Monday, January 14, 2013

Interesting Facts Regarding Downtown Milwaukee (53202)

I recently analyzed responses from a survey which asked what downtown Milwaukee can do to bring more people into the city.  Some of the most popular answers include:

(1) More affordable parking options
(2) More shops (many suggesting that more improvements needed to The Shops of Grand Avenue),
(3) More efficient mass transit
(4) More sports teams (e.g. MLS, NHL)
(5) A movie theater (e.g. iPic)
(6) Sponsor more events (e.g. street events, community events, family-friendly events)
(7) More restaurants and cafes (several responded that the Riverwalk needs more businesses - comparing it to other riverwalks in other cities)
(8) Adding a greater police presence to make their visit safer

As I have noted in the survey:  "I live downtown, but I am happy to share my thoughts on the topic.  Downtown is a lifestyle.  When we moved from the suburbs, we were prepared to drive less and find other modes of transportation.  Many of the neighborhoods within downtown are walking neighborhoods.  Parking is a challenge, but no different than other major cities.  Improved public transportation could make it easier to get around.  Higher-end large box stores would allow us to shop downtown versus driving to the malls.  So much can be done to bring more people downtown."


MORE AFFORDABLE PARKING OPTIONS / MORE EFFICIENT MASS TRANSIT

Advice:  Get out of the car.  For years, Milwaukee has had an identity crisis.  It seems downtown Milwaukee wants to have a greater presence.  Downtown wants to grow and flourish.  In my opinion, mass transit is one of the answers.  Many people responded to this question suggesting Milwaukee would benefit from rail (light rail, high speed, train).  This actually surprised me as I have heard many people argue that rail would not add any value to the metro.  When I visit other major cities that offer rail or subway, I use it frequently.  It's fast, easy, and convenient.


MORE EVERYTHING (SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, MOVIE THEATER, TEAMS)

To respond to this issue, I looked at the tax records of every single-family and condominium unit located in 53202 (downtown Milwaukee's primary zip code).

I found 4,934 dwellings (single-family and condominium units) within 53202.  This doesn't include apartment units.  That's a lot of families.  The total tax base in 53202 is $1.2 Billion.  The majority of these dwellings are assessed at $250,000 or less (73%).  Over thirty-percent of the total number of dwellings is assessed at or below $150,000.  Of the 4,934 units, nearly 130 are assessed between $750,000 and $13 Million.  Therefore, it appears that downtown Milwaukee offers a diverse lifestyle.

Attention: Kohl's, Target, & Others:

It seems to me that mid-to-high-end stores could succeed in downtown Milwaukee.  Several people suggested they would like to see:  Target, Trader Joe's, Nordstrom, T.A. Chapman, Niemen's, Saks, as well as more indie shops.  It seems to me that Milwaukee could support an MLS team and an NHL team.  It seems to me that Milwaukee could benefit from having a movie theater in downtown.


ONE OTHER SUGGESTION FROM THE SURVEY

An Entertainment District (e.g. Navy Pier and the Power & Light District in Kansas City):  There was a plan to build an entertainment district along McKinley as part of a plan to improve the Bradley Center.  Some respondents suggested that more commercial options should be added along the lakefront.  Alterra seems to be a profitable business at the lakefront as it is always crowded.  I think Milwaukee could benefit by adding a nice mix of businesses along Lincoln Memorial and still maintain the park-like image for all to enjoy.


WHAT WASN'T MENTIONED

Most people who follow my Facebook posts and tweets know that I am opposed to creating a special tax district which will financially impact a fraction of downtown dwellers to improve two downtown parks.  Those who support this district suggest that improvements made to the two parks will draw more people to downtown.  Out of the hundreds of posts I reviewed, not one indicated that they would come downtown if improvements were made to either Cathedral Square Park or Juneau Park.  Alderman Bauman, Common Council, and Mayor Barrett should look at the posts to get a feel for what is most important to the people of Milwaukee.


Disclaimer:  All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.  The author makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.  This is a personal weblog.  The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my broker.


Feel free to leave a comment as I am happy to continue to discuss how downtown Milwaukee can improve to enhance the experience of all who visit.


-----

Labels: , , ,

2 Comments:

At 6:26 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I have no experience about that.Need guidance.

Miami Condos | Real Estate En Miami

 
At 3:05 AM, Anonymous Stephen8 said...

Excellent Job! Thanks for creating a sensible topic that suits the taste of your readers. Keep up the good Work.

psi

 

Post a Comment

<< Home