GRAEF-USA Inc.

The Shops at Grand Avenue Renovation

GRAEF provided structural design for the renovation of downtown Milwaukee’s premier shopping center. The Shops of Grand Avenue opened in 1982. They feature 120 specialty retail shops, and Wisconsin’s largest food court.

The Shops of Grand Avenue encompass two main shopping arcades; the elegant two level historical Plankinton Arcade and the three level new Arcade. The Shops is also a remarkable example of preservation, linking five wonderful historic buildings; The Plankinton Building, U.S. Bank, Majestic Building, Boston Store and the Woolworth Building. Extensive restoration and remodeling have made these historic locations, dating back to the early 1900’s, suitable for new uses.

The original renovation of the Grand Avenue Mall in 1982 involved the renovation of historically valuable buildings, as well as new construction, all of which required the blending of new and old structures, both functionally and aesthetically. In order to create a shopping mall so attractive it would serve as a magnet for city residents, downtown office workers and convention visitors, every effort was made in its overall concept to maintain a flavor that is distinctly "Milwaukee," as well as offer the utmost in shopping convenience. New construction included two adjacent parking structures, pedestrian walkways over Plankinton Avenue and Second Street, and a new three-story arcade with stores, restaurants and public activity areas.

Prior to design, GRAEF made structural investigations to determine the soundness of existing buildings. GRAEF then made recommendations for repairs and renovations that would cost-effectively bring them up to code requirements and incorporate them in the overall mall plan. The structural design phase involved the renovation of existing buildings and new structures. In all, the new construction offered an additional 250,000-square feet of retail shopping to the consumer.

To provide adequate parking, two new parking structures were designed to accommodate 1,350 cars adjacent to the mall.
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LOCATION Milwaukee, WI