Groundbreaking announced for Downtown MKE Dog Park

The new MKE Dog Park is expected to open later this year at 103 W. Clybourn St. and a groundbreaking ceremony has been set for Thursday, Sept. 5 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 beneath the I-794 freeway, along the west bank of the Milwaukee River, which will also get a new section of RiverWalk.

Adjacent to the park will be the Foxtown Landing development with a restaurant and brewery taproom, as well as copious outdoor space on the riverfront.

The dog park will include separate fenced areas for big dogs and small dogs; synthetic turf with an irrigation system for maintenance; security lighting; decorative fencing; water stations; public art; and RiverWalk access.

“Since announcing plans for Downtown’s first dog park at this underutilized space, 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 vital amenity.

“While fundraising efforts continue, their enthusiasm for the project has brought us to this exciting juncture.”

Naming rights for the park were purchased in 2002 by Fromm Nieman Brands, which owns Fromm Family Pet Foods and Foxtown Brewery & Station in Mequon.

The following year, the Admirals signed on as a signature sponsor of the dog park.

“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 committed to the well-being of pets, we believe this new amenity will enhance the quality of life for both dogs and their owners in the community. We’re delighted to be part of the upward momentum taking place in the greater Downtown area.”

Exploratory work on the adjacent site was undertaken earlier this year to determine whether or not foundations of earlier buildings remained on the future Foxtown Landing site and work is expected to begin there soon.

On July 25, the City of Milwaukee’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance request from the Foxtown Landing developers to allow a design that does not conform to rules for street frontage windows. Next, the Department of City Development will consider the permit to construct the building’s foundation.

By next time this year, if all goes well, the dog park should be in use as the new Foxtown Landing rises to its south.

“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park area will be revitalized to meet the growing demands of our residents, employees and guests,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and BID #2.

“The groundbreaking celebration is an opportunity to thank all of our committed partners, sponsors and those that have supported the project from the beginning, while also engaging new champions on the sponsorship opportunities still available.”