Admirals, Bucks, Golden Eagles write letter opposed to proposed Silk

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A proposed strip club could be just feet from the BMO Harris Bradley Center -- but the Milwaukee Bucks, Admirals and Marquette University are opposed to the plan.

Silk Exotic wants to move in to the former Centercourt Pub and Grille.

Last week, the Milwaukee Business Journal reported the leaders of the BMO Harris Bradley Center sent a letter to the city, saying a strip club across from the center would “adversely affect” families who use the arena.

"We want to make sure that people do find this to be a welcoming location," Jon Greenberg, president of the Milwaukee Admirals said.

The tenants of the BMO Harris Bradley Center say the atmosphere could change if a strip club moves into the space.

"It`s just not a great introduction -- especially if it`s your first time coming here," Greenberg said.

Silk Exotic owners are seeking a tavern and public entertainment license in the close to 9,000 square foot space.

"They think Milwaukee's downtown can use a high-end gentleman's club.  They think it will be good for the city and good for them," Silk attorney Jeff Scott Olson said.

The property is currently owned by the city. The letter sent from the Admirals, Bucks and Golden Eagles was sent to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

"I`m not against a gentlemen`s club, I`m just against the location," Greenberg said.

"They don't want to have to think the thought that there are gentleman's clubs in the world," Olson said.

Silk has a location on Silver Spring Drive and so far, a proposal for a downtown location has been shot down three times.

Silk's attorney says the proposed club would not have windows to look through or exterior signs, but Greenberg says it doesn't matter.

"To have to walk by a place like that could be a little bit awkward for people," Greenberg said.

Greenberg says he is hopeful the city will once again turn down the club, giving a new business the opportunity to move in across from the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

"We hope something else will jump in there and do well," Greenberg said.