Buoyed by a strong economy and robust fundraising, a wide variety of arts institutions in Milwaukee want to remodel or relocate to new buildings. Here's a look at some of their plans.
In Milwaukee, Jeramey Jannene writes, "The greater downtown building boom extends to more than new apartment complexes. Four of the city's largest arts and culture organizations are in the process of constructing new buildings or additions. A number of other major projects are waiting in the wings."
"The most notable project is without a doubt the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's $80 million plan to transform the empty Warner Grand Theatre into a music hall." Other plans include a new building for the Milwaukee Ballet, an addition to science and technology center Discovery World, and additional improvements to the Milwaukee Art Museum, which recently completed an addition of its own.
"Two other projects are in their early stages. VISIT Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Center District are planning a $200 million expansion of the convention center and the Milwaukee Public Museum is in the early stages of planning an entirely new building."
Jannene ascribes all this energy to a booming stock market, changing demographics, and the need to attract new audiences.
FULL STORY: The Arts and Culture Building Boom
A New Cultural Landmark: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Set to Open in 2026
Transforming a former parking lot into a dynamic cultural hub, this new museum will feature expansive gallery spaces, theaters, educational areas, and lush green landscapes while prioritizing community engagement, local hiring, and inclusive design.
Milwaukee Homelessness Dropped in 2024
Bucking national trends, Milwaukee reduced homelessness in 2024 through Housing First policies and supportive services, but local advocates warn high housing costs will likely lead to an increase in the unhoused population in the coming year.
How Transit-Accessible are Presidential Museums?
Most Presidential libraries and museums have some transit accessibility, but none are in big-city downtowns.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service