Milwaukee Suburban Development News

[brewcityfan]

So much is happening in the Milwaukee area, I don't think you could fit it all in one thread! This thread is dedicated to anything happening outside of downtown Milwaukee that will have an impact on the city's growth.

Here are some of the projects taking place recently in the area.

Icon Condo/Hotel/Medical plans near Mayfair (in planning stages)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/iconwauwatosa.jpg

Crowne Plaza Hotel @ the Milwaukee County Research Park (under construction)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/crownFrontView10201.jpg

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Outpatient Hospital in Franklin (under construction)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/franklinhospital.jpg

Belmont Center in West Allis, near State Fair Park
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/belmontcenter.jpg

New construction @ Froedtert Memorial Hospital...
Cancer Center (under construction)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/FroedtertCancerPavilion.jpg
Biomedical Research Center (website says it was supposed to be done in December)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/BiomedicalResearchBuilding.jpg

Pabst Farms Residential/Retail/Office/Medical/High Tech Industrial development in Oconomowoc
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/pabstfarms.gif

If more projects come out they will be put on here as well.

[shane453]

The Icon development is very impressive, and the Pabst farms is neat too.

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

Cudahy may get indoor market
Food vendors, other shops could find South Shore home
By LINDA SPICE
lspice@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 4, 2007
A South Shore indoor market envisioned to attract a butcher, wine store, fine chocolatier, coffee shop, fish monger and other vendors could find a home in Cudahy's downtown under a developer's $4.5 million to $6 million proposal.

Lee R. Barczak, president and owner of Greendale-based MK Realty LLC, has told Cudahy officials that he is interested in constructing 28,000 to 42,000 square feet of retail and commercial space within two buildings on the northwest and southwest corners of Packard Ave. and Library Drive.

Cudahy and Barczak have signed a memorandum of understanding, a good-faith agreement that is not legally binding, in negotiating the formal terms. The project seeks public financial assistance in the form of a $600,000 special tax district.

The concept of an indoor market on the South Shore will likely draw comparisons to the Milwaukee Public Market in the city's Third Ward. The 21,500-square-foot, $10.5 million project was financed with donations and a $2.5 million federal grant.

It drew an estimated 20,000 visitors to its opening weekend a year ago, but the market is still working to attract returning customers and has lost some vendors.

This past week, the market was without a butcher, after Lakeside Poultry & Meats closed up shop. In an interview on the first anniversary of the market last fall, Lakeside's manager, Al Krause, said the business was losing money. Last month, a florist left for the same reason

[exit_320]

There is no Cudahy turnaround, just a lot of plans and hopes. They have a long way to go before progress is made, and no Jay, I am not suggesting SM is better (but we both know it is :lol:)

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

There is no Cudahy turnaround, just a lot of plans and hopes. They have a long way to go before progress is made, and no Jay, I am not suggesting SM is better (but we both know it is :lol:)

Point taken. Cudahy still has a long way to go. If the KRM rail line is built they will have a stop right in 'downtown' & so will S. Milwaukee. Some enthusiasts of the rail say it will "boom" the local economy. I find it hard to believe that a rail line will effect an area to the point where its 'booming'. Though it feels as it will take til' the end of my life to build. ?!?

[exit_320]

Point taken. Cudahy still has a long way to go. If the KRM rail line is built they will have a stop right in 'downtown' & so will S. Milwaukee. Some enthusiasts of the rail say it will "boom" the local economy. I find it hard to believe that a rail line will effect an area to the point where its 'booming'. Though it feels as it will take til' the end of my life to build. ?!?

I could seriously see condo development take place in the areas around the Metra stations and then retail coming shortly to serve the new residents in the area. I think people would be really drawn to local downtown areas that were previously booming and have on fallen on hard times. I know I would be more open to moving to a suburb if I was within walking distance of a metra station.

[brewcityfan]

Well also look at all the developments proposed for open WE Energies and lakefront land in St. Francis...its goin crazy over there with some nice stuff.

We also have to wonder what the huge Cousins Center is going to be when its sold off....that accounts to nearly half of that suburb, with WE Energies land included.

[brewcityfan]

The Fountains of Franklin retail/office/cultural center in Franklin has got another big boost when Franklin approved its Cultural Center to be located alongside the 2nd largest development on the south side of Milwaukee.

A picture of the Cultural Center, designed by Eppstein Uhen
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/FranklinCulturalCenter.jpg

Pictures of the new retail/office mix (renderings)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/FFArch.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/FFShopping.jpg

Sendiks will be one of the primary anchors
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Sendiks.jpg

A major upscale department store will be announced soon also.

The website is www.fountainsoffranklin.com

[D-res]

^^That looks nice. I don't know why but i like these 'lifestyle centers'. Bayshore is so-so but disappointing. This looks interesting.

[exit_320]

The Franklin project looks like a pathetic recreation attempt by suburbanites too afraid to go into the city. God forbid they have to see what the real world is like

[D-res]

The Franklin project looks like a pathetic recreation attempt by suburbanites too afraid to go into the city. God forbid they have to see what the real world is like


I don't think the city factor has anything to do with it. If this place offers shops not available in the city, its hardly the suburbanites fault. And if there is, why drive to a store a half hour away if there's a closer one. We'll have to see what the tenant list looks like before we can blame the suburbanites.

[brewcityfan]

The Franklin project looks like a pathetic recreation attempt by suburbanites too afraid to go into the city. God forbid they have to see what the real world is like

Would you claim that the recent Bayshore lifestyle center and the future remodeled Brookfield Square are also "pathetic recreation attempts"?? I don't know, its a toughy....and you should see the other Franklin development, the Shoppes at Wyndham Village - which looks almost the same if not a tad bit quainter than this.

I feel its the Milwaukee metro area growing and spreading out its new found wealth, and finally the southern half of the area gets something "Brookfieldized" - Franklin, Oak Creek, and Muskego at least deserve that much.

Shoppes at Wyndham Village PowerPoint presentation can be found here: http://www.steveolson.us/html/Shoppes%20at%20Wyndham%20Village%20Power%20Point.pdf

[milwaukee-københavn]

The Franklin project looks like a pathetic recreation attempt by suburbanites too afraid to go into the city. God forbid they have to see what the real world is like

Yeah, in a way I kinda agree. It's saddening to see projects like this because if all of that money was spent rebuilding the actual city, we could have one functional, productive, safe one instead of one that's dangerous and blighted and one that is on its own self defeating path down that road. On the other hand, if this type of building is going to happen in suburbia anyway, I'd much rather see it in Franklin and Oak Creek which are already in Milwaukee Co as opposed to expanding suburbia into farmland out in outer Waukesha or Washington Counties.

[exit_320]

Would you claim that the recent Bayshore lifestyle center and the future remodeled Brookfield Square are also "pathetic recreation attempts"??

Absolutely.

I feel its the Milwaukee metro area growing and spreading out its new found wealth, and finally the southern half of the area gets something "Brookfieldized" - Franklin, Oak Creek, and Muskego at least deserve that much.

"Brookfieldized"? That is the most disgusting term I have ever heard.. almost made me throw up a bit in my mouth.

[exit_320]

On the other hand, if this type of building is going to happen in suburbia anyway, I'd much rather see it in Franklin and Oak Creek which are already in Milwaukee Co as opposed to expanding suburbia into farmland out in outer Waukesha or Washington Counties.

Agreed

[brewcityfan]

"Brookfieldized"? That is the most disgusting term I have ever heard.. almost made me throw up a bit in my mouth.

:lol: sorry about the near incident there! I just took the term from the Journal Sentinel when they were talking about that McDs across from Brookfield Square during its rehab from a standard one to one that was "Brookfieldized".

I agree with milwaukee-københavn on both his thoughts: the city and developers both need to spend more money in the city, although what they're currently doing in the Park East and Third Ward and in some areas Walkers Point is amazing, and I'm very glad that Franklin, OC, etc are getting their fair share of development that would most likely be in places outside of Milwaukee County.

I think that at least Milwaukee County will be benefiting from an increased tax base in business, no matter how big or small that will be.

[brewcityfan]

New Berlin panel OKs hotel, water park
Some said changes mean project needs another hearing
By BRANDON LORENZ
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Feb. 5, 2007
New Berlin - Plan commissioners voted 5-1 Monday night to give final approval to a 405-room, 110-foot-high hotel and water park near W. Greenfield Ave. and S. Moorland Road over objections from some city residents who said the plan should have another public hearing.

The Deer Creek Inn and Conference Center, a 1.1-million-square-foot hotel at 1401 S. Moorland Road, would include five levels of underground parking, two floors of mixed retail space, five levels of hotel rooms and a conference facility that would accommodate 1,500 people.

A planned unit development for a hotel had been approved by the city in 1999 and again in 2001. The plan approved Monday had a number of changes, including a taller height, the addition of a third restaurant and an agreement that would allow developer Don Kitten to forgo a $1 million contribution to the city to improve storm-water treatment.

In exchange, the hotel will have all underground parking and a garden roof that traps most of the storm water. The roof also will direct storm water and melted snow into a basement cistern where water is stored and reused to hydrate landscaping and nearby wetlands.

Changes in plans
Plan commissioners debated the proposal for nearly two hours. Ald. Dave Ament, a commissioner, said the building's 110-foot height was taller than allowed under the proposal's planned unit development agreement and would require a new public hearing. Ament also expressed concerns that construction of the five-floor underground parking would disturb the wells of neighboring residents.

"I have a huge problem with the amount of changes that are in here compared to the previous presentations," said Ament, who voted against the move.

Plans submitted by Kitten estimate that the facility would use 1.1 million gallons of water a month. Mayor Jack Chiovatero said the hotel would be served from municipal wells and that the city had adequate capacity.

Kitten said he hopes to begin construction this year and finish by spring 2009.

I'm glad to hear that they found another way of getting water to that site without needing Milwaukee's assistance. Otherwise, that could have led to nothing happening on that site at all, since some Milwaukee aldermen were questioning the usage of Lake Michigan water...

[Oshkosh49]

^^ Anybody know the development pricetag on this project?

[Kyoto]

There is no Cudahy turnaround, just a lot of plans and hopes. They have a long way to go before progress is made, and no Jay, I am not suggesting SM is better (but we both know it is :lol:)

BAH! We all know St. Francis is superior to both Cudahy and South Milwaukee combined!! :lol: :nuts:

(No offense meant of course! I live fairly close to St. Francis on the south side of Mke. Im just one of those municipal imperialists :D lol)

[araman0]

The Franklin project looks like a pathetic recreation attempt by suburbanites too afraid to go into the city. God forbid they have to see what the real world is like

Agreed.

[brewcityfan]

The other big Franklin development, Shoppes at Wyndham Village, has landed a Target for its other anchor, next to Sendik's.

[FutureChicaukeean]

The other big Franklin development, Shoppes at Wyndham Village, has landed a Target for its other anchor, next to Sendik's.

I realize that many people here will say "Junk" simply because it is in the 'burbs'

What they don't realize is that FRANKLIN and OAK CREEK are the best things to happen to Milwaukee County in a long time.

[brewcityfan]

I realize that many people here will say "Junk" simply because it is in the 'burbs'

What they don't realize is that FRANKLIN and OAK CREEK are the best things to happen to Milwaukee County in a long time.

Yes I do agree with you on the point that probably some Milwaukee posters that will look on here will say or think that it is junk/trash/wannabe/whatever it is they feel at the moment, but I've always said and will stick to it, that you can't strictly just be city-focused and forget or shove away its suburbs. People living in those suburbs do migrate to the city for work, play, and everything in-between either on a daily basis or every once in a while. If the suburban landscape of the metro area looks great, it makes the city look even better, and it will attract more people to Milwaukee. If we just kept all new development, whether it be office or retail, strictly in Milwaukee's CBD or Milwaukee's inner core, there wouldn't be much growth outside of that, the suburbs would be stagnant, people would be bored outside of the city limits, etc... Businesses look at everything when it comes to locating a retail shop or leasing office space. The more attractive the WHOLE area looks, the better it will be to land new retail and companies. I also add that its very hard to move an entire core neighborhood from something trashy to something nice and fancy looking. New businesses to the area don't want to move into a neighborhood that's old, crime-ridden, and where its employees would be uncomfortable to come to work. Yes, the main streets in the core neighborhoods are looking better, but go beyond that and you still got a serious problem.

Being that my hometown (the city I've lived in most in my life) is Franklin, I wish I had the enthuasiasm that you had in that post right there! Yes, Franklin and OC (as we like to call Oak Creek) are the only suburbs with a ton of land left to be developed (I will also give some credit to Brown Deer and NW Milwaukee, but Franklin and OC have more land still open) and at least in Franklin we have an aggressive common council that's been very pro-development for these past few years.

Oak Creek, on the other hand, is a tad bit slower. With respect to them, because they have built up their Howell Ave. corridor from the airport to near the Racine County line very well, they're slow everywhere else. The 27th St. corridor, which Franklin and OC have been working on for years, isn't getting that much developed on the OC side. Franklin has been literally ripping up land and redeveloping from the get-go, with Northwestern Mutual, the Wheaton Francisican Hospital, the future Staybridge Suites, the 2nd Lowes in the city, etc, etc.... OC has done hardly anything on their side other than to build a subdivision/condos on 27th and Puetz and a Pick n Save foodstore on 27th and Ryan Rd. Now in question was a new medical/senior living site just north of that subdivision which has created neighbors and aldermen complaining, the lakefront OC is on right now the mayor just wants low-level retail and housing instead of even possibly mid-level condos like St. Francis is doing as we speak. And even THAT is going very slowly along, no proposals were made, I don't think....it's all just talk.

[brewcityfan]

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2007, 7:17 p.m.
By Marie Rohde

Hearing set on Glendale plaza proposal
Glendale - Plans to revamp the Glen Bay Plaza that abuts the new Bayshore Town Center were submitted Tuesday to the community Development Authority. A public hearing on the plans will held at 7 p.m. March 13.

The property, owned by Anthony Palermo, will be expanded by a 5,807-square-foot addition to the existing 62,600-square-foot strip mall. There will be 134 parking spaces on the property that the city wants to be integrated with the town center.

The CDA bought another property owned by Palermo just west of the mall that was leased to a Firestone store and a dry cleaners for $5.65 million. That property was sold to the developers of Bayshore and is now the site of a bank and a coffee shop. As part of that agreement, Palermo agreed to upgrade the remaining strip mall. The city gave him $450,000 grant toward making those improvements.

[FutureChicaukeean]

brewcity fan I think I found someone who I can talk too!!!

I have lived in Franklin near 27th and Puetz since I was 6 years old. I have also lived near Marquette U for a year, that ended six months ago and back to Franklin I came.

Oak Creek's Howell Avenue is the one thing that draws residents from the Eastside of Franklin (Remember Franklin is very large land wise) into Oak Creek versus else where in Franklin. They have done such a fantastic job over the past 2 years...it has truly become the new "Miracle Mile" in the Milwaukee area. Downtown Oak Creek (the area surrounding Howell and Puetz) continues to BOOM (Woodman's, Condos, Best Buy soon) and there is hardly any land left. This is something that Franklin does not have.

I honestly think that 76th street (yeah, that beast in Greenfield) along with Howell Ave really kept Franklin from developing a miracle mile. Franklin conceeded the miracle mile and said "Hey OC (and the Milwaukee area), check this out".

1. Franklin's Business Park is a thing of beauty. To get an idea of how successful it has become all you need to look at is the miles of construction along Ryan Road. Drive around OC's Business Park and then drive through Franklin's. Which one would you rather invest Millions into?

