Plaza pitched near Wisconsin Center convention hall could include cafe — and help draw a big downtown hotel

A new public plaza proposed just south of the Wisconsin Center convention center could include a cafe, and help attract a large hotel to the downtown Milwaukee site. 

The plaza, to be named for civil rights pioneer Vel Phillips, would be built along West Wisconsin Avenue, between North Phillips Avenue and North Fifth Street, on part of what is now a city-owned parking lot. The convention hall is on the other side of the avenue.

The one-acre plaza could feature a small cafe or beer garden, according to the city`s plans. 

It also could be blended into Wisconsin Avenue for events that would involve closing a section of the street. 

That would likely occur with the July 2020 Democratic National Convention, which will include events at the Wisconsin Center. The plaza is to open by then if it receives Common Council approval...

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Ken Notes: Milwaukee is on a roll developmentally. They are doing a great job leveraging public projects with private development.