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Developer Drops Computing Facility From Midtown Center Redevelopment

Residents' opposition forced the developer to refocus the project toward housing with a new library branch as it returns to city review.

Overview

  • The developer agreed to remove the proposed computing research facility from the Midtown Center plan after sustained public opposition and talks with aldermanic and city officials.
  • The Milwaukee City Plan Commission had postponed a vote on the redevelopment following hours of public testimony that raised environmental and neighborhood-fit concerns about the computing use.
  • The revised proposal keeps 200 affordable housing units and adds a Milwaukee Public Library branch, neighborhood-serving amenities, and an expanded self-storage component.
  • Alderman Mark Chambers said removing the computing facility will likely lower the project's potential tax revenue but said the change better matches residents' priorities voiced during multiple information sessions.
  • The site at 5825 W. Hope Ave. has been vacant since 2016 and the project will be resubmitted to local review bodies, a step that will determine final approvals and affects on housing supply and neighborhood services.