JSOnline: UWM to present lakefront plans for new water program
Milwaukee has access to one of the best assets on the planet - Lake Michigan. As our local economy changes, so does our vision for Milwaukee’s future. The days of beer brewing and manufacturing are behind us. The City of Milwaukee, along with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), is planning to move our economy forward by entering the freshwater sciences.
UWM is looking to enhance Milwaukee’s economy by expanding the School of Freshwater Sciences by building the headquarters of its proposed School of Freshwater Sciences at the former Pieces of Eight site. The School will offer graduate-level courses that will help train water scientists and engineers.
My Thoughts
I never quite understood why Pieces of Eight and Harbor 550 couldn’t succeed on the lakefront. The views of the lake, harbor, and city are incredible from the former restaurant. Most major cities have waterfront restaurants that are doing very well. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly enjoy the food and service I receive at Coast and Lake Park Bistro. However, it would be nice to have the same experience closer to the lake.
If it were up to me, I would keep the site zoned for a restaurant and find a way to make it work. I do appreciate that Milwaukee is forward thinking and we should make use of Lake Michigan to its fullest. Currently, UWM’s School of Freshwater Services is located in Milwaukee’s harbor near Greenfield Avenue. It would be nice to keep the lakefront accessible for the public’s enjoyment. Why not clean up and expand the area around its current site along the harbor for educational purposes?
What are your thoughts?
Tom Daykin, writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, provides more details about UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences and its potential impact on our local economy. Click here to read more about UWM’s proposal>>>
-----
Labels: Economy
BizTimes.Com: Construction begins for Third Ward apartment development
There’s been a lot of real estate news about the Historic Third Ward lately - none of which has to do with condominiums.
In March The Mandel Group began construction of its Corcoran Lofts. Located next to Mandel’s Gaslight Lofts, Corcoran Lofts will feature 76 apartment units and ground-level retail space.
Robert Joseph recently began construction of his 81 apartment unit building called Jackson Square. Similar to Corcoran Lofts, Jackson Square will also feature ground-level retail. Jackson Square is located on the corner of Menomonee and Jackson Streets. Joseph expects to be completed in 2010.
My Thoughts
Why are we seeing so many newly-constructed apartment buildings? During the past few years we have seen our supply of downtown apartments shrink. Many real estate investors purchased existing apartment buildings and converted them into condominium units. It was an overnight success. With the units already in place, all one had to do was to start calling them condominiums.
Now, the demand for apartment units is greater than demand for condominiums. The economy has caused consumers to question their investments. In the wake of collapse of the mortgage markets, banks have significantly tightened their lending practices. This means that we’re assisting fewer qualified condo buyers in this market. Between the lending policy and the shaky economy, many are choosing to rent and hope for better days in the future.
However, if you are in a position to secure a mortgage (i.e. sufficient savings for a down payment and decent credit scores), then there is no better time to buy a condo than now. Condominium prices continue to remain affordable. Many of today’s sellers are now selling their homes for what they could have sold their home for back in 2004 and 2005. Interest rates remain affordable at historically-low rates. Your dollar is going much farther today than it has since the downtown condo boom began in the late 1990s. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is encouraging first-time homebuyers to enter the market by providing a refundable tax credit of $8,000. In addition, IRS is still offering incentives to homeowners by allowing deductions for real estate taxes and mortgage interest. We all know that the housing market will rebound which means that housing values will appreciate. Start building equity as we get the housing market back on track.
Don’t get me wrong, I am pleased that Mandel and Joseph are adding apartments to the downtown area. We need a decent mix of rental units and condo units to sustain the diversity of our downtown residents. This diversity is what makes downtown fun to live, work, and play.
What are your thoughts?
Real Estate Weekly and the BizTimes.com provide more details about Jackson Square and Corcoran Lofts. Click here to read more about these two new apartment developments>>>
-----
Labels: Real Estate
The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Law firm considers anchoring new project - Second tenant looks at downtown office building
Hammes & Company of Brookfield, real estate developer of Lake Pointe Tower, is in search for the tower’s second prospective tenant. According to Pete Millard, writer for the Business Journal of Milwaukee, von Briesen & Roper SC, a law firm that has offices in the 411 Building, is seeking 75,000 square feet of office space and is considering a move to Lake Pointe Tower.
