Architecture and Urban Planning students from UWM explored the long-term potential that could result from a possible removal of I-794. Their designs were shared with the public at an Open House event on Thursday at 3rd Street Market Hall.
Through an Urban Design Seminar course, students developed design concepts of what the land under and adjacent to the I-794 corridor can become over a 30-year timeline, including new development opportunities, public spaces, transit upgrades, and stronger street connections between downtown and the Third Ward.
Notably, the city could see upwards of $100 million in annual tax revenue based on evaluations made by the students of the total assessment value of these new developments. Comparatively, a replacement of the freeway with no significant development would result in $0 economic benefit, according to their analysis.
Carolyn Esswein (Associate Professor and Co-Chair, Urban Planning) and Dr. Larry Witzling (Professor Emeritus, Architecture) serve as faculty advisors for the Urban Design Seminar. Plans developed by students are based on initial ideas presented by volunteer advocacy group, Rethink 794. Members of the group served as reviewers throughout the semester.
Students who presented work: Seth Amland, Molly Burns, Michael Burrows, Dulce Carreno, Drake Dahlinghaus, Colin Flanner, Erik Heisel, Isabelle Jardas, Luke Koelsch, Isabella Lemieux, Shane O’Neil, Gordy Russell, Carl Sveen, and Gabriel Zaun.
Student proposals are organized into two groups, each with a unique master plan that portrays new neighborhoods, different types of streets, and a wide range of increased economic benefits and impacts. The plans follow the basic traffic and transportation recommendations portrayed in the draft WisDOT freeway replacement concepts.
Currently, WisDOT is planning to undertake a large-scale Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that may be completed after 2026. Historically, WisDOT’s does not include concepts for post-freeway land use and development, making the students’ concepts critical elements in the future of the I-794 corridor.
The UWM School of Architecture & Urban Planning has a history of influence with this type of work, with student projects informing significant developments in greater Milwaukee. The removal of the Park East freeway, now home to the Fiserv Forum and adjacent developments, began as a student project.
With renewed focus on the future of I-794, a possible removal could be the next example of UWM students and faculty leading the way to reclaim territory once dedicated to highways with the goal of creating a better urban environment.