MILWAUKEE — For the past four years, Robert Stark has lived at the 550 Ultra Lofts. He lives across the street from Fiserv Forum. 

“I go to all of the Bucks games, so I like being downtown,” Stark said. 

He said he likes the convenience of where he lives, but he’s dreading the week of the Republican National Convention, which is happening next door to the apartment complex.

His building is in the red zone of the security perimeter. 

What You Need To Know

  • 550 Ultra Lofts is in the red zone of the security perimeter

  • Residents will be asked to present identification and have their names confirmed on a list provided by building management during the week of the RNC

  • Residents will be able to access their condo via a pedestrian gate at the northeast corner of 6th and McKinley Streets

  • The Moderne Apartment complex is in the yellow zone; some parking will be impacted

A statement from the complex on the city's RNC FAQ page explains that residents will be able to access their residence via a pedestrian gate at the northeast corner of 6th and McKinley Streets. Residents will be asked to present identification and have their names confirmed on a list provided by building management. 

“I just want to know how we’re going to get in and out of our house or our apartment and in and out of the garage at a decent amount of time,” he said.

Stark said he works in Racine and will have to leave earlier than normal to beat the traffic. 

“I start early in the morning so I leave usually at 3 a.m. so we will see how that goes,” Stark said. 

Melvin Gomez is another resident of the Lofts. He said he plans to leave Milwaukee that week. 

“I do know for a fact I will not be staying here,” Gomez said. “I will most likely be going to my parents’ house, which is in Zion, which is closer to my work. I understand that it’s an important event, but it might be quite inconvenient for me to remain here when it’s ongoing.”

Down the street is The Moderne Apartment complex. While it’s in the yellow zone, which means residents won't have to worry credentials, some will be impacted when it comes to parking.

Residents who park in the lot across the street from the building will have to relocate during the RNC. The Moderne doesn’t own the lot and the leasing office said it’s working to find temporary parking for those who lost their spot. 

Stark said it’s going to be hectic.

“Even the day Joe Biden was down here for like an hour, traffic came to a halt for three hours,” Stark said. “We couldn’t even get to our apartment.”

He said he hopes the traffic will be monitored and the police presence will keep it moving smoothly for residents to get in and out. 

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