By Tiffany Crouse
Photo by Populous Architecture
A panel of Milwaukeeans got together on Tuesday, April 29 to discuss the plans for the new stadium and entrainment district to be erected in downtown Milwaukee.
The panel was unanimous in its approval of the new development. All agreed that it would be an asset to Milwaukee by bringing in a multitude of business downtown. Jeff Sherman, Co-founder of OnMilwaukee.com, led the talk by asking each of the panelists questions about the new stadium. All came back with positive feedback about the development plans.
“I want to be a part of something great,” said Cory Nettles, founder and manager of Generational Growth Capitols and investor in the project. Nettles said that, while growing up as a young accomplished black boy, he was told to leave Milwaukee for better things.
He is now proud to say he stayed in Milwaukee and believes that it is his job to make the city a better place, and that this stadium is just the beginning.
Other panelists were excited about the opportunity for job growth downtown.
“Overall, everyone is excited because they understand the nighttime economy is important,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21.
“When this thing happens it will easily support a TIF for the city,” said Gary Grunau, Owner of Grunau Group. Grunau is referring to the city’s decision to not increase property taxes and still invest in the stadium.
He believes that his TIF will pay for its self.
Grunau implores local government to push off their political differences and let this project move forward.
Robin Reese, a real estate development professional, said she grew up in the area they are looking to build the new stadium and entertainment district.
She would love to see the same bustle in that area, like her parents did when they were kids.
Reese warns, however, that she does not want to see Grand Avenue Mall go under because of this development.
She hopes that this will lead people to Grand Avenue and help bring the mall back to its prime.
“An urban neighborhood that happens to have sports and entertainment, among other things,” said Greg Uhen, CEO of Eppstein and Uhen architects, and the managing partner for this project, about the new development.
Uhen said that he wants to add to the city by pushing it forward with this project. He wants to maintain true to the charterer of the city with future designs of the building and downtown space.
First, he wants to create a space people want to be and live in – not just an entertainment district, but a space that connects you to the city.
Bucks President, Peter Feigin, also attended the discussion and said, “All advocacy and support for this entertainment and sports district is critical to us [Bucks] and the community, the city, the region and this state.”