2. 27th street on Franklin's side vs. OC's. Like you said, Franklin has almost fully developed 27th. Not just along the highway but the corridor is lined with subdivisions including mine. Oak Creek has 27th n Ryan, a condo farm near puetz and a whole lot of nothing until north of Rawson. The new hospital and NWM expansion are going to give 27th a nice little skyline on the Franklin side.

3. Sendiks-Fountains of Franklin-Sendiks-Shops at Wyndam
Franklin may not have a miracle mile like OC or Greenfield but they are about to build TWO high end shopping centers that will attract the affluent (Which Franklin has a TON of and OC has alot of) from 76th and from Howell. I love these projects as they are the only two of their kind on the southside of the metro area. Do you think this will draw some of the Brookfield destined shoppers? I am certain of it.

4. The Franklin Library. This has to be the most beautiful library after the one Downtown in the Milwaukee area. It is much further than the OC library but I don't mind the drive because it is so nice.


It took Oak Creek like 20 years to realize they were wasting the Lake Front with all of those old abandoned factories. I imagine it will take them another 5years to do something constructive about it.


I would like to see Franklin build up Rawson Avenue. 27th/Ryan/HWY100/Loomis and Rawson are the only major 2-3 lane roads in the city. The traffic is there on Rawson and there is a huge inter-city customer base just to the north. I think the Fountains of Franklin will really wow developers and push things forward.

[brewcityfan]

And you are also forgetting that 76th and Ryan has been rumored with multiple developments again and again.....from a Marcus Theater to an expansion of the business park to something of mixed-use, that whole corner will change very soon. Franklin is very pro-development of office and retail at this point because its residents (like me near St. Martins/Loomis) have been complaining of high taxes - which is mostly due to lack of businesses and our schools getting a ton of money every year. So nothing will be rejected if it looks good and decent to the area.

Because of the Wyndham Village developement Lovers Lane Rd will be widened to at least 4 lanes all the way to Loomis, and alderman Olson is looking for county and federal funds to widen 76th St. from where it narrows to just past Ryan Rd.

ALL land on the busiest roads (76th, Hwy 100 (Ryan, St Martins, Lovers Lane), 27th, Loomis, Rawson) have already been looked over and there is some kind of agreement on what's to go there and what's not to go there (with the exception of Loomis past St Martins and 76th St. past Ryan)

There was also a planned building behind the gas station at 76th and Rawson that looked like it would be a 5-10 story building. It has since been taken down, but it looks like 76th/Rawson/Loomis interchange will be where any office towers will go other than 27th St.

If you got any development info in Oak Creek (like the Best Buy and condos...I haven't heard anything about that yet) feel free to post! This is for all suburbs of Milwaukee.

[benscrape]

I figured I could give some information regarding to whats going on in Oak Creek, since Franklin has been making headlines.

After years of allowing just about anything to go into the city, Oak Creek is taking things slower as they want a better quality development to occur.

Howell Avenue is currently the hot spot with Target, Kohls, Woodman's and typical small stuff like Qdoba, Panera, Famous Footwear...etc. Once Woodman's is done, more small retail infill will probably occur including filling in a new strip center south of where Woodman's is going on Howell and Forest Hill. Both Best Buy and Olive Garden have been rumored for the last year to go somewhere along Howell but nothing definite has been confirmed with either one yet. Several new distribution centers and businesses have also gone in several of the industrial or business parks due to the proximity of Mitchell. A major development is being planned along the southeast corner of Howell and College, which would include hotels.

The Lakefront is 1 of 2 big future goals the city has. Two firms, Industrial Realty Group (LA) and International Risk Group (Denver) have come to the city free of charge to become master developers of the lakefront area to be called Lakeview Village. It all will be tied in with the possible KRM station to be built there. It is supposed to be similar to what Saint Francis has done with low-rise condo's and townhouses and an improved Carrolville neighborhood. Retail and small boutique stores would be part of the plan as well. The city is still negotiating with making trades with buying some of the western end of Bender Park for development and give the entire lakefront to Bender Park. Alot of this is slow because they are still finishing up environmental cleanup and cleaning pollution that has been there for years. Along with uncertainty with the KRM rail, alot of things are on hold. An upscale subdivision has been started along 32 and Oakwood, north of the WE Energies plant. 32 is also expected to be widened sometime in the next 10 years or so.

27th Street is the 2nd big goal. Alot of what Oak Creek wants to do is on hold mainly to find out if the DOT is going to build an interchange at Drexel. That is to be decided by this fall. Drexel and Puetz are to be widened within the next five years.

In regards to developing, they've fixed up the Pick N Save on 27th and College. In the south, by Oakwood and 27th, an office park is expected to go in across from Franciscan. The development was passed but the developers were told to go back to the drawing board because what was proposed would have been an embarrassement in looks compared to the hospital going in across in Franklin. The mayor was quoted saying, "We don't want to end up being the dumping ground to Franklin. We want the same quality as they are getting." The new Pick N Save on 27th and Ryan is supposed to be getting an addition for more retail.

In regards to the land across from NW, NW does own a piece of land for possible expansion once Franklin is full. What Oak Creek wants to do with that land is create an urban village. It was passed by our Common Council about a year ago. They are looking at putting a development similar to Bayshore and Easton Towne Center in Columbus (city made a trip to explore Easton late 2005). Major retail, townhouses, condos, restaurants and offices are expected in the development. I'm not surprised at the length of time they are taking. They want the best quality development to go in. An example is Pabst Farms. It was mainly stagnant when it came out, and its now been picking up steam over the last year and a half. City officials have said that our piece of land across from NW is a 20-25 year project. So expect it go in in pieces.

Otherwise, 3 hotels, a new middle school and about half a dozen subdivisions are going in.

[brewcityfan]

I think Howell Ave's redevelopment is one of the best things Oak Creek has done. Best Buy and Olive Garden in OC would only enhance the road. As for the lakefront, the mayor's ideas and plans for it I think are a bit small - I think some mid to lower high rises should be on the lakefront. It would increase OC's tax base as well as its wealth status.

I did hear about the office park they're planning - OC and Franklin want Elm Rd (which is actually a dead end street now on Franklin's side) to be extended and have an interchange there along with Drexel. I think Drexel's interchange is pretty much a done deal, Drexel is becoming a busier street and people need more off and onramps on the south side other than Rawson and Ryan Roads.

I'm saddened to hear that the project across from Northwestern Mutual is going to take 20-25 years! Northwestern Mutual already has been in Franklin at least 2 years, I'm sure some of the employees there must be disappointed if they know that....that timeframe is also going to lose public interest very fast, which I think isn't in OC's interest.

I do like the College/Howell possible development! The big thing though is that the whole project hinders on the prospect of how Mitchell Airport is going to expand. Rumors had it that Mitchell would add another large runway that would cut right through College Ave.

[benscrape]

I meant to say that that entire stretch would be completely filled within twenty years. And Northwestern Mutual's property that they own only consists of 48 acres of land. And there is still no clarification on exactly what they plan on doing with that land. They may develop an office building there if they have to or they may sell it back to Oak Creek or to another developer. They bought it to prevent Braeger from buying it and putting a mega dealership there. And 48 acres is just a piece of that land.

The concept of what the city wants there is 185 acres for the urban village, which is what the city is really trying to get done in the future, which would take in 63 acres for commercial/office, 63 acre lifstyle retail center (ala Bayshore/Easton) and 59 acre residential. In terms of square footage, it calls for 596,600 sq. ft retail, 913,500 sq. ft of office and 500 units of condos and apartments. And what I love about it is how they want to incorporate Falk Park and open it more to the public with more access points and trails eventually. I have a pdf of Oak Creek's urban village plan. It's a basic preliminary look of what they want to do there, with descriptions and maps and some pictures. I would post it the link here but not sure how to do that.

There is also a new condo development that is supposed to start almost across from Forest Hill on Franklin's side, just to the north of the subdivison on Oak Creek's side.

I remember reading about an interchange they want to do with extending Elm Rd. on the southern half. If the Drexel interchange is passed (and it really needs to be) I'm definitely paying attention to how the city and state does with the homes already built there.

I'm don't know much about the plan for Howell and College. I know about that is the desired location for a new runway for the future. I'm not sure if the plan takes that into effect or not. It's still pretty preliminary but I heard the city likes it.

I can understand the mayor's stance on the midrises or highrises for the lakefront. He is really pushing for public access along most of the Oak Creek lakefront, which I have no problem with. But I can see midrises at least being put in some places of that development. It just may not be by the lakefront (though it would be ideal for a selling point).

[FutureChicaukeean]

Well here is what I know about the Best Buy in Oak Creek. I used to work for Best Buy (I had a good position with good connections) and they were always talking about Howell Ave. This was before Howell Ave went BOOM in 2006. Everyone knew the potential and talks flew, other developers built but Best Buy did not. While just about every plot of land has been developed near Howell and Puetz there is still a vacant lot between two of the newer developments on the Southwest corner.

The following information was given to me by a very good friend of mine. His family is friends with the man who owns the vacant plot of land I talked about earlier. The man who owns the land is 'holding' out for the right price which is quite hefty, a little to hefty right now. This makes 100% sense when you look at the whole situation.

Howell and Puetz is 10X more desirable than any other remaining plot of land on Howell Ave. Best Buy wants the best location and will settle for nothing less. Don't believe me? When I worked for Best Buy they looked into moving their 76th street location because of the lack of parking but when it came down to it, they simply just couldn't move from such a prime location regardless of a lack of parking. You see, we discovered that people were willing to park at Circuit City and put their saftey at risk to cross 76th street to shop at that Best Buy location. This is very common during the holidays.

With that said, Best Buy is willing to hold out for that plot of land because the 76th street store does 50-54 million dollars in revenue every year. It is one of the top stores in the territory and THE top store in the Milwaukee Metro. They have a large base of customers from Oak Creek who make the 15-20 minute trip. Since Oak Creek and Franklin still have about 30%+ of their land availible for development they can take their sweet time until the populations reach 40,000+ each and then the investment will be worth every penny.

This is not written in stone but I believe him 100% because it all makes sense.


If Midwest expands "into" college ave I don't think that would effect too much as far as developments go. There is plenty of room around the area for both expansion of the airport and commercial/industrial developemnt.

I like the idea of expanding lovers lane..infact I LOVE it...haha. Honestly Lovers lane turns into a dragstrip because of the current bottlenecks on the North/South ends.

Also 76th/Rawson/Loomis deserves alot of attenion because it seems to be the Hot Spot in Franklin and I know that I use it alot (I am an eastsider) along with you westsiders because it is right smack dab in the middle of the city with 3 main roads right there.

The condos I was talking about are just east of the post office in OC which is about a 1/4 mile southeast of Howell and Puetz. They have the area fenced off and the cats are sitting there but the snow/cold has brought construction to a hault. The sign says 'Commercial Condos' so I am guessing it is going to be a mixed use project with office space.

I don't know what they are building next to Pick n Save on 27th and Ryan but there is def. construction about to occur once the weather permits.

Also I really hope they do something about the Southbound Ryan Road Exit. Have you guys ever taken it during peak hours? It not only takes 5 minutes to get from the freeway to ryan road but it is becoming a saftey hazard. The line of cars and TRUCKS backs up onto the expressway and the entire right lane becomes bogged down.

I do not think a Drexel ramp would solve the problem but how about an Oakwood exit or a southbound 27th st exit? That would help with Ryan's ramps and help boost development around the southern end of 27th. I know there have been no talks of this but the next exit after Ryan is 7 mile and that doesn't excite me and it can't excite all of the new home owners around Oakwood or developers looking south of Ryan.


One last thing...the best kept secret on Howell Ave is Di Carlo!
They make the best pizza, their building is gorgeous on the inside and their staff is ALWAYS friendly.

[benscrape]

Chicaukeean, I have to agree with you on Di Carlo. That place is awesome. I hope Oak Creek and Franklin can somehow attract more restaurants like that, not just your basic chains. Thanks for the info on Best Buy. That's what I kind of figured especially about the right place and price. Those "commercial condo's" east of the Post Office on Mayhew Dr. are 100% offices if I remember.

The Drexel interchange is supposed to help alleviate Rawson. For Ryan, there is talks of extending Elm Rd in Franklin into Oak Creek east from 27th and take it to 94 and put an interchange there. I have to agree that the southbound off ramp onto Ryan is horrible. I really wish they would put lights on the offramp. I hate using it at night because the right turn is kind of sudden and unexpected because you just can't see it at all.

The construction by the new Pick n Save is probably for the new TCF Bank branch going in. I know that they are going to add on to Pick n Save sometime. It was passed by the Common Council a few months ago.

Downtown Oak Creek (Howell & Puetz) is going to look alot different in the future. I found out that once Woodman's is done, Pick n Save is going to demolish there store on Howell and Puetz and rebuild right there and have it look like their new one on Ryan, with a more upscale feel. I also heard that Pick n Save is going to start changing the type of products they sell with pricier meats and other things since the demographics are changing here to more affluent and to also compete with Sendik's. Over the past year, a commission has been looking at the feasibility of an expanded City Hall, Fire Station 1 and Library. They are looking at building on or rebuilding totally. Still nothing for sure on what they are going to do. All I know is that the city residents are extremely adamant that City Hall stays put on that corner because it is downtown.

I just wish they could find a new anchor store to fill in the empty space that used to be Sentry across the street from City Hall.

Now I know they just widened Ryan from 27th to 68th. I heard that the next phase is to widen it from 68th to Drexel. Any of you guys know the truth to that?

[brewcityfan]

Wow...I don't know where to start! First off Best Buy does need another south side location. Whether it be Howell Ave, St. Martins Rd/Loomis, or both - I'd be smiling because of the fact that the entire south side literally goes to the 76th St. location! I also couldn't help but notice Best Buy increasing their influence on the northern half of the city, opening stores in Germantown, Delafield, and Fox Point...and relocating/building across from Mayfair.

Franklin has a gameplan for the St. Martins/Loomis intersection, which includes a ton of mixed use, a lot of offices, and retail with one anchor store. I could definitely see Best Buy or Circuit City move into that location, being down the street from Wyndham Village and also being at one of the busiest intersections of Franklin. http://steveolson.us/html/Crossroads%20Final%20Plan.pdf While this was made in 2004, it is still the plan the common council wants to use for that intersection, only a mile from my house.

Thanks also for clarifying that 27th St. plan. Even though it will be done within 20 years, I still think that's too long to puzzle piece the development.

[FutureChicaukeean]

I hope Oak Creek and Franklin can somehow attract more restaurants like that, not just your basic chains.

My thoughts exactly. More upscale (yet very very reasonably priced) unique restaurants should be a focus of both OC and Franklin. They have the customer base for it and those numbers are ever increasing.

A ramp south of Ryan is a must but like you said they still need to fix the Ryan Exit. I have always thought about building a Truck Only exit south of ryan road that loops back like a clover leaf into the truck stops. The truck stops are all south of ryan and west of the freeway. This is mainly why the single right hand turn lane on the southbound off ramp gets congested. It only takes 2-3 big rigs trying to cross over 3 lanes to get to the truck stops and a few cars to back things up.

