City’s request for ‘Net Zero Energy’ development draws robust interest

The Department of City Development announced today that seven development firms responded to a request for proposals for the former Army Reserve site in the Bay View neighborhood. The City of Milwaukee solicited proposals for the purchase and development of the 5.6 acre site at 2372 South Logan Avenue.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said he was encouraged by the response by development firms, noting that despite the economic slowdown, this parcel attracted the same level of interest as the city’s parcel in the Park East and previous development opportunities in the Beerline B Neighborhood along the Milwaukee River.

This is the first time the City of Milwaukee has requested development proposals in which the development must produce the same amount of renewable energy as the energy that’s consumed on-site. This means development proposals should contain alternative energy sources, such as solar panels.

“We’re thrilled with the interest expressed in this green concept and the continued interest we’re seeing in neighborhood developments,” said Mayor Barrett. “We’re leading by example to grow the local demand for green technologies and create green jobs.”

When the former Army Reserve site in his district became surplus, Alderman Tony Zielinski said he immediately saw this as an opportunity to make Milwaukee a leader in solar and other renewable energy by requiring that this development be 100% renewable.

"This will be the first project of its kind in the nation,” said Alderman Zielinski. “It will be a catalyst that significantly spurs similar projects around the country. It is imperative that we move aggressively in this renewable arena so as to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels and increase job opportunities."

The Department of City Development received proposals from the following:

	»	Sherman & Associates, Minneapolis
	»	HD Development, Milwaukee
	»	The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
	»	Direct Current, Milwaukee
	»	Traditional Neighborhood Design, North Carolina
	»	New Land Enterprises, Milwaukee
	»	Vetter Denk, Milwaukee

The City requested proposals for any mix of taxable single-family, townhouse and multi-family residential units that positively impact the surrounding neighborhood of the former Army Reserve site. The redevelopment of this site is one of the catalytic projects recommended by the Southeast Side Area Plan. 

Department of City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux said staff will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Common Council for approval. It is anticipated the recommendation will be made by March.