The Milwaukee Bucks and their design team release the first images and details of their vision for the development of a new billion-dollar multi-purpose arena and sports and entertainment district to help revitalize downtown Milwaukee. Of that $1 billion, Bucks president Peter Feigin said $500 million would go toward the arena, which would be surrounded by $500 million of ancillary development on up to 30 acres of land.
The images unveiled during a press conference Wednesday in Milwaukee depict early conceptual drawings of a new futuristic-looking, state-of-the-art venue and entertainment district that anchor an ambitious new development vision activated by sports, entertainment, residential and office uses.
The complex would take ten years to build. It’s not just an arena for the Milwaukee Bucks, Feigin says, the public-private partnership offers a tremendous amount of potential for the city, county, and state. The plan includes a 17,000 seat arena, hotel, residential, parking, offices, retail, and a new practice facility. That downtown facility would replace the current practice place at Cousins Center in Saint Francis.
AUDIO: Feigin portrays a positive attitude about the project and its completion. :09
The proposed site, which primarily sits between Fourth Street and Sixth Street from State Street to McKinley Avenue, will seamlessly link with active development on all sides, including Old World Third Street, Schlitz Park, the Brewers, the Milwaukee Riverfront, Water Street and the Wisconsin Center. The arena would be built north of the BMO Harris Bradley Center, which would be torn down.
The vision is for an arena designed for maximum flexibility and year-round use.
AUDIO: Brad Clark is head architect on the plan with Populous of Kansas City. :11
Feigin said, “We’re not just trying to build a new home for the Milwaukee Bucks, but create a 365-day attraction for Wisconsin residents that will help revitalize downtown Milwaukee.” He added, “This collective effort will create a ripple effect of growth, development and transformation for the entire community and region.”
