Klee Building Redevelopment | Milwaukee/Pensacola Residential Development |
Milwaukee/Warner Residential Development

Plans are being finalized for a new mixed-use commercial/ residential building that will be built on the northeast corner at the intersection of Milwaukee and Pensacola. This new building will be located directly south of the historic Klafter Building (located on the southeast corner of Montrose and Milwaukee). Community input regarding the type of development desired for this site was obtained at the February 11, 2002 PPNA Public Meeting. This information was compiled by the PPNA and sent to the developer, Mega Realty, which has continued to submit updated plans to the PPNA Economic Development Committee for review and comments during the design phase of the project.

Alderman Levar sponsored a public meeting on July 22, 2002 so Mega Realty could present their plans to the public at large. Here are some notes taken by members of the PPNA Economic Development Committee:

• The building will be four stories tall, with the fourth floor set back about 18 feet from the street.
• Per the latest rendering, it appears the building will be designed in the art moderne style.
• The visual lines created by the Klafter building will be respected and enhanced by the outline of the new building.
• There will be 5 retail units on the ground floor of the building, including a corner retail unit at Milwaukee and Pensacola, each with about 1,000 sq. ft. of floor space.
• A total of 25 residential condominium units will be built above the ground floor retail units. Some of the condo units along Milwaukee will have recessed balconies overlooking the street.
• A total of 38 parking spots will be included in the development. Twenty-seven parking spots will be used by the condo residents; the remaining 11 will be reserved for guests of the condo residents.
• The parking lot will be accessed from the alley east of the new building.
• The pedestrian street entrance to the condos will be off of Pensacola.
• Mega Realty will not seek TIF money from the City to fund the development.
• The proposed schedule calls for building permits to be issued by the end of 2002, construction to begin in 2003, and occupancy to begin in 2004.
• An artist's rendering of the building will be placed on the site once the design has been finalized.

The general consensus of those attending the meeting was positive. Audience members requested affordable pricing to accommodate retirees who may want to downsize their living space yet still reside in the neighborhood.

The developer, J & M Builders, is planning on breaking ground in October 2002. This development will bring 8 new town homes and a 2 unit condo building. Estimated prices are from $300,000 to $385,000. Prices are subject to change with modifications and improvements.

updated 03/25/2004 | comments