Just off Bluemound Rd. near Calhoun Road, construction equipment rumbles throughout a jobsite in a synchronized method. Dirt is being moved and the land is getting prepared for what is soon to become The Corridor, a 66-acre master plan mixed-use development in Brookfield. While the Corridor continues to take shape, the main “foundation building” actually took place much earlier in the form of a public-private partnership developed between the City of Brookfield and Irgens Partners LLC.
Driven by the vision of the project’s potential for the community and the city of Brookfield, the partnership came together through commitment and a combined focus by city officials and Irgens to make it a reality. This included incorporating public/green space and community use facilities. Safe and convenient transportation that offered connectivity and a quality pedestrian urban experience were also key elements. The development needed to provide high quality, visibility and value with a focus on employment along with the ability to generate additional or significant tax revenue. Lastly, the project design conceived needed to reflect new urbanism, be environmentally sustainable with attractive landscaping and streetscaping and ultimately deliver a high profile to attract business and economic growth.
Because of the dedicated effort, teamwork, and a commitment to the city’s vision and public support, The Corridor is set to become Brookfield’s next community asset and destination. “This is a great working example of a successful public – private model,” said Dave Arnold, Executive Vice President at Irgens Partners, LLC. “Without the hard work and cooperation from the city officials as well as the public support, substantial job creation due to projects like The Corridor would be extremely difficult to accomplish.”
Public support plays an important role to help construct roads and infrastructure to help level the playing field and make the Corridor competitive with developments in surrounding communities using similar approaches. It also provides other public benefits including pedestrian friendly access to green space, trails and other walking/biking pathways. “The goal of the City of Brookfield in partnering with Irgens was to make the 66 acre Corridor a truly premier commercial development and lasting legacy for our community,” said City of Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto. “I believe we are off to a great start.”
The development will consist of three components: The Shoppes at the Corridor with 140,000 square feet of retail space, high-quality retail stores and destination restaurants; The Corridor Corporate and Technology Park with over 400,000 square feet of Class A multi-tenant office buildings; and a multi-purpose site available for a health/wellness center, a hotel and potential conference center. The Ruby House and Barn will be renovated and repurposed as a complimentary commercial asset for the community. The possible relocation of Visit Brookfield has been mentioned for the space.
The Corridor continues to gain momentum as the buzz continues with each new tenant announcement. Current businesses that will call the Corridor home include: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Portillo’s, a Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, a branch bank, a financial services firm and a premier national health club. 500 construction jobs have been created with over 3,000 high-value, high-wage positions to be generated once the Corridor is completed over the next five to seven years.
The various benefits of The Corridor will be enjoyed by many for years to come once it is completed. Those who continue to work diligently on the successful public-private partnership, in the spirit of making Brookfield even more attractive, productive and viable, can be proud of the legacy that is currently being built.
