Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee held a public hearing on historic designation for the Milwaukee Auditorium (Miller High Life Theater) and UWM Panther Arena at 412-500 W Kilbourn Avenue. The committee voted 4-1 to recommend historic designation after the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously found the buildings met five of ten criteria. The committee also approved development agreement amendments for the Downtown Dog Park riverwalk ($70,000 increase) and Corcoran Avenue extension in the Historic Third Ward, and recommended a rezoning from LB-2 to RT-4 at 2560 N Teutonia Avenue for residential lot consolidation.
Key Decisions (7)
Historic Designation for Milwaukee Auditorium and UWM Panther Arena
Committee voted 4-1 to recommend historic landmark designation for the Milwaukee Auditorium (Miller High Life Theater, built 1909) and UWM Panther Arena (built 1950) at 412-500 W Kilbourn Avenue. The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously found the buildings met five criteria: exemplification of cultural/economic/social heritage, site of significant historic event (Theodore Roosevelt's 1912 speech after being shot), distinguishing architectural characteristics (neoclassical Beaux Arts and international styles), work of master architects (Ferry and Klass, Eschweiler and Eschweiler), and unique visual feature of the civic center. Wisconsin Center District opposed designation citing future maintenance costs and potential development constraints.
Development Agreement Amendment for Downtown Dog Park Riverwalk
Amendment to development agreement with RunPKG for the Downtown Dog Park at 103 W Clybourn Street, increasing city contribution from $600,000 to $670,000 for riverwalk construction costs. Additional costs resulted from structural foam requirements over freeway footings and deferred engineering fees from Graef. Funded through TID 68 (First Place).
Development Agreement Amendment for Corcoran Avenue Extension
Amendment to development agreement with Milwaukee Apartment Ventures (developer of The Evani apartments) for Corcoran Avenue extension in Historic Third Ward from Jackson Street to Harbor Drive. Original agreement from December 2022 funded $3,555,000 through TID 56 (Erie Jefferson). Additional funding needed for project completion.
Rezoning at 2560 N Teutonia Avenue
Rezoning from Local Business LB-2 to Two-Family Residential RT-4 for approximately 9,874 square foot vacant parcel. Adjacent homeowner Tyrone Tubbs seeks to purchase the city-owned lot to combine with his residential property for additional green space. Site has been vacant since approximately 1980, acquired by city in 2001. Consistent with Fond Du Lac and North Area Plan recommendations.
Marcus Center Parking Structure Maintenance Funding
Communication regarding $224,000 in emergency maintenance costs for Marcus Center parking structure, including elevator repairs. Marcus Center faces cash flow issues due to delayed RFP process for PAC grounds redevelopment after Neutral developer project collapsed. Dispute over funding source involving DPW parking enforcement vehicle purchases versus maintenance reimbursement.
New RFP for Marcus Center Parking Structure Site Redevelopment
Resolution directing Department of City Development to prepare new RFP for redevelopment of city-owned Marcus Center parking structure site. Previous developer (Neutral) determined unable to proceed with project. DCD Commissioner Lafayette Crump indicated interest in exploring options with two other original RFP respondents and broader development community, targeting someone under contract within six months.
Land Sale at 748 N 27th Street
Resolution authorizing RACM to sell approximately 9,874 square foot parking lot at 748 N 27th Street to So High Corner Inc (John Hennessy) for $5,000. Purchaser plans $230,000 in improvements for parking lot adjacent to Daddy's Soul Food restaurant. Siebert Lutheran Foundation (tenant) contributing to improvements in exchange for new 10-year lease. Property will provide approximately 25 parking spaces.
Zoning Changes (1)
2560 N Teutonia Avenue (east side, south of W Clark Street)
Tyrone Tubbs (adjacent property owner)
Development Activity (5)
Downtown Dog Park Riverwalk
Riverwalk connection under Clybourn Bridge in river walk overlay zone. City contribution increased from $600,000 to $670,000. Includes structural foam installation over freeway footings where riverwalk meets Clybourn Street sidewalk.
Corcoran Avenue Extension
New street extension with two-sided bike lane (cycle track). Original funding of $3,555,000 from TID 56. Developer constructing on city's behalf.
The Evani Apartments
Apartment complex currently at approximately 60% leased since February 2025 opening. Developer indicated plans to return in February for additional development projects.
So High Corner Parking Lot
Approximately 25 parking spaces serving Daddy's Soul Food and Siebert Lutheran Foundation. $230,000 improvement budget. Entrance relocated to Hazelton Street with exit on Wells Street.
Marcus Center Parking Structure Site
Previous RFP selected Neutral developer who is now unable to proceed. DCD exploring options with two other original respondents and broader development community. Edison project across street also stalled.
Market Signals (5)
Commercial Demand
The Evani apartments in Historic Third Ward reached approximately 60% occupancy within 9 months of opening, indicating strong downtown residential demand.
Infrastructure
Wisconsin Center District commissioned Hunden Partners study on highest and best use of Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theater properties, with results expected January 2026, signaling potential major redevelopment of downtown civic center area.
Sentiment
Strong community opposition to potential demolition of historic civic venues, with testimony from UWM, Milwaukee Admirals, and local businesses emphasizing importance of affordable entertainment venues and downtown economic activity.
Commercial Demand
Marcus Center parking structure requires approximately $100,000-$200,000 annually in maintenance plus potential elevator replacement, indicating aging infrastructure challenges for downtown civic facilities.
Housing Demand
Fond Du Lac and North Area Plan recommends allowing homeowners to purchase adjacent vacant lots, reflecting neighborhood stabilization strategy through residential lot consolidation.