Milwaukee County officials are hopeful that a new agreement between the County War Memorial and Milwaukee Art Museum will ensure the viability and beauty of “two treasures” on the city’s lakefront.
“The County Board brought these two parties together to work out an agreement that would keep these magnificent symbols of Milwaukee County preserved for generations to come,” County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said. “The signing of this compromise signals the end to a long journey for both organizations, but it also signals the beginning of a rejuvenated partnership that will honor our veterans and preserve our art.”
Under the pact, the War Memorial Center/Milwaukee Art Museum will receive $1,586,000 per year from the county from 2014 through 2023. That includes a payment of $1,100,000 to the Art Museum and $486,000 to the War Memorial. The annual funding commitment ends after the 10-year period, but the other portions of the agreement could extend for up to 84 years.
County capital improvement funding of $10 million between 2013 and 2017 will supplement the Art Museum’s planned private funding of $15 million for a total $25 million investment in improvements to the publicly-owned portions of the War Memorial and Art Museum buildings and grounds.
The Milwaukee County Board voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
