Milwaukee Repertory Theater hits $78M campaign target

A Milwaukee theater hit its campaign financing goals for reconstruction, and theater officials want to collect for more construction.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater on Tuesday announced it reached its $78 million campaign goal with the help of nearly 600 private donors. Theater officials said they opted for a more prudent budget first, but they plan to keep the campaign open to reach some additional renovation goals.

“When opened next year, the Associated Bank Theater Center will be one of the leading theater centers in the world with an innovative, downtown arts education center, three flagship theaters, welcoming and inspirational public spaces, and beautiful artist shops and rehearsal halls,” said Chad Bauman, executive director of the Milwaukee Rep. “We are so grateful for their vision and support,” he added.

The overhaul broke ground in May 2024 with Brookfield-based Hunzinger Construction Company serving as the general contractor. Hunzinger crews will reconstruct the theater complex, three performance stages and a large lobby at the former Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex at 108 E. Wells St.

Construction will continue through fall of 2025, and officials said the project is on time and on budget.

The project hit milestones such as demolishing the main lobby, gutting the Powerhouse Theater, adding structural reinforcements in the basement to support new equipment and removing the third floor in the Oneida Street Power Station to make room for the new Checota Powerhouse Theater fly system, officials added.

Milwaukee Rep plans to keep the campaign open for additional donors. With the extra funding, the theater wants to renovate the fifth-floor theater administration offices and restrooms, renovate the fourth-floor common area, build new Herro-Franke Studio Theater dressing rooms and put exterior signs on the Riverwalk.

The theater is nearly complete with planning its 2025-26 inaugural season, including opening productions at the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater and Herro-Franke Studio Theater. The theater expects to announce a 12-production season in early 2025 along with a grand opening.