B&D has shared preliminary findings that reimagine the extensive parking lots surrounding Milwaukee’s American Family Field as a vibrant mixed-use district, one that could bring $750 million to $820 million in new investment and create a dynamic, year-round destination for the community.
Commissioned by the Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, B&D’s analysis explores how currently underused spaces could evolve into a thriving neighborhood with 600 to 1,000 housing units, retail and office spaces, and a 150- to 200-room hotel. The concepts were presented publicly during the District’s Nov. 6 board meeting as part of a broader effort to envision the next generation of development around the stadium.
Representing B&D’s Venues Practice Group, Bill Mykins, Vice President, and Aidan Lebow, Associate, delivered the presentation to the District board. As the Milwaukee Business Journal reported, the ideas are “hypothetical for now” but illustrate the long-term potential for 25 to 30 acres of surface parking to be converted into an active, mixed-use environment centered around the Menomonee River.
B&D’s concept framework envisions a more connected, accessible district supported by new structured parking, housing, retail, and public spaces that invite year-round activity. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the envisioned redevelopment could contribute roughly $19 million annually to local governments through payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements.
“The concepts demonstrate what’s possible when we think creatively about how to transform underutilized assets into year-round destinations,” Mykins said. “Everyone wants to see something happen other than have parking lots sit empty.”
The initiative reflects a collaboration among city leaders, the Brewers organization, and local stakeholders, all exploring ways to expand the economic and community impact of one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable venues. B&D will deliver its final redevelopment report to the Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District by the end of November.