Politics & Government

Trader Joe's Breaks Ground as Target, Underwood Crossing Unveiled

The 170,000-square-foot Underwood Crossing retail complex was dedicated Thursday, with officials gathering in the parking lot near the new Target store slated to open July 22.

With construction of a underway and a slated for opening July 22, city and development officials held a dedication ceremony for the retail complex Thursday.

Underwood Crossing, a 170,000-square-foot shopping center on West Bluemound Road at North 128th Street, will also include a PNC Bank and yet-unannounced junior anchor and other commercial tenants.

Target is through Friday and Saturday at the , 1250 S. Moorland Rd., in Brookfield, looking to hire 275 workers at the 140,000-square-foot store.

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Trader Joe's broke ground about three weeks ago on what will be and second in the Milwaukee area.

Tony Barranco, Ryan Cos. vice president of development, said he grew up in the area and as a boy considered and Milwaukee County Stadium  as "the meccas of entertainment for the entire world."

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Underwood Crossing is being built on the site of the former Quebecor World printing plant, which was razed and the site was environmentally remediated.

About $20 million in private investment was made, Barranco said. Some 33,000 tons of recycled materials was used, including about 95 percent of the printing plant's steel and concrete, which was crushed for use in the parking lot.

Barranco thanked Elmbrook Schools and art teacher Sarah Scott for her students' creation of graphic designs and a logo for the retail complex.

A leaf logo designed by student Martha Hernandez appears on the monument signs at the complex's two entries on Bluemound Road just east of Bluemound Bowl and west of Underwood Creek.

"What is unfolding in front of your eyes is a project that we're very proud to be a part of," Barranco told a group of officials from the city, Target, Bluemound Bowl, neighbors and school district.

Dave DeMarco, Target store team leader, said, "This is truly a corridor-changing development for Brookfield." He said he looked forward to partnering with the city, schools and neighborhood in the future, noting Target also donates significant funds for education and other charities.

Mayor Ponto said, "I am confident that Underwood Crossing will be a real asset to the City of Brookfield and the surrounding area.... We look forward to the store openings to come. I'm sure that all of us who live in this area will also look forward to shopping here."


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