Checking in

Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman swings a hammer at a wall with other officials Monday during the ceremonial groundbreaking marking the beginning of work at the new Downtown Milwaukee Marriott in Milwaukee. Originally the project included the demolition of several buildings but several changes have been made to the design to allow for the preservation of the facades along Wisconsin Avenue. Located in the 600 block of North Milwaukee Street and the 300 block of East Wisconsin Avenue, the two-year-long project is projected to cost about $54 million, and is expected to bring hundreds jobs to the city. (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)