The Trade Hotel opens its doors in Deer District

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- The Trade Hotel is officially open and city leaders are calling it a major boost to downtown development.

"We're coming out of the shadow of other cities and we're elevating what it means to be in the city of Milwaukee," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Thursday morning a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the hotel's opening.

With 207 rooms, The Trade Hotel is now the official hotel of Milwaukee's Deer District. It's right across the street from Fiserv Forum and is expected to become one of the new premier spots in town.

"It's the first full-service hotel to open since 2019, so it's a momentous moment," said Peggy Williams-Smith, president & CEO of Visit Milwaukee.,

Williams-Smith says The Trade will have a huge impact on city tourism. "I like to think we already are a tourist destination, but I do think that the continued investment in hotels, the continued investment in economic development, help to make us 100% a city that people want to come and visit," she said. 

Mayor Johnson says Milwaukee is making its mark and The Trade is an example of the progress in development.

"This is Wisconsin's only first-class metropolitan city, and we're starting to act like it and people are beginning to notice. That means big events like the RNC, the DNC...things that never even would have considered Milwaukee before…they're taking a look at our city now and they're smart to do it," said Mayor Johnson.

The nine-story hotel has 207 rooms, including 20 suites and event spaces.

The fourth floor is known as the MVP floor and features extra tall door frames, shower heads, longer beds, and even taller toilets to accommodate traveling NBA teams who will likely make The Trade their choice when coming to play at Fiserv Forum.

These rooms will be open to the public to stay when they are available. 

There's also a two-story presidential suite on the top floors and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

"We are so proud of the experience offered to the community and to the citizens of Milwaukee and really from around the world," said Rich Lundt, hotel general manager.