The Milwaukee RiverWalk system was developed incrementally over five years using $500,000 annually from the city, but this slow approach was deemed insufficient. A new organized and comprehensive approach was established, forming a public-private partnership and business improvement district to hire consultants, determine costs, and draft regulations and funding policies. This included a site plan review overlay district and financing policies split between the city and private developers. The system has since expanded, adding amenities like public art and hosting events. It has resulted in economic benefits for surrounding areas like the Third Ward and Beerline B.

1. Milwaukee RiverWalk System
Riverwalk Development
&
the realized economic
benefits

2. Mil· wau· kee:
Gathering place by
the rivers.

3. Prior to Riverwalk

4. Prior to RiverWalk

5. Milwaukee Today

6. How did we get there?
• Incremental approach
• $500,000 per year from
City
• The result?
• Five years to complete
three segments
• Needed a faster strategy

7. Organized, Comprehensive Approach
• Established public /
private partnership
• Built constituency
• Formed Business
Improvement District
• Hired design consultant
• Determined project cost
• Drafted regulations &
funding policies

8. Site Plan Review Overlay District

9. Financing
Basic riverwalk :
• 70% City
• 30% Private developer or BID
Basic dockwall:
• 50% City
• 50% Private developer or BID
Public Access Easement
Business Improvement Districts

10. Maintenance

11. Expansion
• Beerline B
• Third Ward
RiverWalk

12. Beerline B

13. Beerline B – 1990

14. Beerline B – Today

15. Beerline B – Results

16. Third Ward

17. RiverWalk Amenities

18. Public Art

19. Enhancements

20. Unique Design

21. Events

22. Questions?

23. Alyssa Remington (414) 286-5802
City of Milwaukee, alyssa.remington@milwaukee.gov
Dept. of City Development