Wenk Associates was selected through a multi-phase national design competition to create a master plan for revitalizing the river valley. The plan for the 140-acre site has revitalized the industrial development; has reconnected surrounding communities with the river and job resources; has created natural amenities in parks and trails; and is in the process of reestablishing a social and economic framework absent for nearly two decades.

This site was formerly an undevelopable eyesore, located within the 100-year floodplain, harboring contaminants from former industrial and transportation uses, and dividing inner-city neighborhoods. In mid-2003, the City of Milwaukee selected the design team to prepare detailed design concepts. The plan proposed a holistic and sustainable approach to integrate economic development with social, ecological and recreational objectives to ensure the health and vitality of the community. The ensuing plan proposed a framework of "green infrastructure" that integrates flood detention and stormwater treatment with recreation and open space. The community gained an invaluable amenity in a riverfront park and open space system linking the downtown and
adjacent neighborhoods to the Valley with a network of trails.

Final buildout of the valley is estimated for 2012.