Abele unveils proposed development for Transit Center

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele unveiled Wednesday, July 11th a proposed $120 million development for the Downtown Transit Center -- a 44-story hotel and apartment building, featuring restaurants, retail space and parking.

The project will bring more than 4,400 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs to Milwaukee.

"This project will be a great addition to the Milwaukee Lakefront, bringing jobs and a strong tax base for decades to come," Abele said in a statement.

Developer Rick Barrett proposed the development for the corner of Lincoln Memorial Drive and Michigan Avenue.

"This development is going to continue to transform the lakefront. It's an extraordinary addition to the Calatrava, Discovery World and future developments," Barrett said.

The high-rise would include about 180 hotel rooms, 180 apartment units and retail units for the bottom floors. There would also be about 800 parking spaces, and walkways to other downtown venues.

Barrett says he is making a promise to hire Milwaukee workers for the project.

"This is a strong investment for Milwaukee County, with an estimated 4,400 family-supporting jobs. As much work as we can put towards this struggling economy for trades people, we're gonna do it, and that's our promise to the community," Barrett said.

Abele says no county dollars will be spent on the project. He needs a development committee to grant him the authority to negotiate the sale of the land.

"I think this will ultimately become a small project in what will become this lakefront area," Barrett said.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Patricia Jursik questioned the process of this project, saying it has not been vetted by the County Board or the public. Jursik has reportedly refused to put the proposal on the agenda for an upcoming committee meeting.

However, Abele pointed out the plan was unanimously chosen by an independent group that included two Milwaukee County supervisors, a city of Milwaukee administrator and philanthropist Michael Cudahy.

Abele says the County Board committee will meet on this on Monday, July 16th.