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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF GARY GRUNAU
______
HON. GWEN MOORE
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences on
the passing of Gary Grunau a Milwaukee real estate developer and civic
leader. Gary was born on April 17, 1939, in Bay View, Wisconsin, and
lived his entire life in Milwaukee. He was a loving husband, father,
uncle, grandfather, brother, relative, and friend to many here in
Milwaukee.
Gary left his home to attend Cornell University, but knew that
Milwaukee was where he belonged. Upon earning his degree in mechanical
engineering, he returned home to join Grunau Co. Inc, a business
started by his grandfather. In the late 70's, the company was working
on the Hyatt Regency construction project in downtown Milwaukee, but
Gary had to step in as the developer to complete the project. He was
the developer on several major projects in the city including the
Wisconsin Center, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Manpower Group
World Headquarters, the Milwaukee Riverwalk System, and the former Time
Warner Building. However, he is best known for revitalizing the former
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. complex into one of Milwaukee's most
desirable working environments, the Schlitz Park office complex. Gary's
projects won numerous awards including the Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Achievement Award, The National Council for Urban Economic Development
Award and the ULI's 2017-2018 Global Award of Excellence for the
Milwaukee Riverwalk, considered among the world's highest honors from
land use experts. He also led and served on many boards, including the
Milwaukee Academy of Science, Discovery World, Alverno College Board of
Trustees, Milwaukee Riverwalk District, Spirit of Milwaukee, and the
Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Gary wanted to make Milwaukee a better place for all its residents.
He was committed to addressing the racial and economic disparities that
have plagued our city. He was disturbed by our city's status as one of
the most segregated communities in the country and knew that the lack
of affordable housing and support for public schools, prevented the
upward mobility for people living in our poorest zip codes. In an
article two years ago, Gary said that ``Segregation hurts the city's
economic competitiveness, but not enough is being doing about it . . .
the lack of inclusion hurts us downtown. It hurts us in education. It
hurts us nationally.'' He took those words to his heart and didn't
simply talk the talk, he walked it; raising millions of dollars to
improve education and economic opportunities for the city.
Gary leaves to cherish his memory his wife Joanne; sons Paul (Jeanie)
Grunau, Daniel Grunau, and John (Adrienne) Grunau; stepson Jeff (Kate)
MacInnes and stepdaughter Laura MacInnes; grandchildren Grace, Hank,
Gus, Sadie, Alex, Jon, Grant, Andrew, Wesley, Darcy, and Wilson Grunau,
and many other relatives and friends.
Gary was my friend and while our fights against injustice didn't
always go our way, he stayed committed to find a way to solve problems.
Even with his illness, he continued forward, focusing on his final
project; revitalizing Milwaukee both economically and in terms of
racial equity.
Madam Speaker, for these reasons I rise to salute Gary Grunau, a man
that has positively impacted the 4th Congressional District, the State
of Wisconsin, and the world.
____________________
