The new MKE Dog Park is scheduled to open later this year at 103 W. Clybourn St. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 5th at 3 p.m.
The 22,000-square-foot dog park – a collaboration between Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21 (BID #21) and the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District #2 (BID #2) – will be built under the I-794 freeway along the west bank of the Milwaukee River, where a new section of the RiverWalk is also being built.
Adjacent to the park, the Foxtown Landing complex is being built with a restaurant and a brewery bar as well as spacious outdoor areas on the river bank.
The dog park includes separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, artificial turf with an irrigation system for maintenance, security lighting, decorative fencing, watering stations, public art and access to the RiverWalk.
“Since announcing plans for the first downtown dog park on this unused site, excitement for the project has continued to grow,” said Matt Dorner, economic development director for Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Businesses of all sizes, philanthropic partners and thousands of residents have pledged their support for this important facility.”
“As fundraising efforts continue, their enthusiasm for the project has brought us to this exciting point.”
The naming rights for the park were acquired in 2002 by Fromm Nieman Brands, which owns Fromm Family Pet Foods and Foxtown Brewery & Station in Mequon.
The following year, the Admirals became one of the dog park’s main sponsors.
“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park,” said Tom Neiman, owner of Fromm Family Pet Food.
“As a family-owned business dedicated to the well-being of pets, we believe this new facility will improve the quality of life for both dogs and their owners in the community. We are excited to be part of the upward momentum in the Greater Downtown area.”
Earlier this year, exploratory work was carried out on the adjacent land to determine if foundations from previous buildings still exist on the future site of Foxtown Landing, and work is expected to begin there soon.
On July 25, the City of Milwaukee Board of Appeals approved a request from the developers of Foxtown Landing for a special permit to allow a design that does not comply with street-facing window rules. Next, the City Development Department will review approval to construct the building’s foundation.
If all goes well, the dog park should be open by next year’s opening, as the new Foxtown Landing rises to the south.
“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park is being revitalized to meet the growing needs of our residents, employees and guests,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and BID #2.
“The groundbreaking ceremony is an opportunity to thank all of our dedicated partners, sponsors and those who have supported the project from the beginning. At the same time, we would like to attract new supporters for the sponsorship opportunities that are still available.”
