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1530 North Jackson a Dingbat?

On the surface the 1530 North Jackson project seemed to be an appealing development because it was designed by the award winning Studio Dwell Architects out of Chicago and the project slightly improves the density in the neighborhood. Clearly attempting to fit a four story, six unit condominium project onto a small lot is a challenging effort and the design also needed to address neighborhood complaints about its density, style and potential parking problems. It appears the parking issue is managed by the design and the increase in density is very slight so the impact to the neighborhood should be minimized. Unfortunately the design looks to be a new spin on the Dingbat style all be it with parking along the side. The failure of this design isn't in the quality of materials, slope of the roof, lack of parking, or density, the failure is that it doesn't properly address the street. For the most part this design turns its back on the street, with much of the building facing the street being solid walls. It's possible the design images don't do the project justice and maybe the windows shown will do enough to connect the building to the street but clearly Studio Dwell Architects can do better. You can follow this development through the a flickr set, 1530 North Jackson that will be updated with new pictures to keep track its progress. Articles + Reference Blair Williams branches out 070593

Kane Commons a "Green" Development

The Kane Commons project located at 1142 to 1158 East Kane Place is another of many Milwaukee area projects utilizing green building concepts. Recently projects such as The Brewery announced various green building components such as capturing and processing all of the rainwater within The Brewery complex. The Edison Green project will feature many green features such as solar panels, wind turbines, and car-sharing. And the Kane Commons project will utilize straw bales as a key building material and geothermal heating throughout the buildings. The green features in the Kane Commons project should reduce utility bills, generate less of a carbon footprint and offer additionally quality of life benefits. The straw bales construction has an insulation R-factor in the range of R30 to R50 which significantly outperforms typical home construction. Unlike typical construction materials, straw bales are highly renewable which reduces the lifelong carbon footprint. Additionally it offers additional advantages such as improved fire resistance and sound proofing. The geothermal heating system will utilize the Earth's natural warmth to heat the buildings requiring less generated energy thereby reducing bills and pollution. This project's green efforts, much like the Edison Green project's green efforts, may influence future developments in Milwaukee to look for new green ideas. Articles Long-awaited Kane Commons moving ahead Building homes with a purpose Kane Commons: Green Development on Lower East Side Proposed "Green" Development to Overlook the River at E. Kane Place Pragmatic Construction: Kane Commons

Construction Continues Despite Snow

As the city slipped and slid around from multiple inches of snow and ice dumped on it in recent days, construction crews continued building our city. Down on Water St. at The Residences on Water site men scrambled to remove snow from the roof while a crane lifted large beams into place. It appears the ER Post Structural System does allow them to build quickly as had been indicated. In fact fast enough that a line of semi's sit with their engines running across the street from the site waiting their turn to unload the next beam.

Over at the Breakwater site they have been busy as well. A second crane which is the largest crawler crane in the state has recently been assembled and will have a reach of up to 400 feet. The snow may have slowed some work but workers continued building the foundation and with second crane it's clear that shortly we will see this project begin to rise out of the ground.

Community & Economic Development Committee - Dec 6th, 2007 Meeting Notes...

Milwaukee Department of City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux presented a report, file number 070876, on the progress of the Milwaukee 7 initiative. He highlighted the group's efforts which included 425 site visits, helping to maintain some 2300+ jobs and creating 3300+ news jobs. Another significant highlight of the Milwaukee 7's progress was the creation of an Immigrant Investment Zone. It gives immigrants permanent resident status if they invest $1,000,000 in new business within the investment zone. During the discussion of the Immigrant Investment Zone a question from the committee asked Rocky Marcoux about the possibility of a new World Trade Center building being constructed in Milwaukee. He responded by saying “There’s obviously going to be a cost associated with that, but I think that it will pay big dividends.” Alderman Tony Zielinski brought forward a resolution, file number 071136, directing the Office of Environmental Sustainability to study the feasibility of city financing of solar installations. The plan, based on a study in Berkeley, CA, would fund low interest loans to cover the initial capital costs of installing solar panels allowing for wider adoption of this technology. The Environmental Sustainability Director Ann Beier pointed out that as the use of solar panels grows in new construction that "we know there will be a demand for solar installers in the future". Making the point that this is a program that not only looks at reducing pollution but this plan could lead to new job growth in an emerging market and new development.

Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Dec 4, 2007 Meeting Notes...

The Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan, resolution 070933, was presented to the ZND committee seeking approved but it faced multiple criticisms that needed addressing. First Alderman Bauman explained that the northwest side has significant rail infrastructure and because of this there is "tremendous potential on the Northwest side" for transit oriented development, improved mass transit and enhanced mobility. Unfortunately the plan didn't include any reference to this infrastructure so Alderman Bauman suggested that the plan "go back to the drawing board." Secondly, Timmerman Airport came up as multiple committee members expressed the likely hood of the site being redeveloped in the future and that the plan only lightly touched upon the topic. Finally Alderman Bohl promoted suburban style development by expressing his concerns for DCD's desire to encourage through streets and discourage cul-da-sacks. Due to these issues, the plan was held to allow DCD to incorporate more of these topics into the plan. Resolution 070609 was seeking approval of the Grede Foundry site for redevelopment which required a change in zoning from Industrial-Heavy to General Planned Development. Although some parts of the plan such as multistory buildings fronting the street and parking to be located behind the buildings were appropriate the design also left 65% of the 5 1/4 acres dedicated to surface parking. The committee compared the design to a "suburban office park" and concluded it was not appropriate for a near downtown site. And although Alderman Murphy suggested holding the file, the developer pressed forward prompting Alderman Bauman to make a motion placing it on file which prevailed 5-0 and essentially stopped this project. Resolution 071131 was seeking approval of the sale of the city owned lot located at 1027 N. Edison St to Edison Green, LLC. As was recently reported this eight-story mixed-use development will be located near the eastern terminus of the Highland Ave. pedestrian bridge and will include 25 residential units, first floor retail, office space and a banquet hall. The northern portion of the site will remain green space allowing access for the condos to the north and as part of the developments attempt to gain LEED certification. Further that portion of land also contains MMSD sewer infrastructure and police lines which would make development prohibitively expensive. The building will have five shared Prius cars, mopeds and a community boat allowing residents to go without owning a car or boat. Further the green roof will have hot tubs heated by solar panels and possibly small wind turbines on the roof. In general the neighboring condominium association appeared supportive of the proposal with their remaining concern being access to the green space to access their riverfront yards. The projects innovative and green approach was appreciated by the committee. Alderman Murphy commented that this project is a "very thoughtful idea" but Alderman Wade expressed his appreciation strongest by stating "I got one thing to say Wow!" The resolution was approved with the understanding that the solution to the access issue will be agreed upon by the Common Council meeting on December 11, 2007.

Eight-story building proposed for Riverwalk

Edison Green, LLC, a new venture by Russell Davis the owner of Café Vecchio Mondo and co-owner of Riverwalk Boat Rentals, recently responded to a City of Milwaukee RFP for the city-owned land at 1027 N. Edison St. The resolution 071131 seeking approval of the land sale will be before Tuesday's Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting and appears likely to receive approval because it meets the RFP design criteria for parking, building height, Riverwalk and environmental requirements. The project itself will consist of an eight-story building containing a restaurant on the first floor, banquet facilities on the second floor, as well as office and residential condominiums. The Riverwalk segment will be constructed with access to the restaurant helping to activate a new section of the downtown Riverwalk. Further the approach to parking is fairly unique by its utilization of a neighboring parking garage which should allow for reduced construction costs and higher densities. This project looks to provides quality infill on a long vacant parcel of riverfront land and should continue the ongoing downtown renaissance. Articles Eco-friendly building proposed for downtown city lot City seeks development of Milwaukee River parcel

Alderman Michael D'Amato not running for re-election

During his 12 years in office Alderman Michael D'Amato played a large role in encouraging new development in Milwaukee. More recently in his role as Chairman of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee he oversaw countless proposals, and more often than not was supportive of development projects. During this past year he struggled with Eastside residents to over approval of New Land Enterprise's Downer Ave. development and although the project is moving forward, the city is now being sued. And at the same time he pushed policy and the Department of City Development in a failed attempt at obtaining a TIF to help fund RSC & Associates proposed Park East development. Despite what was probably a frustrating year for Alderman Michael D'Amato, the news he won't be running for re-election comes as a surprise. Without knowing Alderman Michael D'Amato's future plans or his reasons for not running again it, is still safe to say it will be difficult to replace his experience and dedication.

Milwaukee Intermodal Station re-opening signals new start

The new Milwaukee Intermodal Station officially re-opens on Monday November 26th and it exemplifies the good that can come about when Milwaukee's leaders take a stand and push for something better. The original plan was opposed by mayor Tom Barrett and alderman Bob Bauman as they felt it wouldn't do anything to change perception of transit or the station. The old station had been referred to as "scary", "dark", and even "Communist," whereas the new station lights up the night, welcomes you to Milwaukee and gives you the feeling things are changing in this city. The new building's combination of transit modes adds additional benefits and is the starting point for improved transit service in Milwaukee. First much like the old Amtrak station the old Greyhound depot was not inviting and so Greyhound gains the added bonus of being housed in an inviting space which could improve ridership. Secondly this shared space should allow for better connection between the various modes of transportation. Finally two additional transit system under consideration would be centered around the Milwaukee Intermodal Station further improving transit options in Milwaukee. Photos

