The Milwaukee Bucks this week unveiled new renderings depicting what they envision the arena district will look like once the remainder of the area is developed, with possibilities including a hotel, office buildings and more apartments.
The Bucks’ new arena, the Fiserv Forum, has long been considered the central component of a larger eight-block development area just west of the Milwaukee River downtown. Related projects, such as the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Science Center and the Fife Fifty Ultra Lofts to the north of the arena, as well as an entertainment block immediately east of the arena, have already been constructed or are well underway.
“I think it’s all about really creating and continuing to build upon what we’ve already done,” Michael Belot, senior vice president of Bucks ventures and development, said of the updated vision for the arena district area.
Belot said there are four designated blocks that are expected to see development in the coming years.
Those blocks include the site of the former BMO Harris Bradley Center, which is in the process of being demolished. The Bucks refer to that site as blocks two and three. There, the updated renderings depict a mix of offices, a full-service hotel, movie theater, residential and retail space.
Additionally, two blocks to the north and northeast of the arena also show a mix of uses in the new renderings. At block five, which is immediately north of The Moderne residential tower, shows a residential development with street-level retail. To the west of that is block six, which shows primarily office and hotel space, said Belot.
Belot noted that the Bucks have been in talks with a lot of individuals who have proactively approached them about development opportunities at the arena district.
“Within the next two to five years you’re going to see some significant construction,” he said.
Milwaukee-based Eppstein Uhen Architects drew up the renderings. The firm also helped design Fiserv Forum.