Lake Pointe Tower will be constructed where the parking structure of the U.S. Bank Tower currently stands.
Hammes has already been approached by Virchow Krause & Company, a regional CPA firm, which has offices at the Honey Creek Business Park near the zoo interchange.
Hammes faces the same challenges as other real estate developers - securing the financing needed to break ground.
My ThoughtsLake Pointe Tower has been in and out of the news - but, of course, what real estate development in downtown Milwaukee hasn’t been in and out of the news in the past few years. Hopefully, Hammes will be able to secure the financing needed to get this project off the ground. In recent weeks, I have been reporting that developments are breaking ground in downtown Milwaukee. Therefore, as long as there is demand for downtown office space, Hammes should be able to get this building off the ground.
What concerns me is that there are current vacancies in many buildings in downtown Milwaukee. The move for von Briesen & Roper SC is right down the street from one downtown building to another; thus, creating a vacancy in the 411 Building. I know everyone wants to work in the newest building. For the past few years, everyone wanted to live in the newest condominium (which didn’t help the slightly older condominium associations). Unfortunately, I see a similar pattern for commercial and office space in downtown Milwaukee as the downtown condo market. Now, we have an oversupply of downtown condos. For the health of downtown’s economy, I’m not sure this is the right time to be building more office buildings.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see more real estate developments in downtown Milwaukee. However, after seeing the drastic shift in the condo market, I feel that Milwaukee needs to attract more jobs to fill the existing vacant spaces.
What are your thoughts?Millard provides more details regarding Lake Pointe Tower.
Click here to read more about this new office tower>>>-----
Labels: Economy, Real Estate
Current Listings!
Accepted Offer! Western Leather Lofts #109 - $220,000
Are you looking for a truly, urban experience? Then look no further than this spacious, two-story warehouse-lofted condo. This amazing unit features exposed Cream-City Brick, original wood post and beam construction, and concrete-heated floors (condo dues include heat!). Structural steel open staircase follows a two-story Cream-City Brick wall and flows to one spacious one bedroom loft which can easily be separated into two spacious bedrooms, den, and loft. Sunlight floods the entire condo through its six oversized windows. Stainless-steel appliances, custom birch cabinets, and large island with breakfast bar complete the well-thought-out kitchen. The full bathroom features Cream-City Brick, whirlpool, and heated towel rack. Other conveniences include in-unit laundry and one indoor parking space. Western Leather Lofts is a pet-friendly association. Free Home Warranty! Click here to read more about this warehouse-lofted condo>>>
Western Leather Lofts #119 - $239,900
This Historic Brady Street two-story loft features exposed Cream City brick, post/beam construction, concrete-heated floors (dues include heat!), steel open staircase and oversized windows. Entertain guests or grill on the spacious private terrace (only one of seven units that feature a terrace). Relax in the whirlpool tub while your towels heat up on the towel rack. Other conveniences include one indoor heated parking space, in-unit laundry, central vacuum system, and one storage locker. Historic Brady Street features boutiques, restaurants and nightlife. Lake Michigan, Milwaukee River and downtown are just a short walk away. "Walkers' Paradise" per walkscore.com. Western Leather Lofts is a pet-friendly condominium association. Click here to read more about this warehouse-lofted condo>>>
Riverbridge #304 - $265,000
Located on the banks of the Milwaukee River you will enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with the Riverbridge lifestyle. Stroll along the Riverwalk or shop at nearby Historic Brady Street. Surround yourself in sunlight and enjoy the river views from the sunroom, great room, both bedrooms, and balcony. Entertain guests in the Great Room that features maple floors. The chef will appreciate the stainless steel appliances, gas range, under-mounted stainless steel sink and convenient pull-out cabinet drawers. Grill on the balcony that features a gas line (never replace another propane tank). Need space to get ready in the morning? Spread out in the master bathroom that features a double vanity. Relax and unwind in the whirlpool tub. Riverbridge is a pet-friendly condominium association. Click here to read more about this riverfront condo>>>
For more information about these featured properties, please contact me at (414) 412-7980 or e-mail at dray@shorewest.com.
