Marcus Performing Arts Center on Monday dedicated the latest phase in its ongoing renovations: a tree-lined lawn that replaced a sunken grove − which preservationists tried to save.

That new downtown Milwaukee space, including a memorial to veterans, is accessible to people with disabilities. That's an advantage over the sunken tree grove, which people who use wheelchairs found difficult to navigate.

The new lawn also provides an unobstructed view of Peck Pavilion's newly installed screen that displays outdoor performances.

"It'll be a year-round gathering place for people from all walks of life," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson, one of the ceremony speakers.

The work started this summer.

Two dozen honey locust trees were planted. Tables and seats, including some to accommodate people using wheelchairs, were added. Exterior lighting was upgraded.

Another new feature: native perennial gardens, which help absorb rain water.

Also, two flagpoles and an inlaid marker showcasing the center's dedication to veterans were installed near the corner of North Water Street and East Kilbourn Avenue.

Monday's event included a posting of the colors by the Milwaukee Police Department Honor Guard and performances of the national anthem and other songs by musicians from the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus.

The ceremony marked the latest in a series of renovations at Marcus Center.

The first phase was completed in 2021. It featured installing new seats, and a new seating configuration, at Uihlein Hall, the center's main venue.

The next phase will focus on technical and backstage upgrades for Uihlein Hall and a renovation of Todd Wehr Theater.

Long-range plans call for a new atrium and terrace on the Milwaukee River, and a five-story projection wall where performances can be seen live from the street. But there's no definite timetable for those improvements.

The new lawn's replacement of the sunken grove was opposed by preservationists.

They said removing the trees would harm the legacy of landscape designer Dan Kiley, whose other works include the Cudahy Gardens in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Historic Preservation Commission ruled the Marcus Center, which opened in 1969, should be designated as historic.

That designation would have forced Marcus Center officials to obtain commission approval for any exterior changes — including removing the trees.

However, the Common Council in May 2019 voted against that designation, with center officials saying many of the trees were dying. The grove was removed about a year later.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Marcus Center dedicates new outdoor space that replaced sunken grove