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Milwaukee Development Corporation (MDC)

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
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Milwaukee Development Corporation
Founded in 1973 as the Milwaukee Redevelopment Corporation, the Milwaukee Development Corporation has served as the business community’s not-for-profit civic developer. In 2003, Milwaukee Redevelopment Corporation became an affiliate organization of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, changed its name to the Milwaukee Development Corporation (MDC) and expanded its mission to include more broad-based economic development initiatives throughout greater Milwaukee.

MDC initially provided private-sector leadership and financial support to revitalize downtown Milwaukee through the backing of 46 leading Milwaukee businesses. Its priority was stabilizing the retail district west of the Milwaukee River. The development focus was a $150 million venture that included the construction of the Hyatt Regency, the Henry Reuss Federal Plaza and the Grand Avenue.  

Today, MDC continues to initiate and promote projects that support the Milwaukee community. MDC is active in the Pettit Ice Center, 30th St. Industrial Corridor, City of Milwaukee Downtown Stakeholders, Menomonee Valley Partners, and the W. Wisconsin Avenue Task Force.

MDC has also taken on a leadership role and is the operating entity for the Milwaukee 7 Regional Economic Development Partnership. The affiliation between MMAC and MDC strengthens both organizations’ ability to respond to retention, expansion and attraction opportunities that drive economic growth for the region. >>Learn more at ChooseMilwaukee.com.


Projects by MDC & MUSIC

Click the maps for details
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Board of Directors

Co-Chair: Steve Chernof
Godfrey & Kahn

Co-Chair: Frank J. Krejci
Strattec Security Corp.

Treasurer: Craig Kammholz
MMAC

Secretary: Timothy Sheehy
MMAC

President: D. Patrick O’Brien
Milwaukee Development Corp.

Directors:
​Erica-Nicole Harris
WISPARK LLC
 
Michael Hatch
Foley & Lardner
 
Bob Hillis
Direct Supply
 
John Kissinger
GRAEF
 
Barry Mandel
Mandel Group

Stephen McGuire
U.S. Bank
 
Rolando Rodriguez
The Marcus Corporation
 
David Stearns
Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club | American Family Field
 
Rich Tennessen
Eppstein Uhen Architects

Investors

AT&T Wisconsin
Direct Supply
Eppstein Uhen Architects
Foley & Lardner
Godfrey & Kahn
GRAEF
Mandel Group
MGIC
Mke Brewers Baseball Club
Northwestern Mutual
Old National Bank
Robert W. Baird
Strattec
The Marcus Corporation
U.S. Bank
Zilber/Towne Realty

Historical Projects

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Kenilworth 
The Kenilworth Building, our joint-venture project housing UWM graduate students, the UWM Peck School of the Arts and street level retail continues to perform leasing at almost full occupancy anchored by national tenants

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Library Hill 
Library Hill Apartments closed 2017 with 95% occupancy rates. In 2013, MDC refinanced the Library Hill project/property which provided additional capital to invest elsewhere in the community. This resulted in the formation of the Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corporation (MUSIC). >>LEARN MORE about MUSIC projects and investments

MDC was granted ownership of a land parcel in the Pabst redevelopment project that has now been converted to Preservation Park and will be turned over to the local business improvement district. The park is dedicated to Milwaukee’s rich brewing history.

Hover over each image for more details.
The redevelopment of west Wisconsin Avenue into the Hyatt Regency, Henry Reuss Federal Plaza and Grand Avenue was a large-scale boost to revitalize the downtown landscape. Today, the Shops at Grand Avenue foster important partnerships between the business community and the City of Milwaukee. MDC was the catalyst for the project, responsible for $16 million in stockholder equity.
The MDC played a critical role in helping to free up land in the Menomonee Valley to make way for the Harley-Davidson Museum. The museum opened in 2008 and generates approximately $78 million in annual spending, plus 70 jobs.
This 11-acre, 3-block site includes 124 apartments and 64 townhouses on property - revitalizing the northeast end of downtown. MDC helped secured a tax incremental finance district for the project. The second phase introduced a grocery store and an additional 18,000-square feet of retail space.
Grand Avenue Mall, Henry Reuss Federal Plaza and Hyatt Regency
Timeframe:
​Cost:
​Developers:

​Architects: ​
1980 - Aug. 1982 
$70 million
The Rouse Company, City of Milwaukee, MDC 
Elbasani, Logan & Severin Design Group
Harley-Davidson Museum
East Pointe Commons
Timeframe:
Developer:
​Architects:
​1987-1992
Trammell Crow
Nagle Hartray & Associates, Eppstein Uhen 
MDC was a joint venture partner with the Madsen Corp. in the development of the 354-unit Yankee Hill Housing. The rental project included two apartment towers built between Jackson and Van Buren Streets north of Kilbourn Avenue.
Yankee Hill Housing
Timeframe:
Cost:
Developer:
1988
$30 million
Madsen Corp.
Milwaukee Center Theater District ​
Timeframe:
Cost:
Developers:
​Architects:
1985 – 1987
$100+ million
Trammell Crow Company
Skidmore Owings Merrill (SOM)

Catalytic city-wide partnerships ​

  • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Initiative Corporation (MUSIC) 
  • Pettit National Ice Center 
  • Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee Development Corporation (WAM DC)
  • Menomonee Valley Partners 
  • Mid-West Energy Research Consortium (M-WERC) 
  • Near West Side Partners (NWSP) 

contact us

Milwaukee Development Corporation (MDC)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 220  |  Milwaukee, WI  53203


Picture
Pat O'Brien
President of MDC
414/287-4112

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Marjorie Yoshida
Administrative Services Manager
​414/287-4126

Copyright © 2023 Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
All rights reserved.

301 W Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 220 | Milwaukee, WI 53203 
Tel 414/287-4100 | Fax 414/271-7753 | info@mmac.org
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  • JOIN
  • Membership
    • The benefits of joining
    • Member directory >
      • Member Spotlights
      • Talent Solutions Directory
    • What we do >
      • Talent >
        • Ranking Milwaukee County Schools
        • Education recommendations
        • Technology Education & Literacy in Schools (TEALS)
        • Career-based learning experiences
      • Growth
      • Livability
      • Equity
      • Peer metro comparison
    • Cost saving programs >
      • Health insurance plan
      • Office supply discount program
    • Events >
      • 2021 All Member Meeting
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
      • Talent Solution Series
      • Emerging Leaders Series
      • Global Business Insights Series
      • Member Orientation
      • Replay: The Business of MKE Series
      • Replay: Race Bridge Series
    • For members only >
      • Fall 2022 Impact Report
      • Sponsorship
      • Advertising
    • Need more info?
  • Networks
    • Leadership Council
    • President's Huddle
    • Executive roundtable program
    • FUEL Milwaukee for young professionals
    • Future 50 Awards Program
    • Networking Forum for referrals
    • Region of Choice Initiative
    • Roundtables for high-growth companies
    • World Trade Association
  • Advocacy
    • 2021-2022 Legislative Scorecard >
      • Senate Votes
      • Assembly Votes
    • Recent Legislative Wins
    • Funding Local Governments
    • Miller Park economic impact study
    • Wisconsin State Legislature
    • K-12 Education Recommendations
  • Economic Development
    • Milwaukee 7 Partnership for Economic Development
    • MKE Venture Mentoring Service
    • Milwaukee Development Corp. >
      • Rebuild & Revitalize Program
    • Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC)
    • Milwaukee EB-5 Visa program
    • Starting a business >
      • BizStarts
      • New business planning guide
  • Metro MKE
    • 2022 Navigate Business MKE
    • Business outlook survey
    • Economic trends
    • Local media listings
    • Major employers in metro Milwaukee
    • Metro Milwaukee demographics
    • Order a publication
    • Relocating a business
  • About
    • Board of directors
    • Career Opportunities at MMAC
    • Staff
    • Milwaukee Commerce magazine
    • Press releases
    • Members of the media >
      • Recent Media Coverage
    • Scholarships for minority students