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.
• While the fate of a streetcar extension to the Wisconsin Center remains up in the air, the fate of the Wisconsin Center itself remains in flux, too. At least there’s some progress in this seemingly never-ending tale: Last week, the Wisconsin Center District enlisted Morgan Stanley to help raise money for a proposed $250 million expansion of the downtown facility. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes that “district officials had initially discussed seeking a Milwaukee County restaurant tax increase. But that would require approval from the Legislature, controlled by Republicans, who have opposed tax increases.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• If you thought foam Cheesehead hats simply popped into existence at Packers games and airport kiosks, think again. They’re manufactured by Foamation, and Foamation is modifying its Walker’s Point manufacturing plant to include a corporate event and wedding space. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Work is coming along nicely on Zócalo, a.k.a. Milwaukee first food truck park. The park is located at 636 S. 6th St. in Walker’s Point., and it hopes to open in June. [OnMilwaukee]
• Zimmerman Architectural Studios Inc. will buy four buildings at 2215-2122 W. Mt. Vernon Ave. in the Menomonee Valley. The buildings include Zimmerman’s own headquarters and City Lights Brewing Co. [BizTimes]
• So long, West Allis office building; hello, West Allis Holiday Inn Express. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• The developer behind that Bay View development that everyone hates will. not. give. up. [Urban Milwaukee]
• The developer behind that long-in-the-works 44-story Couture apartment tower that everyone keeps waiting for is still. looking. for. another. $15 million. [Urban Milwaukee]