IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence in Urban Place Management
Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park honored for its transformation of a vacant, blighted site into a vibrant community space
MILWAUKEE (September 2, 2026) – The International Downtown Association recognized Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, in partnership with Historic Third Ward BID #2, with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park. A jury of peer professionals reviewed, deliberated, and evaluated all entries in the 2026 Downtown Achievement Awards. The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeding the jury criteria.
The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park was entered into the category of Planning, Design, and Infrastructure which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects in the areas of downtown master planning, streetscape improvements, sustainable infrastructure, and wayfinding.
“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park was made possible through strong public and private support,” said Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Once a blighted and vacant under-freeway site, the space was transformed into an award-winning community asset that welcomed approximately 25,000 guests in its first year alone and has attracted significant economic development to the area. We appreciate IDA’s recognition and applaud the other outstanding projects honored in this category.”
Opened in August 2025, the 23,000-square-foot Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park transformed an underutilized area between two vibrant neighborhoods into a lively gathering place for residents, visitors, employees, and their dogs. The park features seating, water stations, green space, expanded public access, new Riverwalk segments, public art, and improved pedestrian connections.
Supported by title sponsor, Fromm Family Foods, corporate sponsors, residents and philanthropic partners, the project reflects a broad community effort to reimagine the spaces beneath I-794 and turn them into active, welcoming destinations.
The momentum in the area continues with the under-construction Foxtown Landing, an adjacent 28,000-square-foot brewery, distillery, restaurant, and event space with expansive outdoor areas that will activate one of the Milwaukee River’s few remaining unused parcels and connect to the Downtown Riverwalk network.
“Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, in partnership with Historic Third Ward BID #2, has demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park project,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park should serve as a framework to all member communities within IDA.”
IDA is convening in September in Toronto for Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines & Ideas Converge, a three-day conference to discuss emerging trends in place management. Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and Historic Third Ward BID #2 were recognized for the award-winning project during the Downtown Achievement Awards ceremony at the 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace, September 1-3, 2026. IDA’s Annual Conference & Marketplace is the premier gathering for professional place managers and urban champions creating vibrant and healthy cities around the world. The conference features educational sessions, Master Talks (short keynotes from industry leaders), marketplace exhibitors and networking opportunities.
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Milwaukee’s central business district.
More information on the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park can be found at www.mkedogpark.com.
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