A planned public gathering space along the Milwaukee River will honor developer Gary Grunau. The plaza is planned for downtown Milwaukee.
The planned plaza is intended to strengthen pedestrian connections along Milwaukee's riverfront. Milwaukee-based architecture firm RINKA designed the space, which incorporates seating, greenery, an LED-lit trellis structure, and a central “social stair” meant to double as an outdoor gathering and event venue, according to Urban Milwaukee.
Funding for a Planned Riverfront Plaza
The planned project includes funding through a local tax incremental financing district, according to Urban Milwaukee.
RINKA renderings show a planned plaza associated with BID 15.
Remembering a Developer Who Reshaped Downtown Milwaukee
Grunau, a prominent Milwaukee real estate developer and civic leader, was a longtime champion of downtown revitalization. He died on September 24, 2019, at age 80 following a two-year battle with brain cancer, according to Milwaukee Independent. Before moving into commercial development, Grunau helped operate his family's mechanical contracting business, Grunau Co.
His development résumé includes some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. In 1983, he partnered with the Sampson family to purchase and redevelop the former Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company site into Schlitz Park, Urban Milwaukee reports. Schlitz Park was later sold in 2019.
Grunau's development résumé includes Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, and the relocation of ManpowerGroup's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee, per the same outlet's reporting.
Grunau's Role in the RiverWalk
Urban Milwaukee reports that Grunau played a role in the development of Milwaukee's RiverWalk.
In 2011, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation honored Grunau and his legal counsel partner Bruce T. Block with the Frank Kirkpatrick Award, recognizing their combined contributions to physical community development in Milwaukee, per the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Part of a Broader Wave of Waterfront Growth
Earlier city plans have included other riverwalk and waterfront improvements.
For downtown visitors and residents alike, the planned plaza is intended to strengthen connections along the riverfront, continuing the downtown revitalization work Grunau championed.