As far as Pick n Save going more upscale to compete with the new competition that is 100% accurate but it is part of a bigger plan of Roundys. As we all know Roundys is the 800 pound grocery gorilla in Wisconsin as they are Pick n Save and now they own Jewel Osco's around the metro too. They are now building something like 15 stores around Chicago and they are going to adapt to the higher end markets their. I believe this is a solid move by the company as they look to continue their dominance and appeal to the growing affluent population. We will see if they are run out of Chicago, others have tried to break into the market but it's not easy. Roundy's is good though and I believe they will begin to grab their share of the market in Chicago with relative ease.

As far as expansion of 100 goes I think the development boom around the East/West to North/South bend is a sign that it is only a matter of time before it becomes reality. Like brewcityfan said, 76th and Ryan is primed for a development boom and once that occurs we are looking at a near fully developed major highway from Mayfair to Howell Ave.

[FutureChicaukeean]

Wow...I don't know where to start! First off Best Buy does need another south side location. Whether it be Howell Ave, St. Martins Rd/Loomis, or both - I'd be smiling because of the fact that the entire south side literally goes to the 76th St. location! I also couldn't help but notice Best Buy increasing their influence on the northern half of the city, opening stores in Germantown, Delafield, and Fox Point...and relocating/building across from Mayfair.
.

Wow we really have this thread on the move!

Ok, the Germantown Best Buy is technically the Menomonie Falls Best Buy. In reality it is on the border of both. The reason this bad boy popped up is because unlike the southside, the northside did not have an acceptable store for the demographics of GT/MF. Best Buy has a store on 76th near Northridge but it is too...for lack of a better term...Ghetto for the booming populations of the Northwest burbs.

Now the Fox Point store is the complete opposite. Many residents heavily opposed building a Best Buy because they thought it was too low scale and would attract the wrong crowd. The result is a very upscale small store.

And the Mayfair Best Buy is gorgeous. It is the only best buy that I know of with an attached parking garage. The reason it looks the way it does is because of the fact it is not just a retail store. The Mayfair location is also home to Best Buy's territory offices. Can you blame them? It is in the heart of our Metro's second downtown.

[brewcityfan]

Surprising that I'm still up, but Wyndham Village and Fountains of Franklin are pretty much guaranteed to have restaurants that are upscale in each. The Wyndham Village powerpoint actually labels an outparcel "restaurant" and one "bank". As for OC they just got finished expanding Ryan Rd. East to Hwy. 32, and after driving on it I noticed there is LOADS of land that's waiting for the right buyer to get things moving.

I honestly think the Elm Rd offramp is a bit stupid, since Oakwood Rd. is probably going to be the busier thoroughfare going East-West, considering it goes from Hwy. 32 all the way past 76th Street and then some....the new offramps should be Drexel and Oakwood Roads. Whoever thought of Elm isn't thinking very far into the future - because why would Franklin want to extend a road West when there's a road less than a mile of it that does the same route?? UGH

Basically Franklin and Oak Creek have been covered by the 3 of us! :lol: now if there were only other Milwaukee suburbanites out there to cover the rest!! I'll always keep on looking for news anywhere and everywhere.

Also I'm actually very happy to see that there are others like me that care about the suburbs as well as the city. At least for Milwaukee, I think this thread will be very productive due to "Chicaukee" growing closer together.

[brewcityfan]

THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2007, 8:38 p.m.
By Amy Rinard

Aurora hospital in Summit moves ahead
Summit - Plans for a $189 million Aurora hospital and clinic complex at I-94 and Highway 67 at Pabst Farms were endorsed by the Plan Commission tonight and sent to the Town Board for approval.

Town supervisors could give the project the go-ahead as soon as their next meeting March 1, allowing planning for the hospital, originally proposed for this site in 2004, to move into high gear.

Aurora officials have said they want to begin construction early this spring and hope to open the 792,000-square-foot, four-story hospital and Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic complex in the summer of 2009.

Pabst Farms developers intend for the Aurora medical center to be the centerpiece of a larger health and wellness campus at that location as other medical offices, clinics and medical service providers move to the site.

A battalion of bulldozers and other earth-moving equipment worked earlier today to prepare the construction site at the southeast corner of the I-94 and Highway 67 interchange. The town already has granted Pabst Farms officials a grading permit to begin construction of roads and the installation of sewer and water lines.

At a joint meeting of the Plan Commission and the Town Board on Jan. 29, Aurora officials made a presentation of their plans and answered questions. Members of the commission tonight reviewed individual aspects of the project plans including architecture, the site plan, an operating plan, parking, traffic, landscaping, lighting and signs.

Commission members voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Board grant Aurora a building permit and approve the building, site and operation plans for the medical center. Their action was subject to Aurora meeting several conditions including obtaining approval of a revised design for the hospital's central service building that would be close to the Interstate.

The town also is negotiating a developer's agreement with Aurora that will include a schedule of payments in lieu of taxes that Aurora will make to the town on the property tax-exempt hospital portion of the medical center.

[benscrape]

I'll have to say that the widening of Ryan (100) from Howell to 32 was very much needed.

I wish I could remember why they had talked about building an interchange on Elm instead of Oakwood. I remember reading something months back but I can't recall. Oakwood does make sense due to its length, but I don't think the city is planning on Oakwood being a major thoroughway yet eventhough some big subdivisions are going in along parts of it. I think the only section they are talking on widening is along the intersection with Howell since Opus is putting a business park there, with eventual traffic lights going in.

Other than Oak Creek/Franklin, where else do you see possible or existing hot spots around Metro Milwaukee? I can think of County Line Rd (Germantown/Menomonee Falls), 83 & I-94 (Delafield), 67 & I-94 with Pabst Farms, Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Brookfield (Brookfield Square) and Moorland in New Berlin.

[brewcityfan]

I'll have to say that the widening of Ryan (100) from Howell to 32 was very much needed.

I wish I could remember why they had talked about building an interchange on Elm instead of Oakwood. I remember reading something months back but I can't recall. Oakwood does make sense due to its length, but I don't think the city is planning on Oakwood being a major thoroughway yet eventhough some big subdivisions are going in along parts of it. I think the only section they are talking on widening is along the intersection with Howell since Opus is putting a business park there, with eventual traffic lights going in.

Other than Oak Creek/Franklin, where else do you see possible or existing hot spots around Metro Milwaukee? I can think of County Line Rd (Germantown/Menomonee Falls), 83 & I-94 (Delafield), 67 & I-94 with Pabst Farms, Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Brookfield (Brookfield Square) and Moorland in New Berlin.

Brookfield is always a "hotspot" but it's not a surprise at all, since that is where most retailers locate their store is on Bluemound Rd. Moorland Rd. is going to become one with the waterpark going up on Greenfield/Moorland and the fact that Moorland Rd. past I-43 has a ton of land that needs to be developed, and Muskego already has a plan on how that will look in 10-20 years, with office buildings, retail, and some condo units.

I also see West Milwaukee in general as a hot spot. Ever since 43rd St. became Miller Park Way they've just been building up on retail. The Target store (with Culvers, Chilis, TCF Bank, etc) created a new retail strip inside of the metro area. A factory/warehouse was torn down recently at 43rd/Miller Park Way and Lincoln to make way for a Pick n Save, Menards, and other outparcels of land. Also Miller Park Way will be home to Milwaukee Metro's first Gordon's Food Service (GFS) which specializes in quality foods, like Sendik's.

Brown Deer Rd. in Brown Deer and NW Milwaukee has also seen a boom, surprisingly after Northridge was ripped apart. A new Lowes, nice corporate HQ of Bank Mutual, quality hotels like the Four Points Sheraton and Courtyard only add onto this road. And on the North Shore side of B.D. Rd. there was a strip mall opening with Best Buy, Borders anchoring that jazzed up the area tremendously.

[brewcityfan]

My question to all is this: With the recent events at Mayfair Mall within the past I believe week and a half, do you think it will collapse and fall to the wayside like Northridge did a few years back, particularly due to some of the same reasons happening right now.

For those that don't know what has happened, Mayfair has been hit with a ton of crime and it's all happening at once. From "racist" attacks (don't know if they were or not, just saying the police report) on a Mayfair bus line, a fight between police and suspects including the gun the suspect had in the mall falling to the 1st level, causing several shops to close and keep customers inside freaking out, multiple fights/arrests in and out of the parking lot - the most recent being yesterday inside the theater lobby with I believe 8 arrests. I say in and out because also a woman was badly beaten for holding a parking spot last week, and there's been plenty of parking spot hate flying around at the Mayfair parking lot.

[benscrape]

The increase in violence occurring at Mayfair I can see hurting it but at the same time not. People are still going and shopping there and there have been problems occuring there for years, worse I think since Northridge closed.

I agree with a curfew at a certain age, but I don't exactly see how it will help especially since some of the latest incidents have involved older people (21 yo with the gun and a 37 yo mother in the theater). In regards to the parking lot issue, I don't much what happened there, but I'd say Mayfair has got to be the most godawful mall to park in. Its extremely tight and you feel literally enclosed in the stalls and the drives.

I'd say one of the ways to maybe curb the problem is to close the theater and relocate it away from the mall. Another is to find ways to keep kids interested in activities that doesn't have them loiter around the mall. I've shopped there numerous times and most teens don't buy anything. Some do, but not alot. And I can see some business hurting from a curfew but in the long run, the stores will be fine.

I can see some shops there closing but not due to the violence. I see it more because of Pabst Farms going in. Alot of the stores at Mayfair target the affluent suburbs from Menomonee Falls to Delafield and down to Muskego and Franklin. Sure there is Brookfield Square but its not on the same tier as Mayfair and Southridge is need of help with remodeling, hopefully Simon (who just bought out Mills) can help fix up the mall. But with Pabst Farms, you have a market with alot of money out there, I can see some shops shutting down at Mayfair and moving there since there target group is out there. But I feel most shops are going to just add another store out there and keep open at Mayfair because they will still have a substantial market in close proximity.

[brewcityfan]

THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2007, 10:16 a.m.
By Linda Spice

Cudahy council overrides Iceport veto
Cudahy aldermen have voted to override Mayor John Hohenfeldt's veto of an earlier measure that will allow the shell of steel for the defunct Iceport ice arena project to stand while the city erects a security fence at taxpayers' expense, for now.

Wednesday's 4-to-1 vote keeps in place action the council took last week after learning that a third party, Roustan Inc., may still be interested in development of an entertainment complex on the Iceport land to include an ice arena and movie theaters.

In the council action, taken Feb. 12, aldermen followed a Community Development Authority recommendation to:

-- Erect a security fence around the steel structure after Sportsites LLC failed meet a Feb. 7 deadline to do so under a judge's order. The city plans to use a method for putting up the fence by which it might recover the cost, estimated at $1,200 a month, if they are successful in a pending foreclosure action. The city is attempting to regain land it provided to the developer for the ice arena project.

-- Decline for now to raze the steel structure, although a Circuit Court judge has granted the city two raze orders.

-- Direct Attorney Thomas Duggan to contact Roustan's attorney to determine whether he has proper authority to negotiate with the city. Roustan's attorney indicated in an earlier letter to city officials that he has a confidential agreement with James Kasten and Scott Branovan, principal players in the Iceport development, to settle all litigation if his company is able to proceed with a new project.

-- Keep the city's options open for future developments on the site.

Hohenfeldt vetoed the measure Feb. 14, arguing that an outline of a proposal from Roustan suggested that the city might consider a $20 million tax subsidy for a new project. The mayor said any such measure should be put to a referendum.

Common Council President Sean Smith, who also heads the city's CDA, could not be reached for comment this morning.

This subject just never seems to go away for the people of Cudahy. The bad part is - that whole section of land looks like complete trash - reminds me of an old factory in the process of being ripped up.

[Milwaukee, WY]

My question to all is this: With the recent events at Mayfair Mall within the past I believe week and a half, do you think it will collapse and fall to the wayside like Northridge did a few years back, particularly due to some of the same reasons happening right now.

For those that don't know what has happened, Mayfair has been hit with a ton of crime and it's all happening at once. From "racist" attacks (don't know if they were or not, just saying the police report) on a Mayfair bus line, a fight between police and suspects including the gun the suspect had in the mall falling to the 1st level, causing several shops to close and keep customers inside freaking out, multiple fights/arrests in and out of the parking lot - the most recent being yesterday inside the theater lobby with I believe 8 arrests. I say in and out because also a woman was badly beaten for holding a parking spot last week, and there's been plenty of parking spot hate flying around at the Mayfair parking lot.



Well, I really don't think it will go the way of Northridge. Jesse Anderson actually murdered his wife at Northridge. Then he blamed it on gang members. That, of course went over like a lead baloon with the police, but the public forever afterward had a negative perception of the shopping center, despite the fact that it was a safe place. Of course, the local media did nothing to dispel the hysteria. The difference with Mayfair, besides the level of crime, is of course, Wauwatosa. They will not let the area go down in flames. That mall is the single largest taxpayer in the city of wauwatosa, and they can't afford to (and won't) lose it. Look for a total ban on everyone under 21 before the mall ever goes to seed.

[brewcityfan]

Well, I really don't think it will go the way of Northridge. Jesse Anderson actually murdered his wife at Northridge. Then he blamed it on gang members. That, of course went over like a lead baloon with the police, but the public forever afterward had a negative perception of the shopping center, despite the fact that it was a safe place. Of course, the local media did nothing to dispel the hysteria. The difference with Mayfair, besides the level of crime, is of course, Wauwatosa. They will not let the area go down in flames. That mall is the single largest taxpayer in the city of wauwatosa, and they can't afford to (and won't) lose it. Look for a total ban on everyone under 21 before the mall ever goes to seed.

While I don't see Mayfair going to seed anytime soon, this media publicity against it isn't faring too well. What Mayfair has at the moment is the stores that people can only find at Mayfair. That's what keeps the people there instead of going to Brookfield Square, Bayshore Town Center, or Southridge Mall. With Brookfield Square going through some renovations soon, Pabst Farms building a huge mall in Oconomowoc, Southridge Mall's new owners and Greendale looking to possibly rip it all up and basically pull a Bayshore with the main difference being Bayshore wasn't the entire mall, I don't know how Mayfair will keep its status as "THE #1 mall".

As a Mayfair shopper I'd hate to see it go down the tube, but there needs to be some regulation. All people under 21 not allowed?? I don't know if that's even possible.

[Milwaukee, WY]

While I don't see Mayfair going to seed anytime soon, this media publicity against it isn't faring too well. What Mayfair has at the moment is the stores that people can only find at Mayfair. That's what keeps the people there instead of going to Brookfield Square, Bayshore Town Center, or Southridge Mall. With Brookfield Square going through some renovations soon, Pabst Farms building a huge mall in Oconomowoc, Southridge Mall's new owners and Greendale looking to possibly rip it all up and basically pull a Bayshore with the main difference being Bayshore wasn't the entire mall, I don't know how Mayfair will keep its status as "THE #1 mall".

I'm not so sure about the idea of tearing Southridge down. It's still the largest indoor mall in the state. And let us not forget: this is WISCONSIN!!! Outdoor "lifestyle centers" may be all the rage, but that's only because most new shopping centers are built in the sun belt. Bayshore's nice, but what about when you want to do something on a day when it's below zero? I wouldn't even consider Bayshore. I suspect these are some of the reasons GGP 86'ed the "lifestyle center" plans for pabst farms and went with the more conventional enclosed mall, which, by the way, is rumored to be very similiar to Jordan Creek TC in West Des Moines, which is really neat, and does incorporate a small outdoor area. (See? I was raised in Greenfield, so I have some appreciation for the suburbs!! :lol: )

As a Mayfair shopper I'd hate to see it go down the tube, but there needs to be some regulation. All people under 21 not allowed?? I don't know if that's even possible.


