Plans to build an indoor concert venue near the Summerfest grounds are no longer moving forward, according to both parties involved.
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc, the parent organization of Summerfest, said in a statement it has "determined for multiple reasons, not to pursue the site adjacent to Henry Maier Festival Park for this proposed venue."
The venue was to be programmed by Frank Productions/FPC Live, a Wisconsin-based concert promoter backed by Live Nation, and built on a parking lot near Summerfest's administrative office.
Milwaukee World Festival added it "will continue to focus on its core business of producing Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, as well as providing our community with a full summer calendar of ethnic and cultural festivals along with special events."
The 108,000-square-foot complex would have hosted two venues, one with a 4,000-person capacity and another with an 800-person capacity. Construction was set begin this year, with hopes of opening after Summerfest 2023.
While plans to develop the Summerfest-adjacent site are canceled, Frank Productions said it is still planning to bring the concept to reality.
"We remain committed to developing this state-of-the-art project in Milwaukee, preparing the city for the next several decades of live entertainment, and we will announce more details in due time," FPC Live said in a statement.
"We remain dedicated to the Milwaukee live music landscape, we’re thrilled with our continuing partnership with MWF," it added, indicating the two organizations will continue to work together.
Read their complete statements below
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Statement:
“Henry Maier Festival Park is Milwaukee’s home for live music, showcasing a diverse line-up of artists every summer for over fifty years. With this legacy in mind, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) was exploring the prospect of adding to our community’s music scene through the proposed indoor venue being developed by Frank Productions on land owned by MWF.
"Accordingly, the parties have determined for multiple reasons, not to pursue the site adjacent to Henry Maier Festival Park for this proposed venue. MWF will continue to focus on its core business of producing Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance, as well as providing our community with a full summer calendar of ethnic and cultural festivals along with special events. This also includes an ongoing partnership with FPC to co-promote concerts at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and BMO Harris Pavilion, continuing to bring blockbuster artists to Milwaukee’s lakefront.”
FPC Live Statement:
“After a thorough process, we have determined that the site available near Henry Maier Festival Park is no longer under consideration for our proposed two-venue development in Milwaukee. We remain committed to developing this state-of-the-art project in Milwaukee, preparing the city for the next several decades of live entertainment, and we will announce more details in due time,” said Charlie Goldstone, President of FPC Live.
“We remain dedicated to the Milwaukee live music landscape, we’re thrilled with our continuing partnership with MWF, and look forward to promoting concerts at the lakefront and throughout Milwaukee for years to come.”