FPC Live music venues; workforce commitments to Milwaukee labor
MILWAUKEE - The Bradley Center is long gone, but not if the Milwaukee Bucks and one of the nation's largest concert promoters have anything to say about it.
The Bucks want to build a 4,000-seat venue along with a smaller 800-person space, taking up about a third of the land where the Bradley Center once stood. On Monday, Oct. 10, the Bucks and Madison-based concert promoter FPC Live announced a labor agreement – but that was just the beginning.
"But this – when we talk about lighting the district up for 100 more nights a year, bringing more people to Milwaukee, to the restaurants and hotels on an annualized basis – this is one of the greater uses we could have imagined," said Peter Feigin, Bucks President.
Peter Feigin
FPC Live backed off earlier this year on a plan to build a concert venue in the city's Third Ward. But pushback followed it across town.
The downtown development is a controversial one for smaller, independent venues – like Turner Hall across the street.
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"Would have a 'devastating impact' on the revenue and operation of Turner Hall," said Emilio De Torre, Milwaukee Turners Executive Director.
Turner Hall, Milwaukee
Those opposed to the project spoke at a September city plan commission meeting. They said the city does not need the venue – and they are worried about gun violence.
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The committee narrowly approved the zoning changes, allowing the process to move forward.
"As we’ve said from the onset, we think that the rising tides can raise all boats," said Charlie Goldstone, FPC Live President.
FPC Live, the Bucks and trade unions announced union labor agreements on Monday.
"We’re taking a gravel field behind us, and we’re going to turn it into a $50 million, world-class facility," said Dan Bukiewicz, Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council President.
"It builds the strategy we’ve had for years, to transform this work into good family supporting, full-time employment for folks," said Peter Rickman, Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Union President.
FPC Live said 150 to 200 full-time construction jobs will come along with the project. Around a dozen or so full-time jobs will be available once the facility opens – along with hundreds of part-time jobs.
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The zoning changes must still be approved at the committee level and the full Milwaukee Common Council.
The plan is to break ground on the project this fall – with a scheduled opening in early 2024.