Agreed. But, then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried...

[brewcityfan]

I'm not so sure about the idea of tearing Southridge down. It's still the largest indoor mall in the state. And let us not forget: this is WISCONSIN!!! Outdoor "lifestyle centers" may be all the rage, but that's only because most new shopping centers are built in the sun belt. Bayshore's nice, but what about when you want to do something on a day when it's below zero? I wouldn't even consider Bayshore. I suspect these are some of the reasons GGP 86'ed the "lifestyle center" plans for pabst farms and went with the more conventional enclosed mall, which, by the way, is rumored to be very similiar to Jordan Creek TC in West Des Moines, which is really neat, and does incorporate a small outdoor area. (See? I was raised in Greenfield, so I have some appreciation for the suburbs!! :lol: )




Agreed. But, then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried...

Well, I'm glad to find people that actually give the suburbs some love! There was a time not too long ago when I thought most Milwaukee posters were suburb haters.

Southridge right now (under new owner Simon) is working with Greendale to work out a new plan for the entire mall - I'm guessing all options are on the table but the Greendale Village President really loved Bayshore. The only problem with Greendale is their strict codes on buildings - especially height. The highest it can go is 3 stories - Bayshore's go up as high as 6! They need to make some exceptions to the rule and allow this new Southridge development go forward with ease.

[D-res]

I'm not so sure about the idea of tearing Southridge down. It's still the largest indoor mall in the state.

that's the third mall i've heard claim that title. which is correct

[brewcityfan]

FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2007, 3:33 p.m.

Wal-Mart wants supercenter on 27th St.
Wal-Mart is planning to expand its 136,000-square-foot store in the 6700 block of South 27th Street by 66,000 square feet and transform it into a supercenter.

A standalone Sam's Wholesale Club, also a Wal-Mart facility, is located next door to the Wal-Mart store but it will not be expanded under the proposal.

Although the Franklin Plan Commission reviewed the request at its meeting Thursday, no action was taken.

City Planning Manager Joel Dietl said Wal-Mart also is planning facade upgrades, and landscape and streetscape enhancements at the store. Plans also call for extending a fencing and landscape buffer along the west side of Wal-Mart.

Dietl said, as planned, the expanded part of the store will mostly be used as a supermarket.

The proposal will return to the commission, likely later this winter or in spring.

The retailer in 2004 proposed a supercenter at W. Loomis Road and Highway 100 in Franklin, but those plans were dropped after opposition from Franklin residents.

Well I know at least futurechicaukeean will have something to look forward to!

[brewcityfan]

FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2007, 6:42 p.m.
By Steve Schultze and Cary Spivak

Troha drops out of casino project
Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha late today abruptly withdrew from the proposed $808 million tribal casino project on which he's spent years and millions of dollars.

Evan Zeppos, a spokesman for the casino project, said Troha told the Menominee tribe that "other obligations made it impossible" for him to put in the extra time and money it would take to see the Kenosha project to completion.

Zeppos said he had no further details on reasons for Troha's pullout.

"While we regret it, we respect" his decision, Zeppos said. He stressed that Troha would have no involvement in the casino project or anything connected to it.

Jeff Fleming, a spokesman for Troha, said "long-term business considerations" and a family medical problem were reasons behind his leaving the casino deal. He did not offer further details.

Does this mean the Kenosha casino will take longer than expected to become a reality? Or is it just a businessman who worked and just decided to leave.

[benscrape]

In regards to biggest mall in the state, Southridge is the biggest in area. I don't have the exact figures. Then Fox River Mall in Appleton is the biggest in the number of stores.

I can see how Pabst Farm will look like Jordan Creek. Jordan Creek does look pretty nice. But I don't see Southridge being redone like Bayshore at all. First is size. Southridge is massive in size being 2 stories compared to Bayshore being only 1 story and not as a big square footage wise. Another is the terrain. Bayshore sits on pretty flat land while at Southridge, it sits on a ridge with a high and low side. Now I can see additions being made to Southridge and storefronts being added to the side giving dual entry similar to Steve & Barry's and Linen N' Things. I know there is one more slot in the old Younkers building that nees a tenant. I can also see alot of out parcel stores being put up around the parking lots and maybe a parking garage going in to make up for lost lots, especially if Southridge goes under a major renovation.

Eventhough I don't shop at Walmart, I can see a Super Walmart going in on 27th where the old one is now. That space makes the most sense for them going in.

In regards to Oak Creek, nothing much new other than that the Planning Commission passed Woodman's plat map. It opens up 2 pieces of land around it for future retail stores to go in and a space for probably a dentention pond.

[MilwaukeeBS]

Effort to revamp mall urged - JS Online 2/23

Greendale - Village Board members may like to see Southridge Mall transformed into a lifestyle center, with residential and office space in addition to retail.

And now is the time to articulate a vision to the mall's new owner, Village President John Hermes told board members Thursday night at a joint meeting of the Village Board, Planning Commission and Community Development Authority.

rest of article http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=569796

[brewcityfan]

If Southridge goes down this road, and I think it will, you're going to see a huge ass lifestyle center! Personally I'd think this would bypass the Pabst Farms project in terms of size and viability for new tenants. Southridge just has a ton of land to play with - it's not even funny. The south side of Milwaukee (south of I-94) doesn't have anything with upscale retail other than Boston Store.

This brings excitement to me - since finally the southern half of Milwaukee would get something half-way decent. This news, with Fountains of Franklin and the 27th St. corridor across from NML Franklin will probably encourage more growth to the south towards Chicago

[D-res]

In regards to biggest mall in the state, Southridge is the biggest in area. I don't have the exact figures. Then Fox River Mall in Appleton is the biggest in the number of stores.


Mayfair has the same number of stores as Fox River Mall. I heard Fox River Mall claim the title of largest in area, which I could see. Southridge didnt seem that large.

[brewcityfan]

Southridge Mall
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Southridge.jpg

I don't think there's any land area that large in the area than maybe Brookfield Square.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/BrookfieldSquare.jpg

And here's Mayfair....probably the smallest land area between the 3.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Mayfair.jpg

[brewcityfan]

From the JS: Another big Milwaukee metro company is expanding!
Kohl's upgrades
$70 million project includes company wellness center
By DORIS HAJEWSKI
dhajewski@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 28, 2007
Menomonee Falls - Kohl's Corp. is spending $70 million over two years to expand its headquarters operations, an effort to keep up with growth that could put the retail chain at $22.5 billion in annual sales by 2010.

Kohl's will report year-end earnings after the market closes today. The company reported sales of $15.5 billion for the year ended Feb. 3.

The company's latest effort is to open a medical clinic this year near its main building that will offer health services for the nearly 2,900 people who work at the headquarters. The clinic will be located within the same office park as the headquarters. The company will spend $5.2 million for the purchase and renovations.

The building also will house a second day care center for as many as 150 children, which will ease the current wait for employees. Two hundred children are now enrolled at a center in the company's headquarters building, and there are another 70 on a waiting list.

Recently, Kohl's purchased its former headquarters at N54-W13600 Woodale Drive in Menomonee Falls, where the company will move its credit card division. And the company plans to build a new photo studio at 11300 W. Heather Ave. in Towne Corporate Park-Granville in Milwaukee.

"All we're doing is adding jobs here and building buildings," said Larry Montgomery, chairman and chief executive officer.

Over the next three years, Kohl's expects to add 800 employees at the headquarters. One of the fastest-growing parts of the company has been product development, where staffing has increased from 40 to 180 in recent years. That department is responsible for developing and designing merchandise that is exclusive to Kohl's.

The $70 million outlay includes $40 million for a 2005 expansion to the headquarters building, bringing the total square footage to nearly 900,000. Kohl's hasn't yet filled all the space in the new seven-story building. But the company decided to buy the former headquarters building nearby when it became available because it was a good deal, and it gives Kohl's more space for future hiring, Montgomery said.

The wellness center will provide a new service for Kohl's employees, and it puts the company in the ranks of nearly a quarter of large employers nationwide with on-site health care for their workers, according to a survey released last week by Watson Wyatt Worldwide, an employee benefit management consulting company.

In the Milwaukee area, Sussex-based printing company Quad/Graphics has been at the forefront of the trend toward company-operated clinics.

The Kohl's wellness center, which is scheduled to open in the spring, will be run by a medical director who is a company employee, said Telvin Jeffries, executive vice president of human resources. The center will be staffed by physicians and nurses who are employed by Whole Health, a Cleveland-based health care provider.

The center also will include a pharmacy that will be run by CHD Meridian. The company is part of I-Trax Inc., a publicly traded health management company based in Chadds Ford, Pa.

Participation not required
Kohl's employees and their families who use the on-site center will pay less for their health care, Jeffries said. But they will not be required to use it.

"We don't want them to say 'This is a cheap alternative,' " Jeffries said.

Instead, the company is hoping that employees will choose the center because it offers good care and convenience. Kohl's expects 40% of its headquarters staff to switch to the clinic doctors in the first year of operation, Jeffries said.

The health clinic is the latest addition to an array of services that Kohl's provides for employees at the headquarters.

The sprawling campus already includes a full-service U.S. Bank branch, a dry cleaner, and two cafeterias that serve free coffee all day and a wide-range of meal choices that include everything from sandwiches to sushi to stir-fry. Employees can pay for their food using a stored-value credit card attached to the back of their company identification badge, speeding the checkout process.

They also can buy discounted Marcus movie tickets in the cafeteria and carryout dinners to take home for the family. A shuttle bus carries workers to their cars at the far-flung corners of the parking lot, and a local repair garage will pick up cars that need work in the morning and return them to Kohl's at the end of the day.

The amenities have multiple purposes: They save time for employees and eliminate the need to leave work to run errands, and they are a recruiting tool for a company that is constantly in hiring mode.

"We have relocated 450 to 500 people to Milwaukee," Montgomery said. "We want to create an environment where you can really launch a great retail career in Milwaukee."

In addition to the perks, Kohl's has a professional development program and has several environmental initiatives. The new photo studio, for example, will be designed as a "green" building.

Young job-seekers often look for environmentally responsible companies when making a career choice, spokeswoman Vicki Shamion said.

"We've got everything but psychic reading, which is really what the merchants need," Montgomery said.

[brewcityfan]

Finally the stamp of approval is given in Summit.
THURSDAY, March 1, 2007, 9:37 p.m.
By Amy Rinard

Aurora hospital in Summit approved
Summit - The Town Board tonight gave the go-ahead to Aurora Health Care for construction of its long-sought new hospital in western Waukesha County.

The board also approved a plan under which Aurora will make annual payments to the town in lieu of property taxes on the tax-exempt, non-profit hospital.

"This is a huge step after six years of work on this; we're delighted," said David Ulery, an Oconomowoc doctor and president of the Aurora-owned Wilkinson Clinic, which will move from Oconomowoc to a new building adjacent to the hospital.

The 110-bed, $189 million hospital and clinic will be built at the southeast corner of the I-94/Highway 67 interchange. That portion of Pabst Farms, often called the Summit triangle, is intended by developers to eventually become a larger health and wellness campus as other clinics and medical offices locate there.

Town officials have supported the plan since 2004 when Aurora first proposed to build a hospital there. It took a legal settlement signed last summer by Aurora, the town, city of Oconomowoc and Pabst Farms officials to finally pave the way for construction to begin.

An Aurora hospital had been proposed in 2001 for a different site near the northeast corner of I-94 and Highway 67 in Oconomowoc. That plan was blocked by the Common Council, and Aurora then sued the city.

Ulery said Aurora hopes to begin construction of the Summit hospital as soon as possible this spring and open it in 2009. Grading at the site by Pabst Farms developers already has been begun.

Following the recommendations of the town Plan Commission, town supervisors tonight granted Aurora a building permit and approved in concept the building, site and operations plans for the new medical center. The approval was contingent on some details of the overall plans being approved later by town staff or other appropriate agencies.

[brewcityfan]

More Research Park Construction....
Office expansion planned
County research park looks to add 65,000 square feet
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 6, 2007
An office building at the Milwaukee County Research Park is planning a major expansion to accommodate two tenants that need to add space.

The 139,000-square-foot Research Park Center plans to add 65,000 square feet, said Mark Irgens of Irgens Development Partners LLC.

The building is owned by Innovation Partners LLC, an investors group led by Irgens Development.

Research Park Center, built in 1999, counts the Medical College of Wisconsin, SpiderLogic and Wipfli among its major tenants.

Irgens said two existing tenants plan to expand into 50,000 square feet within the addition, but would not say which ones.

A spokeswoman for the Medical College, which is part owner of the building and its largest tenant, also declined to comment Tuesday.

Construction on the addition is to begin May 1, Irgens said. Research Park Center, at 10000 Innovation Drive, is just north of GE Healthcare's regional headquarters.

The proposed addition, along with separate plans by Irgens Development to build a 132,000-square-foot office building at the Research Park, are among the few major office building projects pending in the Milwaukee area.

Irgens has not yet announced tenants for the other Research Park building, Mayfair Woods.

Office leasing activity is in a lull, said William Bonifas, executive vice president at the Milwaukee office of C.B. Richard Ellis Inc., a commercial real estate brokerage.

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

1. I think Bayshore's mall will become a hot spot this summer/spring. Its way to dumb of an idea for a northern city.

2. Milwaukee needs an outer Interstate loop. thoughts?

[exit_320]

1. I think Bayshore's mall will become a hot spot this summer/spring. Its way to dumb of an idea for a northern city.

2. Milwaukee needs an outer Interstate loop. thoughts?

1) It works in Columbus

2) No more freeways

[brewcityfan]

First off, I have to quote FranklinNOW, for bringing good news for Franklin and possibly could affect Milwaukee as a whole if companies take these lists seriously:
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2007, 12:31 p.m.
By John Neville

Franklin a 'City of the Future'
Franklin will be included in Foreign Direct Investment magazine's (fDi) "City of the Future" rankings next month.

Bruce Donnelly, a U.S. sales representative for the magazine, said although the city did not finish in the top 10 overall rankings for cities with a population under 100,000, Franklin did score in the top 10 in two out of seven performance categories.

The city, with an estimated population of 33,000 and booming residential and commercial markets, finished second in human resources and fourth in infrastructure.

The rankings are compiled to assist investors and business executives in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of more than 100 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

and now, to this....
1. I think Bayshore's mall will become a hot spot this summer/spring. Its way to dumb of an idea for a northern city.

2. Milwaukee needs an outer Interstate loop. thoughts?

1) I don't know what you mean. If it's a hot spot, then why's it a dumb idea?? Chicago's Old Orchard is also open air, more-so than Bayshore's, and it's a booming success story. Once again, don't know your point.

2.) Absolutely. I know this will draw in wtf's from some posters who want transit, and don't get me wrong, I'm waiting for their opinions on this question and I hope they do answer!

I say it deserves an outer loop because well....it simply does! I-894 doesn't do the job anymore for Milwaukee's southern suburbs. It's probably one of the main reasons why Milwaukee's southern half hasn't grown leaps and bounds like the other half. If you look at it in terms of freeway access the northern burbs have - it's pretty nice to go to and fro. US 45 NW, I-94 W, I-43 N, WI 145 NW, WI 16 W. What can the southern half claim?? I-894 E, I-94 S......that's it! It's actually embarrassing to see the absence of high speed travel down here.

