The Process

November 30, 2024

First, let me say a heartfelt thanks for your past support of the Mitchell Park Domes. As a member, donor, event attendee, volunteer — you have each demonstrated a love of The Domes. You have been here for The Domes in so many small (and some not-so-small) ways. And for that, I am truly grateful.

 

This past year, Team Domes (our staff and volunteer leaders) has been hard at work ensuring that Milwaukee’s only indoor horticultural conservatory is here for our community — today and for generations to come.

 

And, although we still have work ahead of us, we achieved a huge win this month. Milwaukee County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to support our Domes Reimagined plan. Included in that vote is a financial commitment of $30M toward a total project cost of $134M.

 

This is the first time in decades (possibly ever!) that Milwaukee County officials have unitedly endorsed a plan and future for the Mitchell Park Domes.

 

What is the Domes Reimagined plan?
Instead of just putting The Domes back the way they were, we have imagined a new future for our beloved horticultural oasis. Of course, we are addressing the decades of deferred maintenance, but we are also creatively transforming The Domes into a cultural icon well positioned to achieve its true purpose: creating a world inspired and healed by nature. This plan also positions the conservatory to have a sustainable business model, ensuring that we are able to put away funds for future maintenance needs.

The Mitchell Park Domes are not just glass and steel structures; they hold the memories, history, and cultural significance of Milwaukee. The Mitchell Park Domes have stood as a beloved cultural landmark for decades. These iconic glass domes have attracted locals and tourists alike, offering a unique experience of nature’s beauty in an urban setting. However, as with any aging structure, the future of the Mitchell Park Domes has been a topic of discussion and debate.

 

2000

Mitchell Park’s Original Master Plan

 

Engberg Anderson

A Master Planning document for Mitchell Park and the Domes from 2000, which included capital improvement projects and maintenance between the years 2001-2007.

2016

Exploration of Costs to Repair & Update the Domes

In 2016, one of the domes was temporarily closed due to concerns over falling debris. This incident sparked a community-wide conversation about the long-term viability of the domes. Careful thought and consideration has gone into helping the County make an informed and fiscally responsible decision and, as a result, the Domes Task Force was created. The Task Forces’ four-year planning effort resulted in many of the documents linked below; it concluded in 2019 with a recommendation to pursue the future state that is described in the ArtsMarket report. Following a delay caused by the pandemic, Milwaukee County studied the feasibility of pursuing the ArtsMarket report, and while there are many good ideas in that report, it was deemed to be a concept rather than an actionable strategy that could be implemented.

 

GRAEF Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Cost Option Updates

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the history of inspections, maintenance, and studies conducted on the Mitchell Park Domes, incorporating information from Milwaukee County and previous reports dating back to 1994. It includes updated cost estimates for five options from the 2008 “Show Dome Façade Study and Lower Level Façade Study,” expanded to cover the entire facility, support spaces, and the transition dome, as well as costs for necessary improvements to meet current code and ADA requirements.

2017

Long-Term Strategic Planning Framework for the Conservatory

 

GRAEF Framework for the Long-Term Strategic Planning of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

This document provides a framework for the long-term strategic planning for the future of the Conservatory, including analysis of peer cities.

2018

Recommendations & Feasibility of Options for the Future of the Conservatory

 

ConsultEcon HGA Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Future Path and Feasibility Study

2019

Long-Term Vision for Future of the Conservatory and Surrounding Area

 

ArtsMarket Engberg Anderson A New Urban Botanical Park and Conservatory

A long-term future vision for the Conservatory, taking the previous analyses and reports into consideration. The ArtsMarket report proposes new ideas to not only restore the Domes, but also new ideas to enhance the vibrancy of the surrounding community through additions to Mitchell Park and the Clarke Square Neighborhood.

2022

Business Plan Analysis for Domes Redevelopment Project

 

Husch Blackwell Baker Tilly Domes Business Plan Analysis

A 2022 analysis of the business plan for the Domes Redevelopment Project, which was based on the ArtsMarket report and submitted in 2019. Findings suggest the need for exploring additional sources of funding for the project.

2023

Mitchell Park Domes – Future State Planning and Construction Cost Estimating

 

Mitchell Park Domes – Future State Planning and Construction Cost Estimating

Four (4) construction alternatives for the Mitchell Park Domes that include planning, developed construction cost estimating, project feasibility budget, life cycle cost analysis, and conceptual architectural and engineering evaluations associated with those four options.

Careful thought and consideration have gone into helping the County make an informed and fiscally responsible decision and, over the years, many separate studies, including those linked above, have been conducted. While each study has uncovered new insights and brought forth new ideas, there is still more to learn and understand.

 

Now, the County is taking elements of 2019 ArtsMarket recommendation and trying to refine it to something that could be implemented, while also gathering more information that has been missing from prior planning efforts. This includes a better understanding of the philanthropic community and what donors are willing to fund, as well as a more accurate cost for each potential future state of the Mitchell Park Conservatory.

 

Regardless of the chosen path, the future of the Mitchell Park Domes heavily relies on community engagement and partnerships. Engaging the local community, seeking public input, and involving relevant stakeholders are essential steps in shaping the future of this cultural icon. Collaborations with botanical experts, architectural firms and organizations experienced in historical preservation can bring forth innovative ideas and sustainable solutions for the long-term viability of the domes.