Proposed streetcar project could impact Johnson Controls' potential expansion into downtown
Proposed streetcar project could impact Johnson Controls` potential expansion into downtown
Proposed streetcar project could impact Johnson Controls` potential expansion into downtown
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The proposed downtown Milwaukee streetcar project could affect Johnson Controls' potential expansion downtown. Johnson Controls is considering a number of new locations and "convenient transportation" is one key factor as company leaders debate whether to expand into downtown.
"It`s no secret Johnson Controls is looking on Clybourn Avenue and they`re looking at this (streetcar) project," Dan Bukiewicz with the Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council said.
Reports out Wednesday, January 21st say Johnson Controls is planning a 50-story tower downtown. FOX6's News partners at the Milwaukee Business Journal report Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman on Wednesday reportedly said Johnson Controls is eyeing a site along the lakefront for a new headquarters office tower for 2,000 or more workers. A report at BizTimes.com says it would be the company's corporate headquarters, and the tallest building in the state.
"How nice would it be if you could get on a light-rail system and get from the airport right downtown to the world headquarters?" Bukiewicz said.
The Business Journal reports the city of Milwaukee's development commissioner has confirmed discussions with Johnson Controls, but declined to discuss details. Milwaukee's Department of City Development spokesman told the Business Journal the department has not briefed any aldermen on the project. Robert Bauman didn't respond to calls from the Milwaukee Business Journal or FOX6 News. The director of global media relations for Johnson Controls declined to comment on Bauman's statements.
A spokesperson for Johnson Controls would only tell FOX6 News the company is looking to expand -- offering no specifics, and no confirmation about rumored plans -- issuing this statement:
"Johnson Controls is exploring a full range of options to address our expanding facilities needs in the area to support future growth. These include options within Milwaukee, the surrounding communities and potentially elsewhere. These efforts are focused on growth and would not entail displacing our current local workforce. As we are evaluating options, a key consideration is a vibrant downtown community with convenient transportation and easy access to our facilities. As a result we also have a keen interest in the downtown streetcar project and are monitoring that situation closely."
The company was mentioned Wednesday by Alderman Nik Kovac during the Common Council's debate on the streetcar. Kovac said his comments were based on media reports, the Business Journal says.
"In the case of the Couture Building, in the case of the Johnson Controls World Headquarters consolidation, we have pretty good flesh on the bones of what that development will look like," Kovac said.
The Couture is a 44-story tower proposed for the downtown Transit Center site. In September 2014, developers unveiled new plans that include a public transportation concourse and streetcar stop. Mayor Barrett previously used this $122 million development as an example of a project that hinges on the streetcar's approval.
The Milwaukee Common Council Wednesday pushed back a final vote on the proposed downtown streetcar project to Tuesday, February 10th. Prior to delaying the final vote, aldermen voted 10-5 in favor of the project. But the Common Council then voted to reconsider the project at their next meeting in February.
Johnson Controls is based in Glendale.
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