I'd say a loop starting around WI 20 in Racine County and ending at maybe the I-94/WI 16 interchange in Waukesha County a feasible and necessary expansion in order for continued growth of Milwaukee's metro south. The loop would also have the option down the road to keep going north and have interchanges at US 41/45 in Washington County and finally coming to an end in I-43 in Ozaukee County around Port Washington if need-be.

To compromise with transit fans I'd also throw out there that the bypass have a transit line along the freeway, like the Kennedy and Metra lines more towards downtown Chicago. I'd use the freeway as the outer line with spikes going inward to downtown, creating a hive-like transit network, with Milwaukee's CBD the hub/hive and the lines outward to the new bypass the connections/spokes/etc...

I wish I could show this using a Google Earth map but I don't know how to use it like that yet. :(

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

Well, Bayshore has alot of shopping outside...and no one wants to go shopping in the cold when its like 20 out. IN SUMMER when its comfortable to walk outside it will be alot more vibrant! Get my point? :bash:

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

Cities that I can name off the top of my head w/ an outer loop:
Chicago
St Louis
Indianapolis
Minneapolis
Detroit
...alot of midwest cities

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

An outer loop can attract alot of outsiders into the city. Outsiders that like the suburban middle class (alot of them out there). Also it can attract large manufacturing plants, companies, idustries, ect. It's not that bad of an idea exit.

[UWMilwaukeeJay]

sorry double post.

[brewcityfan]

I just see an outer loop as something that needs to be accomplished sooner or later. How will Milwaukee cater to commuters from Muskego, Waterford, Franklin, Burlington, Big Bend, Vernon, Raymond, Yorkville, and Wales when their populations increase (some of which have already got to or nearing the 30,000 mark)

With the transit mode tied in with the outer bypass it would be a great addition for both car and rail transit.

Also, a company that previously looked in the Valley and were rejected announced that they're building a HUGE HQ in New Berlin. From the JS:
THURSDAY, March 8, 2007, 1:04 p.m.
By Tom Daykin

BuySeasons to open new HQ in New Berlin
BuySeasons Inc., a Web-based costume retailer, will move to a new corporate headquarters in New Berlin, the company announced today.

BuySeasons, which now leases space in New Berlin, at 5150 S. Towne Drive, will move to a 360,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center that will be developed at 5915 S. Moorland Road, company President Jalem Getz said in a statement.

That location is less than a mile south of the company's existing offices and distribution center, which are just north of I-43 and west of Moorland Road.

BuySeasons last year dropped plans for a new building in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley Industrial Center after opposition from some local officials.

Alderman Bob Bauman and Bob Donovan raised concerns about whether BuySeasons pays its employees high enough wages. They also raised questions about the high share of seasonal employees at the company.

Supporters of the development, including Mayor Tom Barrett, said BuySeasons is among the nation's fastest-growing companies and is hiring more full-time, year-round employees.

[brewcityfan]

Bad news for Milwaukee's northern city border, and could lead to a slowdown for Brown Deer
Former mall's rebirth lags hopes of developer, city
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 13, 2007
Like a secret portal to a lost world, the main entrance to what used to be Northridge Mall is easily overlooked, flanked on either side by stores that have replaced portions of the failed shopping center.

The former Northridge property shows signs of life. A Pick 'n Save supermarket and a Menards home improvement store opened two years ago, filling space created by demolishing the former Sears building. Also, the former Boston Store building leases about one-third of its space to Value City Furniture, which opened a year ago.

But the rest of the former mall - totaling just under 900,000 square feet - sits empty. Department of City Development officials are concerned about the future of the property, now known as the Granville Complex.

"The pace of development is lower than we'd hope," said Martha Brown, deputy development commissioner.

The department recently released a report on Milwaukee's tax incremental financing districts, including one that helped finance redevelopment of the Granville property, north of W. Brown Deer Road and west of N. 76th St. Most districts, which use property taxes from new developments to pay back city funds provided to developers, are performing well, the report says. The Granville district is among the few districts that are performing below expectations.

The city used the Granville district to provide $4.4 million to Tucker Development Corp., which converted part of Northridge into the Pick 'n Save and Menards stores.

The value of the new development so far totals $10.3 million, about $6 million below what the department had expected. As a result, the new buildings are paying lower property taxes than had been projected.

Even at that lower value, the city expects to recover those funds, along with around $500,000 in additional costs, by 2020, one year later than it originally expected, said Jim Scherer, of the Department of City Development.

Once that debt is paid off, the property taxes from the Menards and Pick 'n Save stores will flow to the city, Milwaukee Public Schools and other local governments.

Still, department officials want to see the rest of the former mall revived.

'Catalytic project'
Brown calls the Granville Complex "the most important catalytic project on the northwest side." She said it will play a prominent role in the department's development plan for Milwaukee's northwest side. The plan is to be completed by this fall.

"We're certainly willing to work with any developer to turn around the balance of this complex," said Scherer, the department's senior economic development specialist.

Meanwhile, Tucker Development, of Highland Park, Ill., reduced its stake at Granville last month.

An investors group affiliated with Tucker sold the Pick 'n Save supermarket building, 8120 W. Brown Deer Road, to Sun Life Assurance Co., a Canadian life insurance firm, for $7.3 million. Tucker still owns the former Boston Store building, but previously sold the Menard building to the home improvement store chain.

Also, Tucker in October 2005 sold a 46.5-acre portion of Granville to Inland Commercial LLC, a Los Angeles-area investors group, for $2.5 million. Inland's purchase included the former main mall building and the buildings that formerly housed the Younkers and J.C. Penney department stores.

Inland Commercial, led by attorney Michael Mirharooni, "has struggled to develop a successful redevelopment strategy" for its property, according to the Department of City Development report.

Mirharooni, however, says efforts to redevelop the Granville space are doing "reasonably well."

"We've had significant interest" in the property, Mirharooni said.

Mirharooni's investors group last fall hired Marcus & Millichap, a national real estate brokerage, to either sell the property or seek a joint venture partner to buy an interest in the Granville Complex.

He's seeking a partner because redeveloping the property turned out to be more difficult than expected, Mirharooni said. Initially, he thought prospective tenants would see that the former mall had value for other uses, such as back office operations, call centers, health care facilities or distribution centers.

But it's been difficult for people to see past the property's current status as a dead mall, Mirharooni said. So Mirharooni is hoping a well-heeled partner will help pay for rebuilding portions of the property into space for new uses. That could help attract tenants, he said.

'Dust has settled'
The Granville property could attract back office and call center tenants, said William Bonifas, executive vice president at the Milwaukee office of CB Richard Ellis Inc., a commercial real estate brokerage.

"The location is acceptable. All the dust has settled" from Northridge's 2003 closing, said Bonifas, who specializes in office leasing.

But current leasing activity in the Milwaukee area is weak, Bonifas said.

Mirharooni's group is listing the Granville Complex with a sale price of $7.9 million, more than triple what it paid less than two years ago.

Mirharooni said the higher price is justified in part because of new investments in the area, including the Menards and Pick 'n Save stores, as well as a Lowe's home improvement store that opened in November at 6300 W. Brown Deer Road. He said the list price is under $9 a square foot, a fraction of the costs of building such space from scratch.

Another mall for sale
Meanwhile, Mirharooni and his investors are trying to sell another troubled retail property.

Rolling Acres Mall, an Akron, Ohio, mall that's about two-thirds vacant, was listed for sale last fall for $4.9 million, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Mirharooni put the mall on the sale block just four months after buying it for $1.7 million, and announcing a redevelopment plan similar to what he envisions for the Granville Complex.

Milwaukee officials are hoping Mirharooni soon moves forward on redeveloping the Granville property. Scherer said non-retail uses make the most sense, especially as other shopping centers continue to grow and draw more customers.

"The (retail) market is getting more difficult throughout the metro area," Scherer said. "Everyone is upgrading."

[exit_320]

Three more stores are coming to Bayshore Town Center in Glendale: J. Crew, Stride Rite and Payless ShoeSource.

J. Crew will occupy 5,458 square feet of space on the west side of Bayshore's town square. New York-based J. Crew Group Inc. has 225 stores in the United States., but only three in Wisconsin (in Madison, Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa and an outlet store at Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie).

Stride Rite will occupy 3,067 square feet of space on the south side of Bayshore's town square. The Stride Rite Children's Group Inc., a division of Lexington, Mass.-based The Stride Rite Corp., sells footwear for children. Stride Rite already has stores at Mayfair Mall and Prime Outlets.

Payless ShoeSource Inc. will occupy 1,765 square feet of space on the east side of Bayshore's town square. The Topeka, Kan.-based company has more than 4,500 stores, including several in southeastern Wisconsin.

Last year, Columbus, Ohio-based Steiner + Assoc. completed its expansion of Bayshore Mall into Bayshore Town Center, which now has 1.2 million square feet of retail space, restaurants, office space and residences. Steiner is still working to fill all of the retail space in the expanded shopping center.

"We are excited to continue expanding the offerings at Bayshore with these new retailers," said Bud Schneider, general manager at Bayshore Town Center. "The diverse retailers, restaurants and entertainment components offer a unique experience and provide a reason to keep coming back to see what's new at Bayshore."

[Milwaukee, WY]

Three more stores are coming to Bayshore Town Center in Glendale: J. Crew, Stride Rite and Payless ShoeSource.

J. Crew will occupy 5,458 square feet of space on the west side of Bayshore's town square. New York-based J. Crew Group Inc. has 225 stores in the United States., but only three in Wisconsin (in Madison, Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa and an outlet store at Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie).

Stride Rite will occupy 3,067 square feet of space on the south side of Bayshore's town square. The Stride Rite Children's Group Inc., a division of Lexington, Mass.-based The Stride Rite Corp., sells footwear for children. Stride Rite already has stores at Mayfair Mall and Prime Outlets.

Payless ShoeSource Inc. will occupy 1,765 square feet of space on the east side of Bayshore's town square. The Topeka, Kan.-based company has more than 4,500 stores, including several in southeastern Wisconsin.

Last year, Columbus, Ohio-based Steiner + Assoc. completed its expansion of Bayshore Mall into Bayshore Town Center, which now has 1.2 million square feet of retail space, restaurants, office space and residences. Steiner is still working to fill all of the retail space in the expanded shopping center.

"We are excited to continue expanding the offerings at Bayshore with these new retailers," said Bud Schneider, general manager at Bayshore Town Center. "The diverse retailers, restaurants and entertainment components offer a unique experience and provide a reason to keep coming back to see what's new at Bayshore."

Payless? PAYLESS?! They could've done a bit better than that place...

[araman0]

Speaking of Bayshore, I just had an oppertunity to visit there for the first time myself a couple weeks ago, and was pretty impressed. I wonder though if the area is organic enough to keep up with the changing times over the next few decades, and if it will be fairly easy to to add a larger building here and there, or if what we see now is more or less what we will have there forever.

For some reason I was always under the impression that this was in the city limits of Milwaukee, and was dissapointed to find out that it was actually in Glendale.

[brewcityfan]

Just wait until Southridge Mall in Greendale gets ripped up and changed into a Bayshore type setting. With almost double the land of Bayshore you could have a TON of development happen there.

And I agree with Milwaukee WY, Payless at Bayshore?? It doesn't make sense to me. Bayshore rejects the idea of a Von Maur to replace Sears, but yet accepts Payless!? I'm confused at their policies.....

[mohammed wong]

Condo, retail project emerges
Building proposed for village-owned parcel in Shorewood
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 14, 2007
A local developer wants to build a condominium and retail building in Shorewood, the latest in a series of similar North Shore area projects that have been done in recent years.

Blair Williams has proposed a four-story building, with 20 to 25 condos and 5,000 square feet of street-level retail space. It would be built on a village-owned parcel, on the west side of the 4500 block of N. Oakland Ave., which Williams' firm, Wired Development, is negotiating to buy.

Most of the building's condos will be about 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, Williams said. The selling price for those units will be about $300,000, he said. The development will include underground parking.

Wired Development hopes to begin construction by the fall if it can negotiate a purchase agreement with village officials. Under that timetable, the building's units could become available by the summer of 2008, Williams said. The building is being designed by Engberg Anderson Design Partnership Inc.

Last summer the village requested proposals from developers for the parcel. The village assembled the 20,000-square-foot parcel by buying some smaller properties and demolishing the buildings.

The village Community Development Authority voted last week to negotiate sale of the property to Wired. The firm was one of five developers to submit site proposals.

The project would be one block north of The Metropolitan, a four-story building with 22 condos and 10,000 square feet of street-level commercial space. The Metropolitan, at N. Oakland Ave. and E. Kensington Blvd., was completed in 2004 by developer Craig Jorgensen.

Other North Shore condo projects include Boulder Venture Inc.'s four-story development at E. Silver Spring and N. Lake drives, in Whitefish Bay. That development, completed in November, has a Johnson Bank branch on the street level and 13 condos on the upper levels.

Also, Mandel Group Inc. plans to develop Range Line Crossing, with 31 condos, at 7800 N. Green Bay Ave., in Glendale.

[brewcityfan]

IMO Oakland Ave will become the next Downer St - a lot of retail, resturaunts, and nice apartments/condos. The nice part of Oakland is where they're really building up college students hardly flock to that part of Shorewood - so the people won't get any severe problems.

[brewcityfan]

Some good news in part thanks to the new Bayshore Town Center.

From Doris Hajewski of the JS:
THURSDAY, March 22, 2007, 12:16 p.m.

Milwaukee metro 10th in retail growth
Women's Wear Daily, the apparel industry's top trade publication, ranks the Milwaukee metro area 10th in retail growth for the 2003-2006 period, in a list published today.

WWD's report calculates the average growth rate for retail businesses in the U.S. during that three-year period at 14%. Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties experienced 27.2% growth, according to a study prepared for WWD by Buxton Co. The study counted new retail stores, service firms and banks, but not restaurants, built from the ground up. as well as stores that replaced existing spaces, during that time period.

Buxton cited the Bayshore Town Center as playing a part in the growth.

The Naples/Marco Island, Fla. area is number one on the list, with 34.9% growth. The others, in order, are San Jose/Sunnyvale, Ca.; Bridgeport/Stamford/Norwalk, Conn.; Carson City, Nev.; Austin/Round Rock, Tex.; Ann Arbor; Boulder; Salt Lake City; and San Francisco/Oakland.

Two shopping hot spots, New York and Las Vegas, didn't make the list, despite tremendous growth, because the list is based on the percentage increase, not store count. Those cities had 21.2% and 21.8% growth, respectively.

[brewcityfan]

Abbott is going to begin using their land they purchased in Kenosha Cty.

From the Buesiness Journal
Abbott project moving forward
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - March 23, 2007by Pete Millard
Nearly a year after acquiring 450 acres in Pleasant Prairie, Abbott Laboratories is expected to unveil its development proposal March 26 that would add thousands of jobs and be one of the largest manufacturing projects to be undertaken in southeastern Wisconsin in more than a decade.

Kenosha County and Pleasant Prairie planning officials are uncertain what details will be disclosed at the Plan Commission meeting, but the overall development is expected to include manufacturing, distribution and a commercial project that could be done in combination with a local developer.

An agenda released March 21 showed that Abbott is seeking changes in the village zoning ordinance to allow the company to develop the land at the northwest corner of Interstate 94 and County Highway Q.

"Changing the zoning codes won't be a problem," said Todd Battle, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, which also controls about 41 acres next to the Abbott parcel.

Battle expects Abbott to begin development of the land in late 2007. He declined to discuss any of the specifics of the Abbott proposal.

Abbott bought the 450 acres over a nine-month period for $35 million, according to Kenosha County Register of Deeds' records.

