New $89 million Milwaukee Symphony development a major economic catalyst for downtown

MMAC affiliates play key role in redevelopment of Grand Theatre, Wisconsin Ave.

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Three MMAC affiliates – the Milwaukee Development Corp. (MDC), the Milwaukee Urban Strategic Investment Corp. (MUSIC) and the Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee Development Corp. – have played significant roles in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s efforts to redevelop the Grand Theatre into its new home, working with the organization to purchase and secure control of the cinema and neighboring properties.

The $89 million project at 2nd Street and Wisconsin Avenue, named “The Milwaukee Symphony Center,” will transform the former Grand Theatre into the symphony’s new concert hall, and combine an adjacent office building and parking lots into the development. The hall is expected to open in the second half of 2020. An official groundbreaking event was held on June 21.

The theatre, which opened in 1931, is a historic landmark that will be expanded to the north and east to make room for a larger stage, loading docks, dressing rooms and other amenities. Providing renovation cost savings are $17 million in state and federal historic tax credits. When remodeled, the iconic building will be a catalyst for economic development as a major asset within Milwaukee's cultural, social and business communities.

In addition to its own impact on downtown’s west side, the Grand Theatre's redevelopment will also help other nearby projects, including the Grand Avenue's conversion that is underway across the street. MDC is supporting the redevelopment of the Shops of Grand Avenue, investing $2.3 million to help repurpose the mall into mixed use office, residential and retail space.