Milwaukee lakefront sees growth in commercial and residential real estate

Milwaukee’s lakefront is experiencing a surge in commercial and residential real estate activity, transforming the area into a thriving mixed-use district. A report by Colliers indicates that the Lakefront Gateway is entering a new growth cycle, driven by corporate investment, infrastructure improvements, and residential projects. The district attracted over 6.3 million visitors in 2025, and office visits saw a 9.7% year-over-year increase.

Major corporate players are contributing to this momentum, including Northwestern Mutual, which is investing over $500 million to modernize its lakefront office tower, and Baird, which is expanding its presence at the U.S. Bank Center. High-quality Class-A office buildings are seeing strong demand, with occupancy rates reaching 91.3%.

In the residential sector, M&R Development and Campbell Capital Group LLC have begun pre-leasing for The Bluffs on Lake, a new 478-unit luxury apartment community in St. Francis, Wisconsin. Located on a 21-acre site overlooking Lake Michigan, the development features two phases. The first phase, consisting of 278 units, expects move-ins to begin in early December. The project will include retail space and wellness amenities such as a meditation room, Zen Garden, and a fitness center.