South Milwaukee is witnessing a blast of fresh energy, thanks to a significant financial infusion for the Bucyrus Community Project. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has bestowed a $250,000 Idle Sites Redevelopment Grant to this ambitious mixed-use development project, aiming to transform the former Bucyrus International campus into a vibrant hub. According to a recent announcement by the City of South Milwaukee, the hefty grant is set to catalyze the construction of 132 apartment homes, more than 200,000 square feet of commercial space, and a K5 elementary school, giving life to what once were idle office buildings.
Scott Crawford, Inc. takes the reins as the development leader for the Bucyrus Community Project, which carries a $52 million price tag. The strategy behind the grant program is to resurrect sites that have fallen into economic slumber, laying dormant or underused for at least two years. While presenting over 200,000 square feet filled with potential, the long-quiet walls of the old Bucyrus campus will soon resonate with the footsteps of students and residents alike, as they are integrated into South Milwaukee's future. "The redevelopment of the former Bucyrus campus is a signature economic development project that will contribute to the renaissance of South Milwaukee’s downtown,” Mayor Jim Shelenske expressed gratitude in the City of South Milwaukee public release. Redirecting them from a state of idleness to one of productivity, WEDC aims to revive such sites across Wisconsin.
The Bucyrus Community Project serves as a model for how public and private partnerships can breathe life back into urban spaces. "Regenerative projects such as the Bucyrus Campus Redevelopment need support from all levels of government and we are thankful that the State of Wisconsin through WEDC was able to support the project in such a meaningful way,” stated Que El-Amin, President of Scott Crawford, Inc, in the City of South Milwaukee press release. It's an illustration of synergy, where state funds serve as springboards for comprehensive redevelopment, setting the scene for South Milwaukee's economic evolution.
WEDC's Secretary and CEO, Missy Hughes, emphasized the collaborative essence of such initiatives, highlighting how vital the connections between local leaders, developers, and the WEDC are to ensuring these projects reach fruition. "Partnerships like the Bucyrus Community Project in South Milwaukee demonstrate how local leaders and developers are working together with WEDC to find new uses for previously underutilized properties that will meet the long-term needs of the community," she noted on City of South Milwaukee, recognizing the importance of matching community needs with strategic development.