-----
Labels: Real Estate
Downtown Milwaukee Events – Through June 30, 2009
COMEDYJimmy Fallon - The Pabst Theater - May 16
Tim Walkoe - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 16
Todd Barry - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 17
Don Rickles - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 19
Sonya White - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 23
Nick Gaza - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 30
Steve Harvey - Milwaukee Theatre - June 13DANCEMilwaukee Ballet: “Live & Kicking” - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - Thru May 17
Milwaukee Classic Ballroom Competition - Hyatt Regency Milwaukee - May 30-31DININGBeers and Cheese Pairing - Bacchus - May 15, 29
Celebrated Chef Series: Mark Weber - Mason Street Grill - May 16
Downtown Dining Week - Various Downtown Locations - May 28-June 4
Armagnac vs Cognac - Bacchus - May 29
Tasting Tuesday - Milwaukee Ale House - June 9
Chocolate and Wine - Bacchus - June 24FARMER’S MARKETSEast Side Green Market - Beans & Barley - Saturdays Starting June 27
East Town Market - Cathedral Square Park - Saturdays 9:30AM-12:30PM - Starting June 6
Westown Farmer’s Market - Zeidler Union Square - Wednesdays 10AM-3PM - Starting June 3FAMILY EVENTSKnick Knacks "Just Jewelry" Fair - Knickerbocker on the Lake - May 15
Family Stunt Kites - Discovery World - May 16
Gift of Wings Family Kite Festival - Veterans Park - May 23
Bradford Beach Memorial Day Kick-Off Beach Party - Bradford Beach - May 25
Bird Banding - Urban Ecology Center - Thru May 26
Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home Exhibit - Betty Brinn - Thru May 31
Bead & Button Show - Midwest Airlines Center - June 5-7
Celebrate the return of the S/V Denis Sullivan!! - Discovery World - June 7
Help us Plant Our ABC Garden! - Betty Brinn Children’s Museum - June 18
Kids’ Culinary Camp - Milwaukee Public Market - June 22-26
Discovery World Summer Camp 2009 - Discovery World - June 22 - Aug 28FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTSMemorial Day Parade - Downtown Milwaukee - May 25
River Rhythms - Pere Marquette Park Wednesdays @ 6:30pm - Starting June 3
Jazz In The Park - Cathedral Square Park - Thursdays @ 6:30pm - Starting June 4
RiverSplash! - Old World Third Street & Water Street - June 5-7
Miller Lite Ride for the Arts - Milwaukee’s Lakefront - June 7
PrideFest 2009 - Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds - June 12-14
Gathering Waters Festival - Lakeshore State Park - June 13
Locust Street Festival - June 14
Lakefront Festival of Arts - Milwaukee Art Museum - June 19-21
Polish Fest - Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds - June 19-21
Summer Soulstice - Milwaukee’s East Side - June 20
Summerfest - Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds - June 25-July 5FILMGhosts of the Abyss - Humphrey IMAX Theater / Planetarium - Thru June 11
Night of the Titanic - Humphrey IMAX Theater / Planetarium - Thru June 11
Sea Monsters - Humphrey IMAX Theater / Planetarium - Thru Oct 1
Movie Time: Hello Frisco, Hello - Charles Allis Art Museum - May 20
Movie Time: The Dolly Sisters - Charles Allis Art Museum - May 27MUSEUM EVENTS & EXHIBITSNight of the Titanic - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru May 25
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru May 25
Coca-Cola: Ads from the Past - The Eisner - Thru June 3
Rock Stars 2 - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru June 11
Numismatics! Selections from the MPM Collection - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru Aug 15
Nunnemacher Arms Collection - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru Aug 15
Astronaut at the Daniel M Soref Planetarium - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru Oct 1
Cabinets of Curiosity - Milwaukee Public Museum - Thru Apr 5, 2010
International Museum Day - Milwaukee Public Museum - May 18
Museum Day at the Pabst Mansion - Pabst Mansion - May 21
