Gov. Tony Evers today announced on Thursday that he is investing $36.6 million into building projects across the state in Janesville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Door County that were previously rejected by members of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the 2023-25 Capital Budget process including $5 million for the Bronzeville Center for the Arts in Milwaukee.
On the site of the former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources building in Milwaukee, the Bronzeville Center for the Arts has conceptual plans to develop a 50,000-square-foot facility that will elevate the history and culture of African Americans and promises to become a Wisconsin cultural tourism destination.
“We are grateful to Governor Evers for his continued support of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts and our vision for a destination arts museum that increases our collective knowledge of and engagement with African American art, art history and artists,” said Kristen Hardy, chair of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) board, in a statement. “As we continue the design process and evaluate community feedback, this announcement is a major step toward making our vision a reality.
“We also continue work on our Gallery 507 project, the BCA’s first development in Bronzeville. We look forward to a 2024 opening.”
The other four projects Gov. Evers announced today that will receive funding were recommended by the governor in his 2023-25 Capital Budget but were not included by legislative Republicans in the final 2023-25 Capital Budget. They include:
- $15 million for the Janesville Sports and Convention Center, which will generate an estimated $13 million in new economic impact to the community, as well as provide a regional venue for in-state athletic events.
- $9.3 million for the Milwaukee Iron District new soccer stadium will transform a long-vacant property into a thriving destination, as well as advance both local and state tourism and athletic as well as community offerings at one of the busiest intersections in the state.
- $7 million for the Green Bay National Railroad Museum expansion to meet the growing need for museum offerings, accessibility, and immersive programming.
- $330,000 for the Door County Peninsula Players Theatre upgrades, which will provide safe and modern dormitory facilities for the company that draws nearly 40,000 visitors locally.