Milwaukee Intermodal Station Articles

Milwaukee Intermodal Station sets grand opening

Amtrak, Greyhound now at same location

Latest Amtrak station design a clear winner

Editorial: Just simply refreshing

CatalystMilwaukee.com

In recent weeks Ghazi Co. has been building momentum for the Catalyst. They announced Big City Lanes as the first secured tenant. Afshin Ghazi spoke at the fifth annual Small Business Times Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference promoting both Catalyst and a return to the city. And today Catalyst took yet another positive step forward with the launch of CatalystMilwaukee.com. Hopefully this momentum is truly sustainable, so that one day the surface parking lot at 4th & Wisconsin will be Milwaukee's newest entertainment district.

Plan to Bring Major League Soccer to Milwaukee Fails

It appears the effort to bring Major League Soccer to Milwaukee is dead. I felt the project had merit as MLS is on the rise in the U.S. and the project was more than a soccer stadium. It had been planned as a mixed use development that would of included retail, residential and office purposes. Additionally the 20,000 seat stadium would of been design to support live concerts as well as soccer. Unfortunately it appears the effort has lost its key leader, as CEO Peter Wilt is officially stepping down. And in my mind if anyone had the ability to accomplish this project it would of been Peter Wilt. I say this because he is the popular former general manager of the Chicago Fire, a true Milwaukee native, and well respected in the soccer world. Further he genuinely believed this could be a successful and positive venture here in Milwaukee. In short he was the driving force behind this project. I hope Milwaukee Professional Soccer, LLC carries on but it appears Milwaukee's chance for MLS has passed.

Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Meeting Notes...

Just a couple of quick items of note from today's ZND meeting. File number 070873 was a report on the redevelopment of the 440th Airlift Wing's land. The consulting firm, RKG Associates, providede three proposed alternatives noting that they all include the airport's plan of building a new runway in the future. Basically the plans break down as aviation re-use for entire site, split aviation with commercial, and non-airport use. Comments allude to the fact that the most likely outcome will be the avaiaiton re-use for the entire site. File number 070964 was approved and authorized a "minor" modification to the DPD known as the Downer Aveenue Redevelopment. Unfortunately this file isn't truly minor as it is response to a lawsuit brought against the city claiming the city shouldn't of issued a building permit and that the city didn't take the state's historic recommendations into consideration. Oddly the changes to the DPD came about in attempt to further "appease" the neighbors. And I believe alderman Willie Wade sumed it up by saying "basically we are in this position because we were trying to be accomadating." File number 070844 was approved and authorized the sale of a city owned vacant lot at 530 West Florida St to Rider Hotel, LLC. It will be sold for $1 as it has environemntal challenges and will be capped to create a parking lot for the $23 million Ironhorse Hotel. File number 070935 was approved and authorizes the Land Disposition Report.pdf which basically allows HSI Development Partners, LLC. to acquire the land and construct a building for Derse, Inc. Derse, Inc. was founded in Milwaukee and originally made signs for Miller, Schlitz, and Pabst. They now specializes in tradeshow exhibits and have expanded throughout the U.S. and internationally. Mike D'Amato commented saying, "Now that you've expanded everywhere else let's talk about Milwaukee," and he's right on point as this project bring 125 jobs back into the city.

The Residences on Water

The Residences on Water is beginning to rise out of the ground. The building utilizes a new development method, called the ER Post Structural System, that should allow for the pace of work to dramatically pickup in the coming weeks. This acceleration is possible because this method allows for all-weather erection, has fewer pieces and lets other trades begin work earlier in the process. The $20 million project is being developed by Fort Myers, FL based Development Opportunity Corporation. Once complete it will include a 128-room Staybridge Suites, 31 condo units, ranging in price from $234,000 to $2.3 million of which 8 have been sold so far, and 14,000 square feet of retail space.

I believe this project will have long lasting positive impacts on the Water St district. First it finishes the corner by removing a surface parking lot which adds to the urban fabric. Secondly the new activity created by the residents and hotel guests will continue to fuel neighborhood business. Further this project is clearly connected to Manpower's move to downtown and should support their business travel needs. Overall this is one of the most intriguing projects to watch considering the potential long term affects it will have on Water St. To follow this development I've started a flickr set, The Residences on Water, that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Articles

