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At its peak, the A.O. Smith automobile frame factory on N. 27th St. supported some 9,000 workers. In 1997, the property was sold to Tower Automotive which closed its operations in March 2006. But the 140-acre site, bordered roughly by W. Capitol Dr. and W. Townsend St., N. 35th St. and N. Hopkins St., is seeing a rebirth.
"It will take years to fully redevelop the complex, but the city's decision to build a new $24 million public works office on the site is an important beginning," said Ald. Wade, whose district includes the Tower site. The new public works facility at 3850 N. 35th St. houses 480 city employees from four Milwaukee Water Works facilities that were closed and public works employees from two other facilities.
Next year the Department of City Development will begin using a $250,000 federal grant to create a detailed plan for the property. "My vision is to transform the property into a beautiful mixed-use area of retail, housing, manufacturing and offices and take advantage of this wonderful location," said Ald. Wade. Much of the success of that plan will depend on the city's ability to get more money to help with the environmental cleanup.
The Tower site's new designation as an enterprise development zone has already resulted in the complex receiving up to $3 million in state tax credits. To be eligible for the credits, companies locating within the new develop-ment must create full-time jobs that pay at least 150% of the federal minimum wage. |