http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/milw-northridge-mall-s456.jpgOnce one of the premier malls in Wisconsin, the Northridge Mall was shuttered in 2002. Grant will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced a $15 million grant has been awarded to the city of Milwaukee for their efforts to redevelop the former Northridge Mall complex located on the city’s northwest side.

“This grant is only the latest example of how we are connecting the dots with our local and federal partners and working to build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities across Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “This project will remove a blighted property, address safety hazards, and clear the way for the site to be redeveloped into a significant asset for the community, bolstering growth and development for Milwaukee and our state.”

Once one of the premier malls in Wisconsin, the Northridge Mall shuttered in 2002 and has been vacant since. Efforts to privately redevelop the property over the years have floundered, and the former mall site has faced trespassing, vandalism, and multiple fires that have drawn concerns from local residents and officials. 

The funds awarded by Gov. Evers today will enable the city of Milwaukee to move forward with its broader revitalization effort for the area. The city had previously acquired a portion of the Northridge property, and the project will include abating environmental contaminants on the site, completing demolition work, relocating utilities, and continuing revitalization planning to help restore the property to productive use.

“I greatly appreciate the governor’s allocation of resources to address this significant problem,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “The property is a danger to our firefighters and trespassers. It is a deteriorating building that drags down the surrounding neighborhood. I look forward to finally solving the safety and blight issues associated with this property.”

The newly announced grant to the city of Milwaukee will be funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Through strategic allocations and competitive state grant initiatives, meaningful investments from these programs have flowed into each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and all 11 federally recognized Tribes. Gov. Evers’ allocation of ARPA funds has supported nearly 20 different state grant programs to help kids and schools, small businesses, and farmers and producers, as well as expand access to child care, healthcare, and high-speed internet, among other key priorities crucial for Wisconsin’s economic recovery.