The company's operations at the Pleasant Prairie site could employ 2,400 to 10,000 people. A Milwaukee real estate developer with projects in Pleasant Prairie said Abbott will build a manufacturing and distribution campus in Kenosha County over a 10-year period.

A spokesman for Abbott could not be reached for comment.

Abbott's corporate headquarters is 15 miles south of Kenosha County in Libertyville, Ill.

[brewcityfan]

Further Abbott Labs news:
Abbott unveils few details about Pleasant Prairie site
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - 2:58 PM CDT Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Representatives of Abbott Laboratories Inc. told Pleasant Prairie officials Monday night that they plan to build a pedestrian-friendly corporate campus on the 450 acres it owns in the village, but few other details were revealed about its plans for the site.

When completed, the development could be a $1.2 billion complex that could include health care and pharmaceutical research and development, office, manufacturing and distribution buildings to house up to 12,000 employees, the Kenosha News reported.

The pharmaceutical company's presentation before the Pleasant Prairie Plan Commission Monday evening represent the firm's first public comments about its development plans for the site. The Plan Commission recommended approval of zoning amendments to the site on the northwest corner of Interstate 94 and County Highway Q that would guide the development. The zoning amendments must still receive approval of the Village Board.

[araman0]

It is important to remember that Kenosha county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, and this developement will not really affect the Milwaukee metro in any way. At most, it will help bring a bit of money into Racine county because of the people who will live in Racine county and commute to this developement for work.

The cool thing about it is that it might act as a catalyst to speed up the inevitable urban connection from Milwaukee to Chicago. And of course, the 1000+ Wisconsin jobs will help Wisconsin as a whole.

[exit_320]

It is important to remember that Kenosha county is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.

that really isn't 100% true especially as you stated there is a connection between milwaukee and chicago (growing into one metro area).

[brewcityfan]

More development in Franklin - best part it's near my house! :)
More retail space in Franklin proposed
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: March 29, 2007
Another major retail development proposal has surfaced in Franklin.

Legend Creek Associates is proposing a 225,000-square-foot retail center, to be called the Shoppes of Legend Creek, for the 9800 block of W. Loomis Road.

The development, which would have eight buildings, including one with just under 125,000 square feet, received an initial conceptual review from the city Plan Commission, said Doug Wheaton, city development director.

The development's prospective tenants haven't been publicly named, Wheaton said. Waukesha developer Brian Cummings, Legend Creek's registered agent, couldn't be reached for comment.

Two other shopping centers - the Shops of Wyndham Village and Fountains of Franklin - are planned for Franklin, one of the fastest-growing cities in southeastern Wisconsin.

Developer Mark Carstensen plans to begin construction this spring on the Shops of Wyndham Village, which would have up to 295,000 square feet of retail space, at the southeast corner of Highway 100 and W. Drexel Ave. It would be anchored by a Target discount store and a Sendik's supermarket.

Fountains of Franklin, is proposed for the north side of W. Rawson Ave., primarily west of S. 51st St. Construction on that development, which is to include offices, is to begin this spring. Its partners, Equitable Development LLC and Devo Properties LLC, said a Sendik's store would help anchor the project. Also, a group in Franklin has launched a $20 million fund-raising campaign to try to build a cultural arts center at Fountains of Franklin.

[brewcityfan]

that really isn't 100% true especially as you stated there is a connection between milwaukee and chicago (growing into one metro area).

Excellent point. The new corporate center for Abbott will employ 10,000+ employees from both the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. So, while it can benefit both - Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area have more to gain than downtown Chicago.

[brewcityfan]

Maybe Chicagoans could inform us of what the last store mentioned is about.
THURSDAY, April 5, 2007, 5:36 p.m.

New stores at Mayfair; Bayshore
Chico's will move its store from Audubon Court in Fox Point to Bayshore Town Center in June. The store is under construction now next to J. Crew, near Victoria's Secret and Ann Taylor Loft.

Mayfair has several changes underway:

The Walking Company, a Santa Barbara-based chain that sells name brand comfort shoes, will open its first area location this month in the space formerly occupied by Illuminations. Brands offered by Walking Company include Mephisto, Timberland, Bruno Magli, Merrell, Birkenstock, Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner and many others.

Ann Taylor Loft will open a store at Mayfair in late summer, in the combined space that has housed the Hallmark card shop and Stein Optical. Hallmark is leaving the mall and Stein will relocate within the center. American Greetings will open a store in the space now occupied by Suncoast.

Also this summer, Race Line Motorworks will open its third location in the country on the second level, near the food court. The Chicago-based chain is a place where kids and dads can build their own cars, then race the finished product.

I haven't seen a Race Line store, but they are now open at Hawthorne Mall in Vernon Hills, Il. Sounds like a high-end version of the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, or maybe Build-a-Bear on wheels. And they do birthday parties.

[exit_320]

Maybe Chicagoans could inform us of what the last store mentioned is about.

http://www.racelinemotorworks.com/

[brewcityfan]

A bit away from shopping malls, finally something urban lovers would enjoy. In Waukesha...
Waukesha sees plan for hotel, restaurant
Developers hope high-end proposal would be downtown destination
By DARRYL ENRIQUEZ
denriquez@journalsentinel.com
Posted: April 8, 2007
Waukesha - A dilapidated building closed last year by the city for code and sanitary violations could emerge late this year as a luxury destination and new economic engine for a downtown that's made only modest strides since its last major facelift six years ago.

Detailed plans for a boutique hotel, high-end restaurant and conference center have been revealed by developers who say their project will bring new and monied clientele to Waukesha's evolving downtown.

Advertising executive Drew Vallozzi and noted restaurateur Andy Ruggeri intend to turn a former downtown flophouse into a luxury attraction featured on international directories for exceptional full-service hotels.

Known as the Clarke Hotel and Black Trumpet restaurant, the project has the support of many downtown merchants and City Hall officials who view it as a possible tipping point for a downtown now populated by bars, art studios and a smattering of merchants.

Ruggeri has gained notice as a hotel and restaurant operator through his ownership of two Delafield restaurants - Ruggeri's Ristorante and Andrew's in the luxury Delafield Hotel. He also is a former general manager of Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee.

Ruggeri said he would divest himself of his Delafield interests and devote all of his energies to the Waukesha project.

The Clarke Hotel would contain a second-floor lobby with 16 rooms on that floor and six rooms on the third floor. Prices would range from $170 to $350 a night, making it one of the most expensive hotels in Waukesha County, Ruggeri said.

The first-floor restaurant would offer French-inspired dishes and house what Vallozzi says would be one of the most extensive wine cellars in the Midwest, with a collection of more than 5,000 bottles.

A conference center for events hosting as many as 180 people would also occupy the first floor.

Ruggeri said he wants the Black Trumpet to open by November for the holidays. The opening of the Clarke Hotel would happen by next March. As many as 100 employees would be needed to run the hotel and restaurant, he said.

Drew Vallozzi's father, Andrew Vallozzi, owned the now-defunct Milwaukee Mustangs indoor football team. The senior Vallozzi was linked to efforts in the mid-1990s to purchase the Milwaukee Brewers and build a new downtown stadium connected to a gambling casino.

Beneath the project's hoopla is a deal-busting need for extensive financial city support, something that hinges on less-than-certain Common Council approval.

When the partners were asked Friday whether the project would go forward without city help, they simultaneously responded with an emphatic "no."

Mayor Larry Nelson, a project supporter, disclosed Friday that the financial package as currently structured would not require any tax money from city budgets.

Instead, the package likely would offer city support through a tax-incremental financing district to pay for building and utility improvements with borrowed money.

Details of the package - including the project's estimated value and the amount of city support - are expected to be disclosed Friday, provided the developers and city can iron out the remaining undisclosed financial issues and a developer's agreement that will say how much tax revenue the city can expect from the hotel and restaurant.

The financial package should go to the Common Council for an up-or-down vote April 17. The package would be one of the largest ever provided by the city to a private development, Nelson said.

The business partners began talks early last year about devoting their fortunes and talents to the project, Vallozzi said.

Vallozzi and his financial backers would own and manage the building that fronts W. Main St. and W. Broadway from the downtown Five Points to Clinton St. Their firm is Bethesda Development LLC. Ruggeri would own and manage the restaurant and hotel business.

Before and after pictures:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/waukesha1.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Waukesha2.jpg

[brewcityfan]

In today's Business Journal:
McCormick & Schmick restaurant coming to Mayfair Mall
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - April 13, 2007by Pete Millard
One of the nation's fastest-growing seafood restaurant chains is planning to open a location at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.

McCormick & Schmick Corp., Portland, Ore., has received Plan Commission approval to build an 8,000-square-foot restaurant on a 1-acre parcel in the parking lot of Mayfair Mall.

The restaurant will be McCormick & Schmick's first location in Wisconsin and 53rd nationwide. The company has other Midwest locations in Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Detroit. According to a company spokesman, McCormick & Schmick has no other plans to open other restaurants in the Milwaukee area or in Wisconsin.

The 257-seat restaurant will be constructed on the northern end of the mall's parking lot across from an access road leading from North Mayfair Road to Macy's. While the overall development value has not been determined, McCormick & Schmick has disclosed the cost of construction will be $1.5 million. In addition to the main restaurant, there will be a private dining room, lounge and 40-seat seasonal patio.

The restaurant chain plans to open the Mayfair Mall eatery in December.

The seafood restaurant will be the fourth national chain to open a location on the west side of the mall, said Nancy Welch, director of community development for Wauwatosa. Maggiano's Little Italy and P.F. Chang's occupy space within the mall. The Cheesecake Factory opened a 10,000-square-foot, free-standing restaurant on the southern end of the mall's parking lot.

"McCormick & Schmick has a very selective process for locating its restaurants," Welch said.

Since lease negotiations are still going on between General Growth Properties and McCormick & Schmick, representatives from Mayfair Mall and McCormick & Schmick would not comment on the addition of the restaurant to the mall's mix of tenants. General Growth Properties is the parent company of Mayfair Mall.

The chain, owned by Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick, advertises its restaurants as affordable/upscale with an atmosphere that's nicer than casual dining, but not overly expensive.

The company was started in 1974 when the two partners took over a bankrupt seafood restaurant in Portland. McCormick & Schmick opened its second restaurant in 1979 in southern California. Today, the firm has restaurants in 21 states.

[benscrape]

I'm happy the McCormick & Schmick's is coming here. I've been to the one in Chicago and it was really good. I'm glad they want to put a restaurant up here. Hopefully we can continue to see new stores and restaurants that are not here yet move in here.

[brewcityfan]

Exactly - Milwaukee is becoming a bigger player when it comes to luring new retail and restauraunts to the area.

From yesterday's Business Journal:
Drawing from the Cabela's crowds
Hotel, shopping center to be developed near new outdoor retailer
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - April 13, 2007by Rachel Mccormick-Jennings
A high-end hotel, gas station with a mini-mart, furniture store and a candy store are the latest commercial projects being proposed and planned near the popular Cabela's store in the town of Richfield.

The Sydney, Neb., retailer opened its highly-anticipated $70 million, 165,000-square-foot outdoor merchandise store last fall at the intersection of Highway 45 and Highway 41, with expectations it would draw thousands of shoppers from southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The store features an aquarium, gun library and museum-quality display of trophy animals.

Cabela's executives hope developers can open the mixture of retail stores, gas station and high-end hotel on 30 acres it owns in Washington County's town of Polk by early 2008, said Kathy Foster, Cabela's investment real estate manager.

In total, Cabela's owns 60 acres at the intersection of Highway 45 and Highway 41. The land resides in both the towns of Richfield and Polk.

The first developments Cabela's plans to bring on its property include a furniture store and a gas station with a mini-mart, Foster said. She hopes construction will begin by the summer.

Foster said she's currently has contracts or is in negotiations with developers for about 75 percent of the land. A candy outlet, high-end hotel, and retail strip mall are also being planned for the site. Foster hopes developers will begin construction this year and have businesses opened by the end of 2007 or early 2008. She declined to disclose the identity of the developers or the retailers.

"These businesses will allow Cabela's customers to get more of their shopping down in one location," she said.

Retail surge
Freeway access, population growth and Cabela's entrance into Washington County have caused the surge in retail development interest, said Willard Heppe, chairman of the town of Polk and Toby Cotter, town of Richfield's administrator.

About 41,000 cars on average travel on Highway 41 daily and 30,000 cars on average travel on Highway 45 daily, said Cotter.

"Whether it's a furniture store or restaurant, the potential of this location is unmatched," Cotter said.

Cabela's officials have estimated that up to 4 million customers will visit the Richfield store each year, more than half from out of state, and spend up to four hours in the area. Cabela's has projected first-year sales of $65 million and more than $85 million by the third year.

The town of Polk rezoned property adjacent to the store from commercial/industrial use to retail, Heppe said. The property was rezoned so other businesses could locate near Cabela's.

Helsan Development L.L.C. owns two commercial buildings on the rezoned land and plans to develop a high-end retail strip mall and a large retail store, said Jennifer Miller, vice president of Helsan.

"We want to make sure that families, individuals or couples have other options after leaving Cabela's," Miller said. "Just because a husband wants to spend hours in Cabela's doesn't mean his wife or kids do."

The strip mall will be renovated to include 10 retail tenants, with about 1,500 square feet in each store.

"A strip mall gives them the option of staying in the area, shopping or getting, for example, a haircut," Miller said.

New tenants
She said prospective tenants include a clothing boutique, coffee shop, sandwich shop, jewelry store and salon. She declined to disclose the names of the future tenants.

The tenants are majority locally-owned businesses whose operations match with stores located around other Cabela's stores in the United States.

"We visited several other Cabela's stores and saw these types of businesses around them," she said. "All the businesses were doing well so we thought mimicking those areas made the most sense."

Miller expects the strip mall to be complete and available for tenants to move in by June 1.

There is no time frame set for the development of the second building, Miller said. The firm is hoping that facility will house a large retailer such as an outside motor sports equipment store.

"We think that a store that carries jet skis, boats or all-terrain vehicles would fit perfect with Cabela's," Miller said.

Both town of Richfield and town of Polk officials had anticipated a development surge in the area when Cabela's announced it was coming to Washington County.

Both Heppe and Cotter said although it has taken time for the development to begin, the benefits will be well worth the wait.

"New retail developments mean more sales taxes going to the state," Cotter said. "New developments mean both towns can benefit from a larger tax base."

[honest86]

oh, the amazing benefits of another strip mall.

[brewcityfan]

From The Business Journal:
Northwestern Mutual donates land to Milwaukee YMCA
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - 1:43 PM CDT Monday, April 16, 2007
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has received a land donation in Franklin from Northwestern Mutual allowing the YMCA to build up to a 45,000-square-foot, $12 million fitness center, aquatic facility and child care center.

The 18-acre parcel, valued at $4.3 million, is located in the 7300 block of South 27th Street and is part of a 37-acre parcel acquired by Northwestern Mutual in 2003. The land, which was once the home of a go-cart track, is north of Northwestern Mutual's $125 million campus in Franklin.

The YMCA is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to raise an additional $7.7 million for the new Franklin YMCA. The nonprofit group plans to begin construction in April 2008 and open in the summer of 2009.

[brewcityfan]

oh, the amazing benefits of another strip mall.

Well it's a lot better than just having farmland all around that development...

[exit_320]

Well it's a lot better than just having farmland all around that development...

That may be your opinion, but what about Wisconsin's farming community?

