The Trade Milwaukee opens in Deer District

The Trade Milwaukee opened its doors Thursday. It is a new 207 room hotel located in the Deer District of Milwaukee Bucks.

Originally scheduled to open in April, the hotel has been delayed until mid-May. The hotel is owned by Middleton's NCG Hospitality.

Rich Lundt, general manager of The Trade told the Milwaukee Business Journal that "this has been a dream for many years." The Trade is a true homage to Milwaukee. It is a collaboration between the Milwaukee Bucks, the city of Milwaukee, and The Trade to create a vision that is truly all about Milwaukee.

The Trade is an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel located at 420 W. Juneau Ave., next to Fiserv Forum.

Lundt stated that the initial reaction to The Trade was overwhelmingly positive. The hotel exceeded its presale goal by at least 50 percent. Lundt did not reveal totals but said that The Trade's goal was based on groups booking the hotel in the next two years.

"I think Visit Milwaukee did a fantastic job. He said that they will be bringing so many people to Milwaukee in the coming year. Visit Milwaukee has done a fantastic job bringing in events and groups. I believe this will only enhance our occupancy.

The Trade has three different restaurant concepts: Craft, a high-end pub on the first level, Solomon's, a small-plate-style restaurant, on the second, and Il Cervo on the roof, an Italian rooftop restaurant run by Madison's Food Fight Restaurant Group.

A Usinger's Window is another option for food and beverages. Hotel guests or those who are passing through the area can purchase a brat made by hand before exploring Deer District.

Lundt moved from Dallas to Milwaukee about a year before and said that his main concern when opening The Trade, was the staffing. Il Cervo is not included in The Trade's staff of just over 100. Lundt stated that the hotel had no trouble recruiting talent, and in some cases there were up to 50 applicants for a single position.

The Trade offers VIP suites as well as an MVP floor for professional athletes. The MVP floor features 14-foot ceilings and California king-sized bed. It will also have taller bathroom fixtures. The hotel's eighth and ninth floors will feature a 2,300 square-foot Presidential Suite.