Les Paul's House of Sound - Discovery World - June 24-28MUSICFour Guyz in Dinner Jackets- Dry Clean Only - Broadway Theatre Center - Thru May 31
Jim Paolo Quartet - The Jazz Estate - May 15
Lady Sovereign - The Rave - May 15
Pat McCurdy - Shank Hall - May 15
Smoking Popes & Maritime - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 15
The Big Wu - Miramar Theatre - May 15
The Kingfish - Trinity Three Irish Pubs - May 15
Al White - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 16
Fall Out Boy - The Rave - May 16
Fever Marlene - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 16
RoShamBo - Shank Hall - May 16
The Parlor Mob - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 16
VAST - Shank Hall - May 17
Animal Collective - The Riverside - May 19
Jackie Brown - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 20
Taking Back Sunday - The Rave - May 20
Wednesday Night Live Podcast - Bad Genie Rock Lounge - May 20
Shemekia Copeland - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 21
Andre Rieu & The Johann Strauss Orchestra - The Milwaukee Theatre - May 22
Hounds Tooth - Up and Under Pub - May 22
Pennywise & Pepper - The Rave - May 22
Secret Chiefs 3 - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 22
South End Blues Band - Up and Under Pub - May 22
The Color Truth, Rehyn, Katie Todd Band, Doug Shea - Shank Hall - May 22
3D - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 23
A Farewell Rescue - The Rave - May 23
Charleston Wade, John Petty, Taylor Bastian - Shank Hall - May 23
Tim Korry - Points East Pub - May 23
Cowboy Brothers - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 24
Gomez - The Pabst Theater - May 24
People In Planes - The Rave - May 24
Mondo Lucha Wrestling & Variety Show - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 25
Southern Culture on The Skids - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 25
William Barnewitz - The Pabst Theater - May 26
The Acoustix - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 27
Wednesday Night Live Podcast - Bad Genie Rock Lounge - May 27
Philip Gatewood - Shank Hall - May 29
Scott Rockit Band - Live - May 29
The Decemberists - The Riverside - May 29
MSO: Musical Surprises - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - May 29-31
Cosmic Railroad - The Rave - May 30
Marcell - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - May 30
Third Eye Blind - The Riverside - May 30
Will Phalen - Shank Hall - May 30
Unwigged & Unplugged - Riverside Theater - May 31
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - The Rave - May 31
Veer Union - The Rave - June 2
Marcell - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 3
John Vanderslice - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 4
Drop Dead, Gorgeous - The Rave - June 5
Freedy Johnston - Shank Hall - June 5
St. Vincent - The Pabst Theater - June 5
Scott Rockit Band - McGillycuddy's - June 5-6
MSO: Grandeur & Depth - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - June 5-7
Amileigha Blue - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 6
The Crystal Method Live - The Rave - June 6
The Moth - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 6
The Subcontinentals - Shank Hall - June 6
Amy Rohan - Jazz Estate - June 7
Cafe Sopra Mare - Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum - June 7
Luka Bloom, Birdie Busch - Shank Hall - June 7
Carbon Leaf, Alternate Routes - Shank Hall - June 8
Fleetwood Mac - Bradley Center - June 8
Grizzly Bear - The Pabst Theater - June 8
Ryan McIntyre - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 10
Starlight Mints - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 10
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles, Hoots & Hellmouth - Shank Hall - June 11
The Blackberries - Points East Pub - June 12
MSO: Symphony of a Thousand - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - June 12 & 14
Eric Hutchinson - The Rave - June 13
Jamit Duo - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 13
