MMAC ECONOMIC GAUGE IMPROVES

Economic indicators for metro Milwaukee rebounded in February from a weak January performance, according to the latest monthly report by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC).

Wisconsin banks have increased their small business lending by $16.9 million since receiving capital through Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), according to a new report by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

American consumer spending increased for the third consecutive month, indicating that the economic recovery is gathering steam. 

Initiatives to attract major commercial real estate development to two adjacent sites near Milwaukee's lakefront are moving forward.

Klein Development, owned by developer Joe Klein, plans to build a 64,000-square-foot office building on the long-vacant block southeast of North 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue in the city's Avenues West neighborhood. 

The Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority will issue $7.9 million in bonds to help finance a 52,000-square-foot facility that mechanical contracing firm J.F. Ahern Co. plans to develop in the Menomonee Valley Business Park. The authority's board on Thursday approved the bond issue.

The proposed conversion of a former south side factory into apartments, opposed by the building's industrial neighbors, has run into a financing setback. The project did not receive federal affordable housing tax credits, which would be used to help finance the development, in this year's funding announced Wednesday by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. 

A two-story, 64,000-square-foot office building which city officials hope will spur additional development on  Milwaukee's west side won Common Council approval Tuesday morning after the developer changed the building's design.

A proposal to raise fish and grow herbs and vegetables in Franklin could obtain initial zoning approval this week.  Scott Biller has proposed the aquaponic operaton for 4.8 acres south of the 3500 block of W. Elm Road. The city Plan Commission, at its Thursday night meeting, is to consider recommending a special use permit for the project. 

It looks like a delayed proposal to sell a city-owned lot, at W. Wisconsin Ave. and N. 27th St., for a 64,000-square-foot office building may be moving forward.

WHEDA AWARDS $12.6 MILLION IN TAX CREDITS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has awarded $12.6 million in tax credits to fund 21 housing projects that will include affordable rental units to lower and moderate income households.

Dean Clinic opened a new clinic next to Edgerton Hospital Monday, with four doctors, a physician assistant and visiting specialists.

STATE DETAILS PLANS FOR EXPANDING INTERSTATE 39-90

Officials unveiled Thursday one of the most expensive highway projects in state history, but it is designed to do more than ease congestion. It is a $715 million reconstruction and expansion of a 45-mile stretch of Interstate 39-90 between Madison and the Illinois state line.