Ready to rise

Downtown Staybridge hotel, retail project to finally begin

New Precast Building Product from Spancrete Speeds On-site Construction Time

The Catalyst

The Ghazi Company was all over the mainstream press this week with coverage of their updated plans for 4th & Wisconsin. Probably the biggest piece of news to come out of all these articles oddly is the project's name, The Catalyst. Just like The Ghazi Company's EpiCentre project in Uptown Charlotte, NC the name fits precisely. The potential impact of this project is catalytic due to its scale, the draw to the neighborhood of new residents and new customers, and its ability to raise the level of the neighborhood. Further it will be of value to the convention center by assisting in drawing bigger events as it adds new amenities and additional hotel rooms to the area. Missing from the news reports but also of note is that Afshin Ghazi, president of the The Ghazi Company, will be speaking at the 5th Annual Small Business Times Commercial Real Estate & Development Conference on November 8, 2007, where I'm sure we'll hear more on The Catalyst project. Once this project gets under way I'll be photographing their progress and posting them on flickr, but if you'd like to see what The Ghazi Company is doing in Charlotte, NC right now, take a look at their construction cam, my flickr set or Eric Bahr's photos. Articles Ambitious Downtown Construction Project Could Begin In Spring Project could get quick start Wisconsin Avenue hotel, retail project takes step forward

Sidney Hih Project Moves Forward

The controversial Sidney Hih project , that last summer was turned down for city financing of a TIF, appears to moving forward again. The first indications were the signing of multiple tenants to the project as recently reported in the Bizjournal article "Ruvin recruits Park East tenants". The second significant step forward occurred this morning when the Public Works Committee approved a resolution agreeing to a long term lease with Ruvin Development Inc. of the city's parking garage at 4th and Highland. This is important because Ruvin Development Inc.'s attempts to receive a TIF district revolved around the project's perceived parking needs, so this agreement should allow Ruvin Development Inc. to move forward with the project. Additionally this will create a new revenue stream for the City of Milwaukee and better utilizes a city owned parking structure. I believe these two recent developments are very encouraging signs and that the Sidney Hih project may soon get underway.

To follow this development I've started a flickr set, Sidney Hih that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Please note currently there's just one photo as no construction has begun.

Articles Ruvin recruits Park East tenants Plans on tap to rejuvenate Gipfel Brewery Billion-dollar building boom Gatehouse Capital and Ruvin Development select Kimpton for Milwaukee boutique hotel opening late 2009

Park Lafayette

Park Lafayette is the first project for developer Warren Barr, of Renaissant Development Group LLC, in Milwaukee and it is worth stopping in the sales center to see the level of quality he delivers. Not only can your tour the two bedroom model but you can also check the view from every unit in the building. The project itself has approximately 292 households per acre which should only add to the Eastside's already buzzing vibrancy. And although not affordable units per se the majority of the units in the building start in the 200's allowing for a wider range of buyers to enter the market than many of the other developments in Milwaukee currently. To follow this development I've started a flickr set, Park Lafayette that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Articles Condo towers win funds The high-rise guy City of Milwaukee Department of City Development Documentation Detailed Planned Development:Renaissant’s Park Lafayette

The Edge

For a quite sometime it appeared this project may not ever get built as no progress had been taken place on the site but finally progress can been seen at the site as work has begun on the foundation. This is great news as The Edge includes one of the missing Riverwalk pieces needed to complete the Beerline section and will include the cleanup of a contaminated property. Additionally this project has a creative design and once completed will have 133 units running in the range of $200,000 to $300,000. To follow this development I've started a flickr set, The Edge that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Articles Chicago firm plans condos near Milwaukee River Condo developers to receive brownfields grant

The North End

The Mandel Group's North End development is easily the most exciting project under development in Milwaukee. The first phase alone will include 109 condos, 88 apartments and 25,000 square feet of retail space. Work has begun on the demolition of the Pfister & Vogel tannery in preparation for construction. The water tower was removed from the roof as it is being saved and will eventually be located near Water and Pleasant.

To follow this development I've started a flickr set, The North End that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress.

Articles Park East project hits construction phase City funding for North End backed

BreakWater development

Despite minor community concern over the height of the building and DCD's concerns over the balconies, the BreakWater condominium tower has begun demolition of the former Christopher East Medical Center building. The tower is planned to be 20 stories with 101 units and is the latest in what has become an ongoing trend of lakefront development in Milwaukee. To follow this development I've started a flickr set, BreakWater Development, that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Articles BreakWater to break ground. East side condo tower proposed

Downer Ave. Development Breaks Ground

The controversial Downer Ave area development that includes an 11-story high rise hotel/condo building and a parking garage on Downer Ave has finally broken ground. The neighborhood was polarized on this issue and certain residents were outraged to say the least but overall this is a good development for the area. The added foot traffic that the new medical offices, hotel guests and condo residents will bring should bring needed vitality back to the street. Further the renovations of the historic buildings are long over due and the work already done looks great. To follow what's going on I've started a flickr set, Downer Ave. New Land Enterprise Development, that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress. Related Articles New tenants signed to Downer Ave. project A round peg sometimes does fit in a square hole New Land Enterprises reveals possible future plans for Downer Avenue