Milwaukee Will Present Red Arrow Park Design Concepts

The city will hold a public open house on October 13 to showcase new visions for the downtown space.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a miniature architectural model of an urban plaza with stone walkways and trees. — Milwaukee city planners will host an open house on October 13 to reveal new design concepts for the downtown Red Arrow Park. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments prioritize community input when redesigning public spaces in your area?

Milwaukee officials will host an open house at City Hall on October 13, 2026, to reveal two design concepts for Red Arrow Park. These renderings incorporate community feedback gathered during a previous session held in March 2026.

Why it matters

The redesign project is a key recommendation of the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, which aims to revitalize the central urban space. The effort follows the closure of the park's commercial tenant, Biggby Coffee, in early 2026.

The project, located at 920 N. Water St., will showcase two distinct design concepts developed by The Kubala Washatko Architects and OLIN. Design services for the initiative are funded through the city's TID #48.

The players

The Kubala Washatko Architects

This Milwaukee-based architecture firm specializes in sustainable design and complex urban projects.

OLIN

This internationally recognized landscape architecture and urban design studio focuses on ecological and social urban revitalization.

The details

Attendees at the City Hall session will be invited to provide input on the proposed designs to help guide city planners. A preferred design concept is expected to be selected following the meeting, serving as a catalyst for future implementation.

A Request for Qualifications was issued in summer 2024.
A community input session and the closure of Biggby Coffee occurred in March 2026.
The open house session takes place at City Hall on October 13, 2026.

Market Landscape

The park redesign aligns with the strategic framework established by the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040. This effort positions the city to modernize its central public spaces to compete with evolving urban cores.

Residents and downtown commuters can influence the future aesthetics and utility of the city's central park by attending the public session. The selection of a new design will eventually dictate the future commercial and recreational offerings available at this site.

The takeaway

Engaging in public open houses allows community members to directly impact the programming and layout of downtown spaces. Residents who frequent the downtown area should monitor upcoming planning meetings to see how the final design will shape future foot traffic.