More development for Milwaukee's Park East

The teardown and redevelopment of the Park East Freeway in Milwaukee has been criticized for its slow progression. Yet money was saved by not spending up to $80 million to repair the freeway spur, access to downtown Milwaukee has improved, and 26 acres of urban blocks have opened for development. The economy, and some say ownership by Milwaukee County and its attempts to sell too-large parcels in a time of difficult credit, have slowed development. Still, a 30-story office tower, a hotel, condos, and other projects have been built. The latest to be approved in late June is a three-phase project occupying a 2.1-acre block — the first phase will include 85 market-rate apartments, 14,600 square feet of retail, and 246 parking spaces, developed by Wangard Partners Inc. and Park East Square. The rendering of phase 1, above, shows the influence of the urban codes. The perimeter is pedestrian-friendly with the parking in the center.