The street has two personalities. On the east side of the River are Milwaukee's premier office addresses. The West side is the retail equivalent. The Third Ward, with the Commission Row Buildings, is the historic center of downtown market activity. The Plan proposes a new district, focusing on a public market, that revitalizes this tradition.
Downtown is under-served by grocery stores.
The much needed public market will feature local farmers in indoor and outdoor stalls. These offerings will be enhanced with specialty food and craft items in stores and restaurants on the blocks within a five-minute walk of the public market. The development with in this area will augment the successful Water Street entertainment district. The proposed infill could include mixed-use residential buildings, an entertainment complex, a new square, a hotel, a parking structure and transit transfer building, and streetscape enhancements. One of the most pressing challenges to Downtown is the need to provide better connections between primary Downtown attractions and meeting places.