News Summary
The Milwaukee Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee has postponed the developer selection for a major downtown redevelopment project due to concerns over the chosen firm’s qualifications. Following skepticism surrounding Madison-based Neutral’s ability to handle the $750 million mixed-use project, the committee has called for reopening the bidding process. Additionally, complications from a nearby halted project further fueled doubts. Despite this, a related housing initiative received unanimous support to enhance zoning and affordability in the city.
Milwaukee—The Milwaukee Common Council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development (ZND) Committee convened on Tuesday to discuss the redevelopment of a significant downtown site but ultimately decided to delay the selection of a developer amid mounting concerns regarding the current proposals. The committee urged the Department of City Development (DCD) to consider reopening the bidding process for the project, which is set on the site of the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) parking structure at 1001 N. Water St.
Previously, DCD had selected Madison-based Neutral as the developer for the $750 million mixed-use, multi-phase project. However, committee members expressed skepticism about Neutral’s qualifications, particularly since the firm has limited experience in handling large-scale projects of this nature.
Further complicating the situation, construction on a neighboring project at 1005 N. Edison St., which is intended to be a 31-story, 353-unit apartment tower called the Edison, has been halted due to cost overruns. The timeline for resuming construction on the Edison remains unclear, raising additional concerns about Neutral’s capabilities.
Alderman Bob Bauman, who filed a resolution to request a new round of proposals (RFP) for the MPAC site, indicated that the issues with the Edison project had reddened doubts about Neutral’s ability to execute the proposed development effectively. During the meeting, the committee ultimately chose to postpone voting on Bauman’s resolution, instead requesting further updates regarding the Edison project’s status.
DCD Commissioner Lafayette Crump has stated that it is premature to reissue an RFP at this stage. He emphasized a preference for monitoring Neutral’s progress on the project before deciding to entertain alternative developers.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the MPAC site, a reworked initiative titled “Milwaukee’s Comprehensive Plan: Housing Element” received unanimous support from the ZND Committee. This plan aims to modernize Milwaukee’s zoning code to enhance the city’s housing stock and affordability, marking a substantial update since the last revision in 2001.
Some significant components originally suggested for the Housing Element, including provisions for duplexes and fourplexes in specific areas, were removed from the final plan. This change was influenced by public concerns regarding potential gentrification and displacement within affected communities.
No immediate transformations to zoning regulations or land sale policies are expected as the Housing Element merely outlines a vision for future community development.
Additionally, a proposed zoning change for the construction of a seven-story, 65-unit apartment building at 2560 N. Stowell Ave. has progressed through the council. Alderman Alex Brower has voiced support for increasing housing density along the East Side but underscored the importance of ensuring that new projects include a sufficient number of wheelchair-accessible units.
In other development news, the Moxy Hotel project in the Deer District has encountered delays, partly due to opposition and ongoing legal questions regarding zoning. Despite assurances of support from city officials and local construction unions, significant public opposition to the Moxy Hotel has diminished since an earlier hearing, with only one resident raising concerns about traffic and parking implications of the new establishment.
The Common Council is also set to review proposed ordinance changes related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), a matter that has ignited contentious debates among council members about development restrictions and affordability in the city.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Milwaukee’s Revised Zoning Code Update Advances
- Wikipedia: Zoning
- Urban Milwaukee: 7-Story East Side Apartment Complex Wins Key Endorsement
- Google Search: MILWAUKEE ZONING
- Jsonline: Milwaukee Homeowners Can More Easily Build Extra Housing Units
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee housing policy
- Daily Reporter: Moxy Hotel Milwaukee Zoning Delay Deer District
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban zoning
- Urban Milwaukee: Housing Plan Wins Key Council Committee Endorsement
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