Opened in July, 1998, and completed by the end of 1999, the Midwest Airlines Center has 188,695 square feet of contiguous, state-of-the-art exhibit space and a 37,506 square foot ballroom with capacity for 3,150 diners and ample utilities for corporate theater. An additional 39,364 square feet of meeting space can be partitioned into as many as 28 meeting and breakout rooms equipped for satellite links, video teleconferencing, data transmission and other telecommunications and audio-visual technology.

Other innovations and tried-and-true technologies have been applied to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security and electronic signage systems. Our goal has been to create a flexible environment that anticipates the technical expectations of 21st century customers, controls costs, and facilitates hassle-free move-in, show operation and move-out. And, by 2003, our new 2,500-4,400 seat "Milwaukee Theatre" - formerly the Milwaukee Auditorium - will provide spectacular assembly space or entertainment right across the street.

At the same time, the Midwest Airlines Center better connects events to Milwaukee's flourishing downtown. Skywalks to the Hilton and Hyatt hotels link some 1,500 rooms to the Midwest Airlines Center, with more nearby. We're just a block from the Museum Center containing the Milwaukee Public Museum, Humphrey I-Max Theater and Discovery World Museum, two blocks from the Riverwalk, three blocks from the Theater District, three blocks from Amtrak, two blocks from regional & national bus terminals, and easy walking distance to other hotels, shopping, dining, nightlife, festivals and attractions.

Extensive use of glass provides elegant pre-function and reception spaces and makes the building feel friendly and accessible, while actual access to event areas can be well controlled. Attractive and durable finishes, fixtures and amenities are used throughout, and the Wisconsin Center District invested over $1 million in integrated and commissioned artworks for the building.

The building is exceptionally welcoming in practical terms as well. One-way loading dock traffic provides for smooth, fast move-ins. The exhibit hall spans across Wells Street, providing almost two blocks of weather-protected curb space for dropping off passengers. A 190-space parking lot is also suitable for outdoor exhibits, reception tents and other uses.

The Midwest Airlines Center is best viewed in the context of a flurry of development throughout Milwaukee. Projects completed in the past few years include the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum Center, our own U.S. Cellular Arena renovations, the incredible new Santiago Calatrava wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the new Miller Park baseball stadium, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the Shops of Grand Avenue and many more. In addition, over 1,000 new hotel rooms have opened downtown since 1996, and more are being discussed.

By sometime in 2005 we hope to complete an expansion of our own, adding about 100,000 gsf of exhibit space to the Midwest Airlines Center, plus new meeting and dining rooms, underground parking and climate-controlled access to our other buildings.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee's tradition of attending to its basic services and infrastructure continues to keep it an attractive, affordable, safe and friendly city.