Carolyn Esswein looks back at ten years of progress in the Milwaukee Harbor District
About a decade ago, the Milwaukee Harbor District set out to transform an underutilized waterfront into a vibrant space for jobs, housing, and public access. Today, that vision is being actively implemented, shaped by years of collaboration and thoughtful planning. Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Urban Planning, Carolyn Esswein, was there from the start, serving on the district’s board for seven years—two as president—and leading the development of visual renderings that helped bring the vision to life.
As the district reaches its 10-year milestone, Esswein reflects on its early days, the progress that has been made, and what she sees as opportunities ahead.
Looking back, what inspired the original vision for the Milwaukee Harbor District, and what were the key goals in the early planning stages?
Connecting people to the waterfront and enhancing the natural environment were key factors in early planning. How can you do this while bringing in new housing and jobs, the key was to engage the community and be bold while respecting the working waterfront.
Your role at SARUP helped shape the district through visual renderings that illustrated the vision’s potential. How important was that in gaining support for the project?
It was difficult for people to imagine something beyond the coal piles and large warehousing buildings. Harbor District, Inc. used our renderings to illustrate how the area could become a vibrant space, connecting people to the waterfront, and integrating new development with existing infrastructure to create opportunities for people to live, work and explore the inner harbor.
Public access to the waterfront was a key priority—how do you feel the district has succeeded in this area?
Harbor View Plaza has been a great success as a place for people of all ages to view the large ships, learn about Great Lakes habitat, and play within water structures. The summer events bring people to the area to learn about everything from sturgeons to kayaking to cultural stories of Milwaukee, showcasing many of our local organizations.
What impact has the district had on jobs and housing in Milwaukee, and what do you see as the next big opportunity?
The planning vision has spurred both new housing and jobs to the Harbor District. The area is home to numerous start-ups and small businesses, Komatsu’s relocated headquarters, and Michels Corporation’s Milwaukee office and riverfront housing. The economic impact is expected to exceed $800 million. Future plans include more housing along Greenfield Avenue, an enhanced boat launch, and the potential for a continuous riverwalk connecting to downtown.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the Milwaukee Harbor District?
I’m excited for the extended riverwalk, planned to start construction in summer 2025. Part of our early planning vision, the connection along the Komatsu site will offer new opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the water and view the amazing working waterfront that supports Wisconsin and the Midwest.
