s turn. We’re on the cusp of being that super-exciting city that has tremendous vibe. That’s what I see in five to 10 years.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]