Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 is among the latest wave of community influencers to claim a West Wisconsin Avenue address on the burgeoning arterial.
The downtown advocacy group announced it will occupy 5,000 square feet at The Avenue, 301 W. Wisconsin Avenue, by early fall 2019. The announcement came on January 21 on the heels of the recently unveiled transformation plan for The Avenue. Formerly The Shops of Grand Avenue, the new space is planned to include the 3rd Street Market Hall and new headquarters for GRAEF.
Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 will occupy a high-profile space on the first floor of the historic Matthews Building, which is one of many buildings that make up The Avenue complex.
“The roots of our organization began on West Wisconsin Avenue,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21. “At the time, it was an important statement and location for our organization as we launched our clean, safe and friendly programs. The same rings true today. Given the unprecedented development along Wisconsin Avenue, we hope to add vitality to the area and enhance activation.”
The new space will include 2,200 square feet of street-level office space where the public can access a new Downtown Visitor & Newcomer Information Center, as well as the organization’s administrative office. An additional 2,800 square feet on the lower level will serve as meeting space for Milwaukee Downtown’s Public Service Ambassador program. The organization has entered into a 10-year lease agreement.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 to The Avenue,” said Tony Janowiec, partner of The Avenue and CEO of Interstate Development Partners. “As one of downtown’s top cheerleaders, we know the organization will bring a whole new energy that will complement our offerings to visitors, residents and businesses.”
Through its core programs, Public Service Ambassadors, Clean Sweep Ambassadors, a Graffiti Removal Team and Landscape Crew, Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 works to make the central business district an attractive destination to live, work, play and do business. Beyond advocacy and retention and recruitment efforts, the organization produces several events, including Taste & Toast, Downtown Dining Week, Downtown Employee Appreciation Week and the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
“We’re excited to write a new chapter for Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 on West Wisconsin Avenue,” said Joe Ullrich, board chair of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “The synergies in place position us for another two-decade trajectory.”