[brewcityfan]

That may be your opinion, but what about Wisconsin's farming community?

What about it? Farmland and rural areas still cover the great majority of Wisconsin territory. I don't think expanding Milwaukee's metro, which will happen sooner or later, is going to drastically affect the overall farming climate in the state. I mean, our metro area isn't that large to begin with - Chicagoland nearly triples in size. How about that farmland?

And if I may add, Cabela's already owns the land in which these developments would be built on. Cabela's doesn't hire farmers to tend their vacant parcels. So either way, if there is/was some kind of damage to the farming community, it already happened.

[brewcityfan]

Another gigantic shopping mall is being built in Wisconsin. From the Business Journal:
Kenosha to get lifestyle center
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - 4:52 PM CDT Thursday, April 19, 2007by Pete Millard
A Florida commercial developer plans to build $200 million in retail stores in southwest Kenosha near Interstate 94.

A 750,000-square-foot "lifestyle retail center" called Kenosha Town Center and the 653-unit River Park residential project will be built on 175 acres, annexed from the town of Bristol, near the northwest corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 50. Both developments are estimated to be worth $200 million each.

The commercial project took root more than three years ago, said Gary Stetson, president of Quality Centers, Orlando, Fla. Quality Centers owns 140 acres near Interstate 94 and has options to purchase another 50 acres.

Stetson plans to begin construction on the first 231,000-square-foot phase of the south end of a 100-acre development site in late summer or early fall. Kenosha city planners expect the scope of the lifestyle center to increase dramatically when Quality Centers develops its remaining 90 acres, increasing the overall value of the retail project by another $100 million to $150 million. The development will include a range of retail stores, entertainment venues and restaurants.

The project is the latest in a surge of development along I-94 in Kenosha County that includes the $1.2 billion, 450-acre corporate park that will be developed by Abbott Laboratories Inc. The Libertyville, Ill., pharmaceutical giant has been purchasing land for the development near Highway 165 and Interstate 94.

This comes with Pabst Farms being developed in Oconomowoc and the Fountains of Franklin still proposed in Franklin. Also the newly renovated Bayshore Town Center opened last November.

[brewcityfan]

More info on the Kenosha mega-development. From today's Business Journal:
Kenosha to get lifestyle center, condos
$400 million in projects latest in surge of new development
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - April 20, 2007by Pete Millard
A Florida commercial developer and a team of residential builders from Brookfield and Kenosha plan to build $400 million in condominiums and retail stores in southwest Kenosha near Interstate 94.

The two projects are the latest in a surge of development along I-94 in Kenosha County that includes the $1.2 billion, 450-acre corporate park that will be developed by Abbott Laboratories Inc. The Libertyville, Ill., pharmaceutical giant has been purchasing land for the development near Highway 165 and Interstate 94.

A 750,000-square-foot "lifestyle retail center" called Kenosha Town Center and the 653-unit River Park residential project will be built on 175 acres, annexed from the town of Bristol, near the northwest corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 50. Both developments are estimated to be worth $200 million each.

The commercial project took root more than three years ago, said Gary Stetson, president of Quality Centers, Orlando, Fla. Quality Centers owns 140 acres near Interstate 94 and has options to purchase another 50 acres.

Stetson plans to begin construction on the first 231,000-square-foot phase of the south end of a 100-acre development site in late summer or early fall. Kenosha city planners expect the scope of the lifestyle center to increase dramatically when Quality Centers develops its remaining 90 acres, increasing the overall value of the retail project by another $100 million to $150 million. The development will include a range of retail stores, entertainment venues and restaurants.

"Our plan will add upscale stores in Kenosha," said Stetson, who also has an office and home in Chicago.

Stetson declined to reveal the identity of any of the tenants.

The Kenosha Town Center will have many of the same planning concepts and elements of the Bayshore Town Center in northern Milwaukee County, said Brian Wilke, a planning and development coordinator for Kenosha. Bayshore underwent a $300 million redevelopment to create a town center concept and added many new national retailers.

The Kenosha open-air, lifestyle center will have a Main Street feel, Wilke said.

It will be Quality Centers' first Wisconsin project and the developer's largest. The company has developed more than 2 million square feet of retail in Florida and the Chicago area.

Looks like a village
The River Park residential development is designed to have the characteristics of a village within Kenosha city limits, said Scott Simon, president of Simon Group, Brookfield. Simon Group is working with Mastercraft Builders Inc., Kenosha, to develop River Park.

Kenosha Town Center and River Park will be just north of the proposed Abbott Laboratories corporate park, which is in the early planning stage for Pleasant Prairie.

"The Abbott development is an unexpected bonus for our deal," said Stetson, who has been working on the Kenosha Town Center project for the last three years.

The Simon and Mastercraft residential neighborhood will be built south of 67th Street and west of 130th Avenue on land that once was in the town of Bristol. The project will include seven types of structures on 75 acres. The development will have walking trails and stormwater retention ponds connected by narrow outlets resembling a river or stream, Simon said.

Housing will vary from ranch and flat condominiums to 36-unit complexes, ranging in price from the upper $100,000s to $400,000.

"Home buyers like being close to high-quality retail, and retailers love new rooftops," he said.

Simon Group has three other developments in various stages of completion in Pleasant Prairie just south of the Interstate 94 and Highway 50 interchange. Simon is constructing two condo buildings on 187 acres near 104th Street and Old Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie. One development is called Sagewood At Village Green and the other is called Meadowlands.

No city help
Simon is also building a 150,000-square-foot commercial development called Main Street Market west of the condo projects, near the intersection of Old Green Bay Road and 104th Street.

The lifestyle center and housing subdivision will not seek city financial help through a tax incremental financing district, said Wilke. The biggest obstacles that both projects face involve working around the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's I-94 rebuilding project that will be under way in Kenosha County in two years.

"The developers are working with DOT to determine who is paying for what frontage road improvements on their properties," Wilke said.

While both projects have received preliminary approval from the Kenosha Plan Commission, the city must approve a rezoning plan for the properties and grant conditional use permits before construction can begin.

[brewcityfan]

Thanks to Bucyrus, South Milwaukee might be seeing better times.
Bucyrus expansion keeping locals upbeat
Merchants, residents anticipate benefits of $135 million expansion
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - April 20, 2007 by Katie Schmitt

The city of South Milwaukee has seen its share of businesses come and go.

But for more than 100 years one major employer has held steady in the small community -- Bucyrus International Inc. -- which is why residents and business owners are eager for what's yet to come.

Bucyrus International's latest expansion project aims to reduce South Milwaukee's unemployment rate and provide financial benefits to downtown merchants, while increasing the mining equipment manufacturer's production and making its buildings more aesthetically pleasing to the surrounding area.

The 125-year-old company is centrally located in South Milwaukee's downtown at 1100 Milwaukee Ave., with its corporate headquarters and main factory covering several square blocks just south of East Rawson Avenue. It began expanding its primary manufacturing operations in January 2006 by adding a 144,000-square-foot manufacturing building to a 40-acre site north of Rawson Avenue.

Renovations at its facilities south of Rawson Avenue began last fall and will continue until early next year.

As South Milwaukee Mayor Tom Zepecki sees it, the expansion will benefit the city financially because there will be more people with high-paying jobs using area businesses.

"That bodes well for the future," he said.

What didn't bode as well was the company's consideration in 2005 to move its production operations to Houston. Had the company made that move, it would only have been a matter of time before its headquarters followed. Instead, Bucyrus put its money into the project at its South Milwaukee operations and expanded into Milwaukee by taking over the former Metso Minerals plant about eight miles away.

New hope for merchants
Greg Castle, owner of Greg's Soup-er-Desserts, 1015 Milwaukee Ave., said he hopes the expansion will bring in new customers to his shop and to other local establishments. Several downtown businesses have closed or moved in the last few months, including CZ Flowers, which moved to Whitefish Bay last year, and Castle is considering relocating to Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood if business does not pick up.

"Things look grim for downtown South Milwaukee at the present," Castle said. "Hopefully, Bucyrus' expansion will help bring things back."

B.J. Lynch, co-owner of Parkway Floral at 1001 Milwaukee Ave., is more optimistic and sees the expansion as great for the city because of the jobs it has added and will continue to add. It also will bring more people into the downtown area and increase business, he said.

"Everybody in town has a very positive attitude about it," said Bob Pfeiffer, director of the South Milwaukee Public Library, which is located across the street from Bucyrus.

Pfeiffer has noticed an increase in Bucyrus employees using the library and said Bucyrus has held meetings related to the expansion at the library. Most local businesses have not reported an increase in customers yet, but remain hopeful there will be once the expansion is completed.

"People are going to be doing more shopping around here," said Donn Powers, owner of Donn Powers Jeweler, 2110 10th Ave. "I'm a big promoter of Bucyrus' expansion. It's going to be nothing but good."

No more 'rust bucket'
The renovations will turn the campus buildings' "rust bucket" appearance into a complex that is more aesthetically pleasing to the community, said Kent Henschen, Bucyrus' director of marketing and corporate communications.

"The look of the property is going to be vastly improved," said Henschen. "Cleaning up the property makes it more community friendly."

The addition of new facades, buildings, siding, paint and wrought iron fence will make the formerly "dingy, old" campus look modern, Mayor Zepecki said.

"Where we're going to notice it the most is on the main campus," he said. "It should leave quite an impression on residents and visitors to the area."

Henschen expects that about 300 employees will be added to the South Milwaukee campus by the end of the expansion, bringing the total number of employees to about 1,300. Most of these jobs will be for skilled machinists and welders, who will earn about $22 per hour, and administrative personnel at various levels, from basic administration to engineering personnel.

"Grads of South Milwaukee (High School) will certainly have an opportunity here," said Zepecki.

Bucyrus is broadening its recruitment to bring more high-skilled workers to the company. People from all over the world are coming to the campus for job training. The company is working with area technical schools to train students for the jobs Bucyrus will offer, said Henschen.

To alleviate some issues the community has had with employees parking along streets surrounding the complex and to make room for more employees, Bucyrus is adding a 300-space parking lot on the southeast corner of the campus. The new plant north of Rawson already provides additional parking spaces.

The expansion's main purpose is to make room for increased production of its surface mining machinery, which recently has grown in demand.

"We are essentially tripling the production," said Henschen.

Bucyrus International's net sales increased 28 percent between 2005 and 2006, growing from $575 million to $738.1 million. The company had a net income of $70.3 million in 2006, up from $53.6 million in 2005.

The new facility north of Rawson Avenue is nearly finished and the campus south of Rawson is undergoing an expansion of the assembly buildings. The next phase will include improvements to the facades along North Chicago and Rawson avenues, and adding the parking lot, which should be completed this fall.

Henschen anticipates completion by early 2008 and estimates a total cost of $135 million.

Bucyrus obtained financial incentives from the state and Milwaukee County to help pay for the expansion and improvement project.

"Bucyrus has been a great partner," Mayor Zepecki said. "For the next 20 years or more, it will be an up cycle for South Milwaukee."

[Bluewarning]

Why is everyone so against this Cabela's project? We have enough hotels popping up and being proposed in Milwaukee. I think its great for Richfield.

[Jesse276]

Why is everyone so against this Cabela's project? We have enough hotels popping up and being proposed in Milwaukee. I think its great for Richfield.

I don't think people are against it, it's just underwhelming.

[brewcityfan]

I don't think people are against it, it's just underwhelming.

Well hey I'll just make sure to let Cabela's know that in order to attract a celebration from the city of Milwaukee, they will have to put their store in the middle of downtown Milwaukee. Perhaps in one of those buildings that are looking for tenants! I mean seriously give me a break, just say it - you don't like it because it's in a SUBURB of Milwaukee.

[benscrape]

I think that Cabela's is disliked here is because its in the suburbs. Its regarded as a big box store in the middle of nothing, attracting cars and continuing evil sprawl. Hopefully they can get something successful there to add to it. My only concern is that is it is kind of by itself right now. Hopefully, it will connect itself to the communities as time goes by.

I like the idea of the Kenosha Town Center. I think its in a great location being able to attract the growing populations in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie to the east and Twin Lakes in the western half of Kenosha County and parts of eastern Walworth County that is growing. And to include Abbot Labs coming in later on, that should increase its value to the area. And its real competition is Prime Outlets about 1-2 miles south.

And I'm glad they are not asking for a TIF because they is nothing to fix up or improve on site.

And with Bucyrus, I hope with their expansion, it can help South Milwaukee. They have a pretty good Main Street there and can it be improved, yes, but overall its pretty nice. Only a short drive from my house.

[Jesse276]

Well hey I'll just make sure to let Cabela's know that in order to attract a celebration from the city of Milwaukee, they will have to put their store in the middle of downtown Milwaukee. Perhaps in one of those buildings that are looking for tenants! I mean seriously give me a break, just say it - you don't like it because it's in a SUBURB of Milwaukee.

Boo hoo hoo, I don't start jumping for joy over the proposed adjacent stripmall and I get crucified. The point I was making is that there doesn't really seem to be anything that sets this apart from anything else. I was not talking about the Cabela's itself, at least that was bringing a new attraction to the area, albeit a tax subsidised one.

The question is, what makes this stripmall so special? As far as I can tell ... nothing. That's my guess why there isn't much enthusiasm for it. Just because you get off on any project that gets the bulldozers rumbling, doesn't mean others share your umm ... gusto. Development for development's sake does not equal a better built environment.

[brewcityfan]

Boo hoo hoo, I don't start jumping for joy over the proposed adjacent stripmall and I get crucified. The point I was making is that there doesn't really seem to be anything that sets this apart from anything else. I was not talking about the Cabela's itself, at least that was bringing a new attraction to the area, albeit a tax subsidised one.

The question is, what makes this stripmall so special? As far as I can tell ... nothing. That's my guess why there isn't much enthusiasm for it. Just because you get off on any project that gets the bulldozers rumbling, doesn't mean others share your umm ... gusto. Development for development's sake does not equal a better built environment.

Crucified? Jesse, my dear Jesse....if only you knew. Agreed that the word strip mall could make anyone cringe - but there's more to that than just the two words. Thanks to Cabela's other businesses are locating themselves in the vacinity. Plans of an upscale hotel have even taken root either on the property or across the street. That's very impressive for an area that just 2 years ago only saw cornfields for miles on end. I also think the Polk and Richfield town leaders put it well - thanks to Cabela's and other businesses Wisconsin receives more sales tax, and their communities tax base goes up significantly. It's a win/win/win.

And I will say Jesse that you aren't exactly as negative as some others would most definitely be. At least you stood and had some good points for the "eh ok" remark. And honestly I wouldn't be surprised if somebody was thinking about "damnit Cabela's is luring more people away from Milwaukee" prior to the posts made.

[brewcityfan]

All I know is a Cabela's and some retail development won't be a negative for Milwaukee. But, what Waukesha's doing is interesting. From today's Journal Sentinel:
Hotel planned in Waukesha
Two eateries also proposed to spice up downtown nightlife
By DARRYL ENRIQUEZ
denriquez@journalsentinel.com
Posted: April 21, 2007
Waukesha - The days of deserted downtown streets - so much so that they might as well be rolled up and tucked away at night - may soon come to an end.

Recently endorsed efforts to open a boutique hotel-conference center and a high-end restaurant - plus plans for a second restaurant, with a domed garden for restaurant guests on its second floor - are all the buzz.

The upscale eateries will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, a service that hasn't been offered downtown in recent memory.

