Building The Future Together

Summerfest is fast approaching and this year visitors will notice easier access to the grounds now that the Lakefront Gateway project is complete. The Lakefront Gateway project was a unique collaboration between the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin along with Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc. (MWF), the non-profit entity that operates Summerfest. Its purpose is to improve public spaces at the downtown lakefront, improve connections between the lakefront, downtown Milwaukee, and the Historic Third Ward, and create and enhance development sites. By all accounts, the $34 million project which also realigns the I-794 ramps to/from the west and Lincoln Memorial Drive, is a huge success.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Mayor of Milwaukee Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Summerfest President & CEO Don Smiley and Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Dave Ross. Dozens of local dignitaries joined the celebration along with the proud Hunzinger project team.

Hunzinger was hired by MWF and served as general contractor to reconstruct Summerfest’s front door. This piece of the Lakefront Gateway project was designed by EUA and includes a new and extended entry plaza with new site concrete and pavers, lighting, banners, signage, fencing and security bollards. Additionally, parking lots were reconfigured to improve access to the grounds. Hunzinger’s work began in spring and was completed in under 3 months.

VIEW NEWS COVERAGE OF THE EVENT HERE:

http://fox6now.com/2017/06/13/gorgeous-new-addition-wisdot-celebrates-opening-of-the-lakefront-gateway-project/

http://www.cbs58.com/news/ribbon-cutting-marks-the-completion-of-phase-one-of-lakefront-gateway-project

http://www.wisn.com/article/milwaukees-lakefront-gateway-project-ready-for-summer-traffic/10018630