Convention Center in Downtown Waukesha?

A conference center in downtown Waukesha is being considered for a property near North West Barstow and Bank streets and the community is being asked for their feedback about the property and proposal as developers and property owners conduct an economic feasibility study for the possible development.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that 1,200 surveys are being sent out to area community members, including Carroll University. Mayor Jeff Scrima sent out the survey to area leaders on Friday.

“Your feedback will assist a private development group in exploring the possible development of a full service, nationally affiliated convention center in downtown Waukesha,” Scrima wrote in the e-mail. “The proposed development would significantly enhance downtown Waukesha as a business, social and artistic destination, spurring economic growth throughout the region.”

A link to the survey can be found here. Scrima urged Monday for organizations in the area to pass it on to others in their organizations.

The survey could take two to three months to complete, and the project won’t be able to move forward until the study is completed, Scrima said. If it is determined that the project is viable “then we would move forward.”

“It would be absolutely great for the city to bring people from out of town to our downtown to enjoy the beautiful Frame Park riverwalk, as well as the many new shops, restaurants and events that we currently have downtown,” Scrima said. “It would be a big boost to the city.”

The majority of the project will be privately funded, Scrima said, but confirmed tax incremental financing is being considered.

“Most developments of this size and scope do include TIF support,” Scrima said. “This project would be primarily funded by the private sector. … If it was used it would be a small part of the funding. The TIF money is also all paid back to the city.”

TIF money, which is essentially paid back to the city by the increased property taxes from the new development, would have to go through an extensive, public process before the funding is approved by the Common Council.

The property in question is about 6 or 7 acres, Scrima said, with some buildings being rented to area antique dealers. Those buildings would need to be razed for the project, as well as Hardees on North West Barstow Street.

The potential developer who is eying the property for a convention center is John Weeman, the founder of Partners in Development. Weeman has an extensive history with the Hilton Hotels Corporation, including his most recent position of vice president of franchise development.