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The Park East freeway spur in the 1990s. Credit: City of Milwaukee[/caption]
This story is part of "Southeastern Wisconsin's changing landscapes: Then, now and what's next," a feature in the 30th anniversary issue of BizTimes Milwaukee, published on March 17. Find coverage of more areas in the region here or paid subscribers can see the full feature in the digital edition of the magazine.
A new neighborhood has risen in downtown Milwaukee in recent years.
The early 2000s removal of the Park East freeway spur left downtown Milwaukee with a big development hole west of the Milwaukee River. What started a decade ago as an effort by the Milwaukee Bucks to revitalize a series of vacant lots and an arena that was not up to NBA standards has led to the creation of the 30-acre Deer District, boasting hospitality, entertainment, retail and residential uses – plus its $524 million crown jewel, Fiserv Forum.
Deer District is filling up now. A new music venue by Madison-based FPC Live is expected to finish construction later this year as a new mixed-use apartment building and new hotel are expected to begin construction, with another residential development and an office building both in the early planning stages – all of which will transform the city’s skyline and expand downtown to the north and west.
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FPC Live’s music venue under construction and Fiserv Forum in late 2024. Credit Nate Vomhof[/caption]