With 2020 Democratic National Congress on the Way, Downtown Milwaukee Revitalizes

Downtown Milwaukee is getting makeover, from high-profile new buildings on the skyline to ambitious adaptive reuse projects and an emerging entertainment district.

1 minute read

July 14, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Wisconsin

Downtown Milwaukee, pictured on July 11, 2019. | Tony Savino / Shutterstock

"Milwaukee, like other formerly industrial midwestern cities, has seen a resurgence lately, amid its redeveloped warehouse districts and overlooked office buildings," writes Patrick Sisson.

"Development has emanated from its riverfront, a former shipping lane for beer breweries that’s now firmly entrenched as an entertainment destination."

The article surveys Downtown Milwaukee for stories about the new developments driving the resurgence, featuring insights from the developers pursuing their visions for the area.

The article also includes a section on two of the highest profile projects to open in Downtown Milwaukee in recent years:

The two biggest projects—the new $524 million Fiserv Forum, a multipurpose arena for the Milwaukee Bucks and other concert and sporting events, that opened last year, and the sail-like Northwestern Mutual Tower, a 32-story high-rise that opened its doors in 2017—form a pathway of sorts for recent development, pointing west from the shiny tower on the lakefront over the Milwaukee River and into Westown.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019 in Curbed

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.