Plans to rehabilitate the Mitchell Park Domes have once again moved forward in Milwaukee County.
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors on Thursday approved an amendment to the county budget to include a financial boost for plans to renovate and expand the aging horticultural center, which was under threat of closing several years ago. The county will commit $30 million over six years toward the project.
The Friends of the Domes, The Alexander Company and Milwaukee County Parks are leading the proposal for a nearly $134 million project to reinforce the structure of the domes, widen amenities such as an expanded café and children’s learning center and construct a new building on park land.
If finally approved for the 2025 budget, the latest item will cover 28% of the first phase of renovation. The county isn’t expected to contribute to the second phase of construction.
Part of the amendment includes a long-term lease agreement giving FOD control of Domes operations. Milwaukee County will still own the facility. Currently, FOD is working to have the Domes added to the National Register of Historic Places to acquire federal tax credits.