Coming this summer: Pier Wisconsin

Construction is one of the major topics on everybody's mind in Milwaukee these days. One cannot go into or out of the city without being affected by the Marquette Interchange project that has been going on for months now and won't be completed until 2008. Exits are closed, lanes are rerouted, and with all the rubble and machinery, the area looks like a war zone.

The famous whale wall – which can be seen here in a picture Dave and I took while driving past it a few days ago – is even set to be demolished any day now; and a sad day it will be. (Although, the structure does contain asbestos, so it's probably best it comes down. And did you know it might be haunted?)

The new Marquette Interchange will be sleeker-looking and hopefully more efficient come 2008, but between the loss of the beloved whale wall, the traffic hassles and the ugliness that is the freeway at this point, construction has a pretty bad rap in Milwaukee right now.

However, I was reminded of a different construction project the other day when I decided to take the lakefront home instead of going my usual route on I-94, and it's a construction project that is set to be done much sooner than 2008 and that will add even more beauty to our lakefront. It's the new Pier Wisconsin, and it's set to open this summer.

Construction on the Pier has come a long, long way since last time I'd seen it, and as I drove by last week, I made a mental note to get down there soon and take a closer look.

Today was another gorgeous spring Sunday, and Dave and I took an hour-long walk around Shorewood and Whitefish Bay to enjoy it. We came upon Big Bay Park in Whitefish Bay, a park that boasted the most expansive and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan that I've seen. We sat on a bench and just gazed out for several minutes and we marveled, like we always do, at how lucky we are to live in a place set right on this huge, spectacular body of water. I've said it before, but most of the country doesn't have that. Unless you live on a Great Lake or on the ocean, you're out of luck. Sure, the ocean is grander and smells better and is nicer to swim in … oh, and usually has nicer weather along with it … but the Great Lakes are definitely the next best thing!

On our walk, we even saw our geocaching buddy, Charlie! He was out enjoying the day, too, riding his bike with a friend, and we both said hi as we passed each other. 

A little later in the afternoon, Dave and I drove down to the lake to scope out the new Pier Wisconsin. Ten minutes was about all we could take of the wind and cold that had rolled in, but we got some good pictures and it was fun to see up-close what will be.



After snapping a couple photos of the interior through the windows, we ventured onto the side of the building to check out the circular structure that overlooks the lake, but as we started walking a man came after us (you can see him in the background in the picture of Dave) and said we couldn't be out there. There had been a fence with a Keep Out sign blocking the way, but the wind had blown it aside and we hadn't seen it. Oops. We walked around the other side to check it out, thought, and it's really awesome. Talk about a primo party venue.

As we walked around, quite a few cars full of people were driving up so they could check out Milwaukee newest addition, too.

It's going to be a really great destination. The Discovery World Museum will be inside, the circular structure, called the Pilot House, will be available for rental for special events (and Bartolotta's has the exclusive catering contract, so the food will be outstanding), and the S/V Denis Sullivan, a replica of an 1880's schooner, will be docked there and will be available for public sails and dock tours.

I can't say for sure whether I'll ever attend an event in the Pilot House (though I'd sure like to!), but I'll definitely be checking out the museum and the schooner this summer. I can't wait! 

Comments

[Carmi]

Looks like Milwaukee is getting some amazing public spaces...something that would attract visitors from afar. I know I'd love to spend time at Pier Wisconsin (see my post on my blog about my love of all things water.)

Great to e-see you again, Erin.

[Mark]

I'm incredibly excited for this to open! I'm heavily involved in Milwaukee development so I'm constantly keeping track of all of the construction around the city. Here's a discussion thread I started in a development forum - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=327476. All kinds of good things to read/see in there. :)

[Derek]

The wind blew over the "Keep Out" sign, sure. Don't be so modest. You were going above and beyond, and in this case, trespassing, to bring us readers a behind-the-scenes look at the new attraction! :)

[Amanda]

This sounds like a really cool project!

You know, I read all the time about you and Dave taking great walks near your house. The next time I visit you, I'm going to come during the day and we're going for a walk!

[Scouser]

Hi, just thought I'd come and say hello from Michele's

[Charlie]

Hey, Erin. Thanks for the mention! :)

BTW... I think you're the 1st Milwaukeeian (Milwaukeian, Milwaukatian?... whatever) who has said they liked the whale wall

Whenever I pass it was any of my friends, they say they hated it

Personally, I'll side w/ you