Marriott Milwaukee Wall-Smashing Ceremony Kicks Off Construction

The new Marriott Milwaukee downtown hotel project kicked off construction on November 28th with a ceremonial wall smashing ceremony.

The Marriott Milwaukee is one of only a few new hotels currently being built in the United States. Project representatives at the ceremony credit the teamwork and creativity that was developed between the public and private sectors for the project's success in getting to this stage.

Developer Jackson Street Management is financing the project using the federal EB-5 program that offers green cards to foreign investors who finance projects that create U.S. jobs. The developer also is raising money using New Markets Tax Credits awarded by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.

Ald. Robert Bauman, who had opposed initial plans to demolish the historic downtown buildings entirely, said the project was “conceived with controversy” but “born with harmony.”

“We look for good design and architecture because, in the long run, good design and architecture benefits everybody,” Bauman said.

Read more in this recent Business Journal article or watch this Fox6 news clip.