See What’s ‘Growing’ On In Milwaukee: $2.5 Billion in new Tourism Investment is Taking Root
09/15/2004
MILWAUKEE - Sept. 15, 2004 - The seeds of some $2.5 billion in tourism investment have been planted in Milwaukee and now visitors to the city are reaping the harvest. New food, shopping, cultural and recreational options are sprouting, creating new interest in the Genuine American City. Included in this bountiful harvest are five major new tourism projects: Pier Wisconsin, Milwaukee Public Market, theBayshore Mall expansion, Pabst City and the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Opening in winter 2005, Pier Wisconsin will house Discovery World - the James Lovell Museum of Science Technology and Economics, and an innovative, fresh and saltwater education center with aquariums, interactive experiences and dynamic laboratories all designed to highlight and educate visitors on the Great Lakes and oceans. The 65,000 square foot complex will be located directly on Milwaukee's lakefront and will lead to the docks of the Wisconsin's Flagship, S/V Denis Sullivan while also providing public access for fishing, walking and biking. "Exploration Portal" is Pier Wisconsin's digital learning studio hosting two-way video conferencing and live, interactive education programs via satellite and broadband wireless technologies. Portal Expeditions take classroom explorers, in real time, right to the deck of the S/V Denis Sullivan as she travels our fresh and saltwater seas, to the research stations of our partners or to the deck of a shipwreck lying deep beneath the Lakes.
The Historic Third Ward District boasts the highest concentration of art galleries and antique shops and will add the Milwaukee Public Market to its line-up in summer 2005. This new market will provide locally grown organic items, produce, meat, poultry, seafood, cheese and specialty foods. This $11.3 million project is designed to provide consumers with a new experience and "green market" for downtown while also adding to the architectural ambience of the area.
Bayshore Mall is undergoing a major expansion and transformation to a more "pedestrian-friendly" Town Center, giving the area a more "downtown" atmosphere. The end result, expected to be completed by October 2006, will include one million square feet of retail and office space, townhouses, parking garage, a town square, upscale restaurants and more. The Town Center will serve as a community-gathering place, while transforming the area into more than just a shopping center.
The redevelopment of former historic Pabst Brewery will help redefine Milwaukee and expand downtown boundaries with the renovation of 26 buildings to include entertainment, restaurants, retail, office space and residential lofts. This 22-acre, seven-city block area will help to preserve part of Milwaukee's heritage and is expected to be completed by 2007.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is planning a state-of-the-art museum complex, located in the downtown area, creating an international attraction drawing visitors to experience the culture, history, product and people of Harley-Davidson. The Museum will celebrate the company's rich motorcycle legacy along with highlighting the passion and enthusiasm of riders. First phase of this $60 million project is scheduled to open 2006.
Milwaukee continues to grow and enhance its reputation as a "must see" destination. It is the combination of progress, beauty, boldness and tradition that Milwaukee has earned its rightful place as the Genuine American City.
Established in 1967, the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau is the premier marketer of Greater Milwaukee - the Genuine American City. The GMCVB reaches tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally with sales, marketing and public relations programs. Tourism generated $2.5 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2003, which is 21 percent of the state's total tourism impact. The GMCVB has more than 650 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Its main office is at 101 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 425, Milwaukee. It also has a sales office in Washington D.C. The Spirit of Milwaukee (SOM) and Potawatomi Bingo Casino are strategic partners with the GMCVB, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.milwaukee.org.
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Saturday, September 04, 2004
Smooth Traveler: Memorable Milwaukee
09/04/2009