Present Music: Spice Wave - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 13
Ryan Magner, Jesse DeSoto, Outhaus Poets - Shank Hall - June 13
Amy Rohan - The Jazz Estate - June 14
Dillinger Four - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 15
Cowboy Brothers - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 17
Enter The Haggis - Shank Hall - June 17
Propagandhi - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 17
Scott Rockit Band - Flannery's Bar and Restaurant - June 18
Doc Severinsen: El Ritmo de la Vida - Pabst Theater - June 19
Laurence Juber - Shank Hall - June 19
Naked Boys Singing - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 19 & 20
MSO: Music of Billy Joel w/ Michael Cavanaugh - Marcus Center - June 19-21
Maze, The Vega Star, The Ragadors, Magic Black Pumas - Shank Hall - June 20
Michael Sean of Bellevue Suite - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 20
West of East - Art Bar - June 20
Paul Van Dyk - The Rave - June 21
The Church, Adam Franklin & Bolts of Melody - Shank Hall - June 23
The Orb - Turner Hall Ballroom - June 23
The Acoustix - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 24
Phil Norby - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 25
Old School Duo - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 26
King's X - Shank Hall - June 26
Al White - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 27
Van der Graaf Generator, The Acoustic Strawbs - Shank Hall - June 27
Warzone XV - The Rave - June 27
Cafe Sopra Mare - Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum - June 28
Diana Krall - Riverside Theater - June 28
Zachary Wade - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 28
Geoff Landon & Friends - Potawatomi Bingo Casino - June 29SPORTS – MILWAUKEE IRON – BRADLEY CENTERTulsa Talons - May 15
Mahoning Valley Thunder - June 5
Quad City Steamwheelers - June 19
Green Bay Blizzard - June 26SPORTS – MILWAUKEE BONECRUSHERS – U.S. CELLULAR ARENAMiami Valley Silverbacks - May 30THEATERFirst Stage: "How I Became a Pirate" - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - Thru May 17
Shear Madness - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - Thru June 7
The Pirates of Penzance - Broadway Theatre Center - Thru June 14
Decaffeinated Tragedy - Moct Bar - May 15-16
Animal Collective - Riverside Theater - May 19
Florentine Opera: Diamond Concert, Celebration - Marcus Center - May 23
Tony & Tina's Wedding - Turner Hall Ballroom - May 26-31
The Wizard of Oz - Milwaukee Theatre - June 5-7
Broadway: A Chorus Line - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - June 23-28TOURSHistorical Boat Tours - Milwaukee Boat Line dock on the Riverwalk - Thru May 24
Spaces & Traces: Historic Third Ward Classics and Urban Chic - Third Ward - May 16VISUAL ARTSRemains: Contemporary Artists and the Material Past - Milwaukee Art Museum - Thru May 17
New Acquisitions - DeLind Fine Art - Thru May 30
Richard Taylor: Off The Wall - Tory Folliard Gallery - Thru May 30
Marina Bychkova: Enchanted Doll - Villa Terrace - Thru June 7
Dawoud Bey: Class Pictures - Milwaukee Art Museum - Thru July 12
Wisconsin Artists Exhibition - David Barnett Gallery - Thru July 18
Threaded Metaphors - Charles Allis Art Museum - Thru July 26
Wisconsin at Work: Thorsten Lindberg Paintings and Drawings - MSOE - Thru Aug 14
Treasures From Zimbabwe: Shona Stone Sculpture - David Barnett Gallery - Thru Sep 30
Whatever is There is a Truth: Robert Rauschenberg’s Prints - Haggerty Museum - Thru Oct 4
Schomer Lichtner Exhibition - DeLind Gallery - Thru Apr 24, 2010
Frederick Hart Exhibit - DeLind Gallery - Thru May 21, 2010
MAM After Dark: True Skool - Milwaukee Art Museum - May 15
The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs - Milwaukee Art Museum - June 6 - Sep 23
The Eight and American Modernisms - Milwaukee Art Museum - June 6- Sep 23
Jon Michael Route: For the Love of Metal Opening - Villa Terrace - June 17 - Aug 23-----
Labels: Events
