FPC Live announces project labor agreement with construction, service partners

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A Madison-based concert promoter has secured agreements with two construction and labor partners to build two music venues in downtown Milwaukee, company officials announced on Monday. 

FPC Live completed project labor agreements with the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council and includes a partnership with Neenah-based Miron Construction and Milwaukee-based JCP Construction.

The agreement ensures 100% union labor, including 25% of construction labor hours allocated to Milwaukee County residents and a minimum of 25% of targeted business enterprise for construction costs, company officials said in a statement. The agreement guarantees 15% of total construction labor hours for trainees and apprentices, and has a 5% target for women laborers on the job site. 

MBCTC president Dan Bukiewicz said the agreements would benefit the community and hoped the promoter’s willingness to include employment targets for women and apprentices would rub off on other companies. “They’re not just building a world-class facility, but they’re doing the right thing to better the community,” he added.

The promoter also finalized a labor peace agreement with the Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Union so union workers can exercise the same rights they would have working at the Fiserv Forum. 

“We have been steadfast from the start that these venues will be great for the City of Milwaukee, and they will be built and operated in ways that are great for its residents and workers, too,” Frank Productions CEO Joel Plant said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with these respected organizations to bring more opportunities to Milwaukee’s labor market and invest in the city’s future workforce through our project.” 

FPC Live Project

The project is for two concert venues with 800- and 4,000-person capacity at 1001 Vel R. Phillips Ave., the site of the former Bradley Center. FPC Live cleared its first planning process hurdle with the city after a meeting in late September. 

The proposal drew concern from local concert promoters and venue owners represented by Save MKE’s Music Scene. John Wirth, an attorney for the group, said the new venue would hurt other promoters with its large size and location. 

Miron Construction will serve as the project construction manager, the company announced Sept. 26. Eppstein Uhen Architects will be the lead architect. 

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and completion is set for early 2024.