IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2023
RACM Seeking New Development Proposals for Key Site in Westown
This RACM-owned parcel on West Wisconsin Avenue presents one of the most unique transit-oriented development opportunities in the Midwest
MILWAUKEE – The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) is issuing an updated Request for Proposals (RFP) for an unprecedented transit-oriented development opportunity in the City of Milwaukee.
The approximately 55,626 square foot parcel is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, situated south of Wisconsin Avenue between North 5th Street and North Vel R. Phillips Avenue in the Westown neighborhood.
This RACM-owned parcel on West Wisconsin Avenue presents one of the most unique transit-oriented development opportunities in the Midwest. This high-visibility, high-traffic site is situated directly across the street from the Baird Center, Wisconsin’s largest convention center currently undergoing a major expansion that opens in 2024. The parcel is also across the street from the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel, Fiserv Inc.’s future global headquarters, and a future Kohl’s department store location. The site is nearby several catalytic locations, including Fiserv Forum and the Deer District, Milwaukee Tool’s new downtown office location, Marquette University’s campus, and more.
Directly to the north of the site is the recently-approved Vel R. Phillips Plaza, which will include a 2,900 square foot building for food/beverage service, a stop for the East-West Bus Rapid Transit line along Wisconsin Avenue opening this year, a future stop for Milwaukee’s streetcar system, The Hop, and other outdoor amenities. The Vel R. Phillips Plaza is expected to open in 2024.
This is a rolling RFP, designed to seek redevelopment proposals for the parcel on a continuous basis. Proposals will be evaluated until a suitable proposal is chosen. The selected proposal will be presented to RACM and the Milwaukee Common Council for formal acceptance.
More information about the RFP is available at milwaukee.gov/RFPs/401WWisconsin.
DCD rendering of potential development scenario on the site.
Currrent photo of potential downtown development site at 401-441 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Rendering of a conceptual development on the site.