Milwaukee, Wisconsin, partnered with a number of local organizations, is nearing completion of the first phase of an initiative to revitalize Historic King Drive, along with the Bronzeville and Walker’s Point neighborhoods north and south of downtown. A new streetcar system is a key element of the strategy.
The streetcar line through these neighborhoods has opened opportunities for transit-oriented residential and commercial redevelopment. This has been a highly collaborative initiative, with significant community engagement through local organizations, public workshops, multiple local meetings in each neighborhood and an on-line platform.
Recently, renderings from Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) have been released.
They help residents and business owners visualize how the streetcar system might look in their neighborhoods.
Their Equitable Growth Planning Study evaluated how to best leverage Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to advance existing economic development efforts taking place on these corridors that are directly to the north (Bronzeville) and south (Walker’s Point) of Downtown. Better connecting these neighborhoods to the 81,000 jobs in Downtown will increase Streetcar ridership and provide ladders of opportunity for Near Northside and Near Southside residents.
And while the planning project is geographically focused on the proposed King Drive and Walker’s Point Streetcar extension routes, recommendations of this study will also be used to help guide development along all of the City’s major transit corridors, whether Streetcar, BRT, or existing express bus routes.
The study uses an in-depth market analysis and extensive input from area residents, businesses, elected officials and other stakeholders to develop a set of goals and recommendations for how these neighborhoods can capitalize on improved public transit.
The intention is to create options to attract new businesses and to provide expanded housing options, with transit as a driver. The study also develops affordability strategies aimed at minimizing the potential risk that future development pressures will displace existing residents and businesses.
The Milwaukee Streetcar project has recently been rebranded as “The Hop.” The grand opening is scheduled for Fall of 2018, with the lakefront extension scheduled for late 2019.
The $128 million budget for the first phase is partially funded by $68 million from federal grants. The Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has committed to a 12-year, $10 million sponsorship which—when combined with a federal operating grant—is expected to prevent any direct impact on the city budget for at least three years.