Port Milwaukee Seeks New Tenants

Port Milwaukee is seeking high-quality proposals from prospective tenants for development at its South Shore Cruise Dock.

This waterfront five-acre site, located immediately east of the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry terminal, is available for the development of recreational, entertainment, tourism, cultural, passenger vessel, and public access uses that will enhance the Port’s future growth. Development could begin as early as September 1, 2022, with the execution of a new long-term lease.

Proposals should incorporate new, innovative development concepts to coincide with Milwaukee’s growth of international cruise activity, including the addition of Viking Cruises which is scheduled to begin in 2022. Over 10,000 cruise passengers annually are anticipated to visit Port Milwaukee in the future.

This future development must be mindful of the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry’s ongoing operation and should complement its service offerings to help incentivize new passenger utilization of the ferry. Proposals must include public access opportunities, providing residents, visitors, and cruise tourists with a dynamic, water-centric experience upon arrival.

Port Milwaukee is planning future dock-related enhancements at South Shore and will continue long-term operation and maintenance of the cruise dock and mooring structures, infrastructure, and equipment under the new lease. The Port provides its long-term commercial tenants with world-class access to domestic and world markets via its multimodal transportation operations.

Proposals should be received by 12:00 p.m. Noon (CST) on Friday, December 17, 2021. More information about the RFI is available at portmilwaukee.com.

Port Milwaukee is an economic entity of city government and governed by the seven-member Board of Harbor Commissioners, a panel appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. It administers operations on the 467 acres that make up the Port. It promotes shipping and commerce throughout the region by providing access to domestic and international ships, rail, and over-the-road transportation.