Summary
The current DPW facility at 16th and Canal is literally sinking — built over 100 years ago on weak soils near the Menominee River, it has never stabilized. Staying would cost $73 million; relocating to 3282 N. 35th Street costs $44 million. The budget requests $10 million toward the relocation with more borrowing planned for 2028-29.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
$10 million in borrowing proposed for 2027; total project estimated at $44 million versus $73 million to stay put.
DPW electrical services staff who would gain a modern, larger, more efficient facility.
No direct harm identified; the current facility's structural issues pose ongoing operational risk.
Mentions & discussions (2)
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE — October 15, 2026
The current DPW facility at 16th and Canal is literally sinking — built over 100 years ago on weak soils near the Menominee River, it has never stabilized. Staying would cost $73 million; relocating to 3282 N. 35th Street costs $44 million. The budget requests $10 million toward the relocation with more borrowing planned for 2028-29.
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE — October 1, 2026
The city wants to replace its sinking Canal Street electrical services building with a new $43.8 million facility at 3282 N. 35th Street — $10 million cash plus $30 million in borrowing over three years. Ald. Coggs pressed for details on the $73 million repair estimate and site selection.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Milwaukee
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.