City picks firms to lead update of downtown Milwaukee strategic plan

Milwaukee officials have hired a team of architecture and engineering firms to oversee a reimagining of the city’s downtown.

After starting an RFP process last spring, city officials selected Kubala Washatko Architects, HNTB, American Design and raSmith to provide urban design services as Milwaukee begins drafting a new master plan for the city’s downtown. Consultant P3 Development Group will also oversee equity and engagement work on the project.

The revised downtown plan, called “Connec+ing MKE 2040,” will modify the 2010 plan to guide land-use decisions, the redevelopment of important sites and improvements to streets and public spaces in the next decade or two. A priority of the revised plan will be downtown’s connections to nearby neighborhoods, according to the city. The revised report is one of 14 that make up Milwaukee’s comprehensive plan. The plan is expected to be completed in 2022.