Today, the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they have hired a group of prominent global, national and local architects to begin developing designs for a new sports and entertainment complex in downtown Milwaukee. The team, which will be led by Populous, also includes heavy Wisconsin involvement from HNTB and Eppstein Uhen.

“Wisconsin deserves a world-class sports and entertainment destination that embraces Milwaukee’s architecture and incorporates innovative elements from across the globe,” said Bucks co-owner Wes Edens. “We are confident that this team has the expertise to create the ultimate fan-centric arena and a year-round public space, both of which will be integral to downtown Milwaukee’s transformation. By hiring a design team to help create a vision for this development, we continue to work toward ensuring that the Bucks permanently remain a vital Wisconsin asset.”

Populous is a global design practice that specializes in arena, stadium, ballpark and convention center design. Populous has designed 15 NBA or NHL arenas, including Amway Center, one of the NBA’s newest arenas, and the firm is currently working on new arena projects in Quebec City and Las Vegas. Populous has teamed with HNTB and Eppstein Uhen, which bring a total of over 200 years of national and local design expertise across various fields. Collectively, HNTB and Eppstein Uhen employ nearly 300 Wisconsin residents and have worked on thousands of projects in the state.

“We’re excited to be leading this design team and create more momentum around this incredible project,” said Brad Clark, senior designer at Populous. “We intend to leverage our global experience and expertise in arena design to create a destination that is not just for game day, but for every day. We plan to create a design that will drive year-round economic growth for the entire community and state.”

“Wisconsin residents and Bucks ownership have an ambitious goal for the development of a multi-faceted entertainment destination in Milwaukee,” said Tim Cahill of HNTB. “We’re looking forward to developing designs that show what an extraordinary asset a sports and entertainment center will be for the local community and entire state of Wisconsin.”

“The Bucks owners have a bold vision for the future of our city and we’re thrilled to be a part of the design team,” said Greg Uhen of Eppstein Uhen. “They’re passionate about weaving the new development into the rich architectural landscape of Milwaukee and we’re proud to continue playing a big part in shaping the future of our great city and state.”

While the development of a sports and entertainment center still requires state and local government support, the Bucks are engaging architects at this time to help ensure the project is able to meet the anticipated deadline.