Building on Momentum

Milwaukee’s renaissance has been widely noted in publications near and far — but it takes a stroll along such places as the RiverWalk to see for yourself the new downtown. Development and redevelopment have been steady as more people rediscover the fun and energy of an urban lifestyle coupled with premiere access to two rivers and the lakefront.

Between 2000 and 2007, downtown housing increased by 2,435 units with an average 347 new units per year. In addition, over 2 million square feet of new and relocated office space was created.

Since 2000, completed infrastructure projects totaling more than $1.2 billion include the new Intermodal Station, the Marquette Interchange, the Knapp Street Bridge, Water Street streetscaping, and the Milwaukee Public Market. More than 10,000 linear feet ofRiverWalk was added to the overall system and is now open to the public.

Since 2000, downtown has attracted various new cultural and tourism facilities including the Milwaukee Art Museum expansion (250,000 visitors per year), Pier Wisconsin/Discovery World (154,000 visitors per year), and the Milwaukee RiverWalk, which extends three miles along both sides of the Milwaukee River.

Downtown’s future consists of many more residents and businesses in a setting of modern towers and historic lofts. Ongoing downtown revitalization and rehabilitation efforts will continue to build on this momentum.

Downtown Developments

For information on the planned, under construction, and newly constructed (since 2005) Downtown Developments, read the Downtown Project Report.