Experience Downtown Blog

On the Up & Up, Downtown

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New DNC Dates Announced, Convention Center Expansion, and New Dog Run Approved

While it may appear that our downtown has never felt quieter than during the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured that Milwaukee is poised to rebound, stronger than ever before. In this unique circumstance, our empty streets and sidewalks are a welcomed sign; it indicates that you are doing your part in the fight to flatten the curve. But peel back our walls, and you will see downtown is hard at work; whether it’s our restaurateurs preparing for tonight’s curbside fish fry, our essential workers ensuring our community’s needs are met during these unprecedented times, or our virtual workforce continuing to work diligently in self-isolation, the downtown community has never felt more connected, despite our physical barriers. Until we reunite in person, be kind to yourself and others, because how we respond in this time of crisis will ultimately shape our future.

We hope to end each workweek on a high note, on the up & up, downtown. Here’s a look at just a few projects that have been approved and continue to move the needle forward in our beloved community.

Democratic National Convention Announce New Dates 

The 2020 Democratic National Convention will now be held the week of August 17 in Milwaukee, providing the planning team and community partners adequate time to determine the most appropriate structure for this historic event, according to the April 2 press release. History will be made in Milwaukee when the DNC takes place, not just because the Democratic party will nominate its candidates for president and vice president, but because both the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin will step onto a global stage as first-time hosts. We encourage downtown stakeholders to remain engaged with the DNC, as it is anticipated to be a welcomed economic stimulus for Milwaukee’s hospitality industry. For the latest information, sign-up to receive our DNC Download e-newsletter. Plus, we can't think of a more resilient city than Milwaukee to host this year's convention. 

Wisconsin Center District Board Approves $420 Million Expansion

Also announced this week, the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) Board approved a resolution authorizing the District to move forward with the $420 million convention center expansion. Due to COVID-19, bonds to fund the expansion will only be issued once the Governance Committee is provided updated tax projection analysis and financial package materials from the expansion finance team. “The expansion of the Wisconsin Center District will result in thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and over $100 million in direct labor wages during construction. We have both an opportunity and responsibility to serve as the catalyst that will propel Milwaukee into recovery from the crisis, we’re all currently enduring,” says Marty Brooks, President, and CEO of the WCD in a recent press release.

Downtown Plans First Dog Run

As part of the planned RiverWalk expansion into the Third Ward, a vacant parcel underneath the I-794 overpass will soon be home to downtown’s first dog run. Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is leading the collaborative effort with Historic Third Ward, BID #2 and other partners to create downtown’s first publicly accessible dog recreation area, between the Milwaukee River and Plankinton Avenue, just south of Clybourn Street. Opportunities to support the project will arise as we advance, so please join our database to receive progress updates for this new potential amenity!

Cathedral Square Park to Receive Upgrades 

Cathedral Square, Milwaukee’s original town square, will soon receive improvements around its perimeter in a new initiative led by Cathedral Square Friends, called “Frame the Square.” The City of Milwaukee approved $1.8 million in streetscaping improvements. The project includes designing and implementing durable improvements to city-owned land around the county-owned park, from curb to sidewalk, entry points and intersections. Cathedral Square Friends has recently led the Color the Square initiative, by installing a dozen hanging baskets throughout the park in the summer.

Downtown Properties Band Together in Solidarity 

Finally, in a sign of strength and solidarity, Milwaukee property-owners banded together to illuminate local landmarks and buildings in red, white and blue lighting on the eve of Governor Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order. In all, over a dozen properties are participating in the landmark lighting initiative led by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. Properties will continue to display patriotic lighting through the end of this month. Read more in our previous blog post. On Old World Third Street, restaurant owners hoisted a banner over the Fiserv Forum plaza with the words, "With your support, we'll be back stronger than ever." 

In addition, we continue to see an outpouring of philanthropic support from Wisconsin-based companies, including American Family Insurance and American Family Insurance Dream Foundation’s recent pledge of $4 million for COVID-19 relief efforts led by local nonprofits in both Milwaukee and Madison. Locally, the American Family Insurance Dream Foundation has contributed $15,000 to the United Way of Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund and $10,000 to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation MKE Responds Fund.

Also, Wisconsin-based Associated Bank donated $300,000 to support relief efforts in the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois regions, including $150,000 to the United Way chapters in those three states and $50,000 to the MKE Responds Fund. Associated Bank has also rolled out an internal relief program for consumers and small business owners.

With our optimism to rebound quickly as a community, it’s about time to wrap up another week, alone together. So, hang in there Milwaukee; we’ll be right here for you. In the words of David Bowie, “we can be heroes just for one day.”

Written by Gabriel Yeager, Downtown Environment Specialist with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.