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Northridge Mall demolition begins
Workers and heavy machinery began on Wednesday, March 20 the exterior and structural demolition of the city-owned former Boston Store at the former Northridge Mall in Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE - Workers and heavy machinery began on Wednesday, March 20 the exterior and structural demolition of the city-owned former Boston Store at the former Northridge Mall in Milwaukee.
Early Wednesday, picketers arrived to protest the company contracted to do the demolition work. They were members of Local 139.
"Basically, they’re not paying their workers running heavy equipment the area standards," said Mike Ervin.
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The demolition company, HM Brandt, did not respond to a FOX6 News request for comment.
FOX6 News asked Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and a woman who once shopped at Northridge about this day.
Northridge Mall demolition begins
"That has been a source of blight and danger on the northwest side of the city of many, many years," Johnson said. "It’s our intention to take that down and create a new space for new opportunity to happen. I don’t know what that is. But certainly it will be better than what is happening at that site right now."
"I’ve been sitting here, looking at and thinking about all of the good times. The parking lot would be so full, you drive around try to find a parking lot," said Dorothy Nolden, a former Northridge shopper. "A part of me is leaving, but I’m hoping it can sprout up something new for the next generation to come."
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As reported by FOX6 News in January, the cost of the property's demolition will be covered by $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Mayor Johnson said there is no grand plan for the property at this time.
Northridge Mall demolition begins
City of Milwaukee statement
"The City of Milwaukee advertised a public bid for the demolition work at the former Boston Store. HM Brandt, Inc. responded to the bid and was the lowest responsible bidder.
"The Boston Store was the first part of the planned demolition work. The City plans to advertise a public bid for asbestos abatement and demolition for the remainder of the mall later this Spring.
"The City is pleased to see site clearance activities begin at the former Northridge Mall. This is part of the City’s commitment to transforming this site and returning it to productive use."
Project timeline
Here is the timeline the City of Milwaukee mapped out:
Winter 2024
- Secure mall
- Begin demolition of Boston Store building
- Environmental assessments
Spring/summer 2024
- Put out bids for abatement and demolition
- Demolish mall buildings
Fall 2025
- Complete demolition work