The restoration of the historic Button Block building in downtown Milwaukee has created a 94-room Hilton Homewood Suites, now open. The project brings forward newfound activity to the previously vacant, seven-story building at North Water and East Clybourn streets.

Serving as a stronger link between Milwaukee's central business district and the Third Ward, the hotel enlivens the area just north of I-794. As part of this project, the city plans to continue its investment with $1.9 million in improvements to the area's streets and making the sidewalks more pedestrian-friendly. The street improvements also encourage more people to pass below the interstate bridges between the downtown and Third Ward.

This historic restoration of the building created the opportunity for State and Federal Historic Tax Credits. Features of the renovation include two lobbies, lounge areas, food and beverage facilities, a fitness center on the lower levels and guestrooms with kitchenettes and office area. The plan includes a new sidewalk-level entry plaza on the northern face of the building off of Water Street. The city infrastructure improvements include $700,000 in tax incremental financing to help fund this new pedestrian-oriented entry courtyard.