Experience I-794 as boulevard; Milwaukee group releases new renderings
MILWAUKEE - An architectural engineer released on Tuesday, July 30, new renderings that allow users to view and experience I-794 as a boulevard. It does so with augmented reality.
A news release says using any mobile device, the initiative is able to showcase a vision that replaces I-794 with a boulevard alternative and development.
The public is invited to explore the augmented reality renderings this summer and fall. Either visit the website or head down to I-794 and do a side-by-side comparison with this technology on your cellphone.
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"What could become of that neighborhood over the years and decades if given the chance to open the potential space between the Third Ward and downtown, the potential of this space is unknown," said Taylor Korslin, a Milwaukee architect and volunteer with Rethink 794.
The Rethink 794 campaign is made up of local architects and designers. They are pushing the idea of turning a portion of 794 into a boulevard.
"I think it is an exciting unknown if given the opportunity to re-envision it," Korslin said. "These renderings really showcase what is possible if the freeway is re-envisioned to a boulevard."
The idea is just one concept the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is studying ahead of deciding the future of the lake interchange.
"You can really see it from the exact same perspective you would if it was really there," architectural designer John Everitt said. "This is the fate of the downtown for the next 40 years or forever."
Not everyone wants to see the freeway come down.
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Leaders in Cudahy, South Milwaukee and St. Francis are all opposed, as well as some state lawmakers.
As the debate over its future is up in the air, this is just a glimpse of what could become.
"Do a little dreaming of what they could see there," Everitt said.
WisDOT is expected to release additional potential designs for the interchange this fall or winter.
Check out the augmented reality renderings at i794.com. Learn more about Rethink 794 at the project’s website: rethink794.com.