MILWAUKEE, WIS.- The Milwaukee Art Museum announced that the acquisition of O’Donnell Park parking structure and pavilion, as well as the buildings the Museum occupies, will be finalized December 19, 2017. The transaction was approved by the Board of the County of Milwaukee in March of 2016.

The Museum is assuming full responsibility for the operations, capital maintenance and repair for the O’Donnell park, garage, and pavilion; the Kahler building, as well as the portion of the Saarinen building occupied by the Museum, relieving the County of $28.8 million in current and future obligations. The County retains ownership of the land.

“This transaction truly allows the Museum to control its destiny,” said Dr. Marcelle Polednik, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director, Milwaukee Art Museum. “Immediately, we’re able to ensure that our campus is maintained, accessible to the public, and remains directly connected to downtown. With this strategic acquisition, we also open up possibilities for the future, envisioning how we can facilitate more activities, programs, and opportunities for inspiring community engagement.“

The Museum has added a facilities manager to its staff focused on the additional responsibility for these properties. Interstate Parking has been awarded the contract to operate public parking at both O’Donnell and the underground structure within the Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion.

“Our immediate priority is providing safe, convenient parking for all the attractions here at the lakefront,” said Jane Wochos, COFO, Milwaukee Art Museum. “We are grateful to everyone that has worked to find a solution that puts the needs of the community first while relieving the County of its large-scale maintenance obligations.”

All proceeds from parking fees will go towards a capital reserve fund dedicated to repair and maintenance of the structures. Maintenance for the Quadracci Pavilion, famously designed by Santiago Calatrava, will continue to come from the Museum’s general facilities budget.