Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has proposed plans to create a museum at North 6th and West Canal streets in Milwaukee in December, but it is by no means a done deal.

According to 12th District Alderman Angel Sanchez, whose district includes the proposed site, the city should determine resident interest.

"The city has to gain consensus as to if the general population wants it there," he said.

"People are for it because it is Harley-Davidson, which is arguably Milwaukee's most famous company," Sanchez said. "People are against it because of the significant public contribution Harley-Davidson is requesting."

A concrete number has not been determined and will depend on Harley-Davidson's contribution and a City Council vote.

The project is still in the concept stage, according to Sanchez. Drawings and renderings are being created.

The proposed site for the project is at the east end of Menomonee Valley, where the city's Department of Public Works facility is currently located. According to Sanchez, in order for the museum to be constructed at the proposed location, the public works facility would have to be moved.

According to Harley-Davidson spokesman Bob Klein, the company estimates a cost of $95 million for the development of up to 230,000 square feet on the two-acre site. The projected cost for moving the public works facility alone is $20 million.

"This is the only site in the city of Milwaukee that can fulfill our vision for this particular development," Klein said. "The location is easy to reach via the existing street grid and also lends itself to handling larger events without impacting neighboring businesses and residents."

According to Klein, the site offers the capacity to accommodate the 350,000 visitors Harley-Davidson expects each year. The company predicts that as many as 5,000 people will visit per day during peak season.

"Bottom line, we think the project will be a winner for our community and our company," Klein said.

According to Sanchez, however, some residents don't feel the same way.

"My constituents are not willing to subsidize another private development," Sanchez said. "I think most of the city feels this way. We somehow need to balance the desires of our constituents with that of one of our city's marquee corporations. This may not be the best location for the development."

Menomonee Valley is a highly industrial area with a low residential area.

The museum, however, will most likely increase property values and be a boost for the local economy, Sanchez said. In terms of property taxes, he believes any addition to the city's tax base is positive because it lessens the burden of residential property owners.

According to Sanchez, Harley-Davidson must contribute any moving costs the city may have in regard to moving the existing DPW facility before the museum will be built.

Sanchez said he will not support any special tax levy or regular tax increase for the museum, but the city may contribute a small portion of the funds needed to pay for the museum.

Spokesman Bill Zaferos said acting mayor Marvin Pratt is in favor of the museum.

"He supports it," Zaferos said. "He thinks it will be good for Milwaukee … It strikes him as a terrific economic development in the valley."

If plans for the museum are finalized, Harley-Davidson would construct new buildings to house the museum and offices, Klein said. There is currently no company designated to construct the buildings.

The proposal by Harley-Davidson is for a three-stage development over a number of years, Klein said. Phase One would consist of development of the museum. After Phase One development, other operations could include offices, dining and banquet facilities and company archives.