To skeptics who question why anyone would come downtown for an expensive meal and luxury sheets, the response from supporters and developers has been unhesitant and direct:

It's likely that the success of the two upscale restaurants and hotel will depend on the patronage of customers from throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.

Advertising executive Drew Vallozzi, restaurateur and hotel operator Andy Ruggeri and downtown Milwaukee bar owners and brothers Jim and Dan Taylor all profess that Waukesha's once-floundering shopping district could become a regional center for relaxation and nightlife.

Ready to bloom?
"We feel that downtown Waukesha is really poised for a renaissance," Dan Taylor said. "It's located centrally in the county, meaning people from New Berlin to Oconomowoc would be drawn there.

These entrepreneurs have a track record of success in previous ventures, and a mutual desire to plant roots among the art galleries, home decor boutiques and small clubs clustered along W. Main St.

The Taylors own the popular Taylor's bar in downtown Milwaukee. Dan Taylor owns a boutique hotel on a resort island off Puerto Rico. The brothers are proposing a two-story restaurant with a domed atrium in downtown Waukesha.

Ruggeri and Vallozzi are partners in a venture to open the Clarke Hotel and Black Trumpet restaurant in a former downtown flophouse that once housed crack and heroin addicts.

The hotel would have a lobby on the second floor with 16 rooms and a third floor with six rooms. Nightly rates would be as high as $350.

Ruggeri divested himself recently of financial interests in The Delafield Hotel and Andrew's restaurant in downtown Delafield.

Vallozzi operates a food services advertising business with its headquarters in downtown Waukesha.

Vallozzi told Common Council members last weekthat The Delafield Hotel and Andrew's restaurant regularly attracted people from the monied North Shore suburbs of Milwaukee who wanted a close weekend getaway, and also from Waukesha.

"People don't mind traveling for a good meal. It's a part of the experience, and they will come to Waukesha," Ruggeri said.

The council has approved a $2 million economic assistance package for the Clarke Hotel and Black Trumpet project, despite criticism that such a venture might be unwise. The Taylors have still to present formal plans for their proposed restaurant.

Waukesha County Supervisor Duane Paulson told aldermen that he couldn't imagine that anyone would come to downtown Waukesha to stay in a hotel.

Valet parking for all
Vallozzi and Ruggeri were not deterred by the comment, and explained that the restaurant and conference center would occupy the ground floor. Valet parking would be available for hotel guests, as well as downtown shoppers willing to pay a parking fee, Ruggeri said.

The cars would be parked in the South St. ramp, where the Taylor brothers' father, Bill, has been commissioned by the downtown Business Improvement District to spruce up areas seen by the public with artful paintings.

The Taylors plan to build their restaurant on the parking lot of a former law firm. The bar and restaurant would have a French flavor, with windowed walls that could be retracted to open the business to pedestrian traffic, much like their Milwaukee club.

"It will have an open-air, art-filled, jazz-filled ambience," Dan Taylor said.

Jim Taylor said he sees their proposed establishment as a draw to those who want a change of scene from downtown Milwaukee.

The return of two-way streets has greatly assisted in the renewal of downtown Waukesha from when the many one-way streets and a springhouse, in the middle of W. Main St., created a traffic nightmare, Dan Taylor said.

The scenic walkways along the Fox River also have aided in the area's revival.

[Bluewarning]

Downtown Waukesha is pretty nice. Love to see this materialize.

[brewcityfan]

Back to my suburb of Franklin, there's finally an updated plan of The Shoppes at Wyndham Village (Hwy. 100 and Drexel) and there's also plans in the works for the reconstruction of 27th Street and Rawson Ave. in Franklin/Oak Creek. I thank John Michlig for this information.

The Shoppes:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/wyndhamvillage.jpg

Rawson Ave & 27th Street reconstruction. 3 plans are proposed.

Plan 1:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/Rawson27thPlan1.jpg

Plan 2:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/rawson27thPlan2.jpg

Plan 3:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/rawson27thPlan3.jpg

[brewcityfan]

I'm going to be taking pictures of suburban projects in the next few days. These are the big ones in Franklin:

NML expansion
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0447.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0448.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0449.jpg

The new Wheaton Hospital on 27th & Oakwood
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0437.jpg

[araman0]

I don't understand at all how that huge roundabout will work. You simply can't have 3 lanes of traffic merge simultaneously over the 3 roundabout lanes. For example, the east-bound lane farthest to the left would have to cross 2 lanes of traffic to merge to the inner lane of the circle. Even if this were feasable, it would definately not speed up traffic, IMHO.

[brewcityfan]

They're doing this same type of roundabout on both intersections of the on/off-ramps on I-43 and Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. The DOT also wants to implement these all across the metro area.

[Milwaukee, WY]

They're doing this same type of roundabout on both intersections of the on/off-ramps on I-43 and Moorland Rd. in New Berlin. The DOT also wants to implement these all across the metro area.

Yeah, and what they oughtta be doing instead at these interchanges is called a SPUI or Single Point Urban Interchange. It tends to work better in high traffic areas. i don't have time to post a link right now, but they opened one recently in Eau Claire. The SPUI is widely considered to be the pinnicale of modern traffic engineering. Roundabouts suck.

[brewcityfan]

Yeah, and what they oughtta be doing instead at these interchanges is called a SPUI or Single Point Urban Interchange. It tends to work better in high traffic areas. i don't have time to post a link right now, but they opened one recently in Eau Claire. The SPUI is widely considered to be the pinnicale of modern traffic engineering. Roundabouts suck.

Once you get the link - could you send it to me? I'd appreciate it. I never heard of SPUI.

[exit_320]

Once you get the link - could you send it to me? I'd appreciate it. I never heard of SPUI.

I did a google search and came up with lots of results

[brewcityfan]

Well, to keep up to date with some things....

Goodwill is consolidating it's training and local HQ to one building in Oak Creek along Rawson Ave.

Yesterday it was announced that the 27th St corridor from College Ave. to I-94 could land as much as $1 BILLION in new development in 20-25 years. Oak Creek currently has plans for an urban village across the street from the NML campus, and another mixed-use development is under way by 27th & Puetz on OC's side. Oak Creek also approved a multi-building complex by the developers of Park Place within the tirangle of Elm Rd, 27th St, and I-94 that should begin construction by the end of the year.

Franklin has NML's phase II under-way, the YMCA will start next year next to the NML campus, and Franklin's first hotel - Staybridge Suites, has been moved forward.

FRIDAY, June 1, 2007, 3:06 p.m.
By James Livesey

Future of 27th Street unveiled in video
The Oak Creek and Franklin common councils viewed a video simulation of what 27th Street could come to resemble in 20 to 25 years at a joint meeting held May 29 at Oak Creek City Hall.

Planned for the 27th Street corridor are two- and three-story office and retail buildings, roundabouts with water fountains and pedestrian-friendly walkways with plantings and porous pavement.

High-density office parks have been proposed for the north and south ends of the 27th Street corridor, with a lower-density commercial/retail area in the middle.

The DVD the councils viewed was produced by Eppstein Uhen Architects under the direction of the 27th Street Steering Committee. The video utilizes the Overlay District that the committee intends to use to rezone parcels of land along 27th Street.

[brewcityfan]

This will soon be in suburban Milwaukee - and a lot of residents living in Oconomowoc already work in Milwaukee....so I'm posting/talking about this in here.

I kinda got the push from seeing a similar development happening in suburban Indianapolis (I believe - the thread is up).

Pabst Farms is a mixed use development incorporating a variety of things to work/do. It includes a medical complex, business/high tech area, a shopping mall/theater, residential subdivisions, a YMCA, hotel, a "marketplace", and the list could go on.

An overview:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/pabstfarms.jpg

You can get more info at www.pabstfarms.com

[MilwaukeeD]

Pabst Farms is a mixed use development incorporating a variety of things to work/do. It includes a medical complex, business/high tech area, a shopping mall/theater, residential subdivisions, a YMCA, hotel, a "marketplace", and the list could go on.

An overview:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/pabstfarms.jpg

You can get more info at www.pabstfarms.com

It is hard to call it mixed-use though, when all the various uses are clearly and distantly seperated. Historically, mixed-use meant that there were mixed-use buildings. Now, all developers say "mixed-use" even if the uses are a mile apart, some of the uses are on the other side of an interstate.

[brewcityfan]

I guess to the credit of the developers, the only section they labeled "mixed use" after their overall statement of the whole thing being mixed use is the village square section.

That is the home of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, M&i Bank, and I think some other retail and business.

It's too bad that Milwaukee can't embrace the suburban growth without some minor gripe.

When I see the Indianapolis Suburban thread - they're a lot more cooperative of their entire metro area. Even those looking at Jeff_of_Dayton's suburban Ohio threads are generally of a positive nature. But yet in Milwaukee - the distaste continues to stir.

[Jesse276]

I guess to the credit of the developers, the only section they labeled "mixed use" after their overall statement of the whole thing being mixed use is the village square section.

That is the home of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel, M&i Bank, and I think some other retail and business.

It's too bad that Milwaukee can't embrace the suburban growth without some minor gripe.

When I see the Indianapolis Suburban thread - they're a lot more cooperative of their entire metro area. Even those looking at Jeff_of_Dayton's suburban Ohio threads are generally of a positive nature. But yet in Milwaukee - the distaste continues to stir.

It's too bad that suburbanites can't take constructive criticism. If only they weren't so thin-skinned and we could really tackle the problems that hold the metro back.

[brewcityfan]

It's too bad that suburbanites can't take constructive criticism. If only they weren't so thin-skinned and we could really tackle the problems that hold the metro back.

With that being said, I'd hope you can take constructive criticism as well.

Developments like Pabst Farms and the 27th Street corridor will bring in a lot of money - both in sales tax dollars and in construction costs. I feel both will also help expand our metro area, and lure more people to the Milwaukee area. In turn, that should help Milwaukee promote itself as a great place to live and companies to locate.

The problems that are holding our metro back are seeded in this very forum. Look at the locked Milwaukee/Suburban animosity thread - no one can simply get along (or agree for that matter) on how to get things done. One side has one set of beliefs and the other side has another set of beliefs and both are unwilling to bend for the other, IMO.

Unfortunately, that won't solve anything either.

[brewcityfan]

West Allis has been working since 2001 to redevelop a once blighted area of the city now known as the Six Points area.

As of recent, many urban buildings have gone up, with businesses/retail on the first floors and apartments/condos on the above floors.

http://www.sixpointswestallis.com and http://www.ci.west-allis.wi.us/pdf_hard/development/Farmers_Market_Neighborhood_Redevelopment.pdf has photos and what not that I cannot put into Photobucket to show on here.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/sixpointsfarmersmarket.jpg

[MilwaukeeD]

West Allis has been working since 2001 to redevelop a once blighted area of the city now known as the Six Points area.

As of recent, many urban buildings have gone up, with businesses/retail on the first floors and apartments/condos on the above floors.

http://www.sixpointswestallis.com and http://www.ci.west-allis.wi.us/pdf_hard/development/Farmers_Market_Neighborhood_Redevelopment.pdf has photos and what not that I cannot put into Photobucket to show on here.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/sixpointsfarmersmarket.jpg

Now that's a good mixed-use suburban project...cause it is urban.

[brewcityfan]

Well in that case I'm hoping other projects down the road that share these characteristic won't be subject of Milwaukee scrutiny - as most projects usually do no matter how big the economic impact might be.

[Jesse276]

Well in that case I'm hoping other projects down the road that share these characteristic won't be subject of Milwaukee scrutiny - as most projects usually do no matter how big the economic impact might be.

Why do you want only Milwaukee praise but no constructive criticism? Are you afraid of something?

[brewcityfan]

Why do you want only Milwaukee praise but no constructive criticism? Are you afraid of something?

Jesse - MilwaukeeD at least knows how to work things out. He gives praise where it deserves it, and constructive criticism where it needs it. All you give IS constructive criticism, and NO praise for anything suburban Milwaukee does for the area. So give me a break.

I've been receiving constructive criticism for the past idk how many months from people like you. A bit of praise is actually a miracle, thank you very much.

[brewcityfan]

Eppstein Uhen's DVD detailing the $1 billion in new development on 27th Street finally got some pictures.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/27thandelm.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/urbanvillage.jpg

And an image of NML's Franklin Campus when completed:
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/NMLCampus.jpg

[Jesse276]

Jesse - MilwaukeeD at least knows how to work things out. He gives praise where it deserves it, and constructive criticism where it needs it. All you give IS constructive criticism, and NO praise for anything suburban Milwaukee does for the area. So give me a break.

I've been receiving constructive criticism for the past idk how many months from people like you. A bit of praise is actually a miracle, thank you very much.

Most of the time I just don't comment on suburban developments because frankly, I'm just not interested. That said, why am I obliged to give praise to something just because it is suburban?

You know, for someone who claims to be this great uniter, you sure do bring up the differences of urban and suburban alot.

[brewcityfan]

Most of the time I just don't comment on suburban developments because frankly, I'm just not interested. That said, why am I obliged to give praise to something just because it is suburban?

You know, for someone who claims to be this great uniter, you sure do bring up the differences of urban and suburban alot.

In that case, why would you claim all I want is Milwaukee praise?

That's I think the whole problem, and you addressed the root of it - Milwaukeeians aren't interested in what happens OUTSIDE their boundaries. Many people on this forum will openly tell any of you that there's more to a city and a metro area than JUST the city. Things that happen in the suburbs have just as big of impacts as those occurring inside the city.

I'm not ordering you to give praise, I'm asking you to keep an open mind, something up to now you refuse to have.

I bring up the differences only when warranted. I don't need to say anything - since usually some Milwaukee poster will have something ingenious against suburbia to bash about. All I do is simply remind, and point out arrogance where arrogance exists. To that matter, I honestly don't think any Milwaukeeians have a clue about suburban ideals and interests, and I'm sure many suburbanites don't have an idea of what city dwellers yearn and want either.

[brewcityfan]

Growth could strain city staff

Keeping pace with development in Oconomowoc will exceed their capacity, workers say

By AMY RINARD
arinard@journalsentinel.com (arinard@journalsentinel.com)

Posted: June 6, 2007

Oconomowoc - With almost 50 development projects in the works, including a huge new shopping mall at Pabst Farms, staff of the city at the hub of fast-growing western Waukesha County say they can no longer keep pace with what amounts to "building another city."

During two evenings of presentations to city officials, including members of the Common Council, Plan Commission and Community Development Authority, city staff put it bluntly:

Providing ongoing city services, maintenance, dealing with significant growth and keeping up with at least six large development initiatives "will exceed our staff's capacity to provide the necessary services."

Mayor Maury Sullivan said keeping up with all the new residential and commercial development projects that already have been and will be proposed might require the city to change the way it does business and possibly hire additional staff.

"It's one of the largest challenges the city is facing," he said. "We either rise to the challenge or get engulfed."

From 2000 to 2006, the city's population increased 15%, the number of residential lots increased 30% and the number of commercial properties rose by 10%.

In the coming years as many as 5,000 new residential units are expected to be built, resulting in an estimated population increase of 15,000 new residents. In 2006, the city's population was 13,870.

Ald. Robert Morgan said he sometimes wonders where all these people are coming from.

"But they're coming, and we have to accommodate them," he said.

Long list of projects

Among the largest of the development initiatives city staff are shepherding through the approval process is the planned Pabst Farms Town Centre shopping mall and adjacent retail development, further residential and commercial construction at Pabst Farms, redevelopment of the downtown, reconstruction of downtown's major streets, extension of sewer and water service to the site of a new Aurora hospital in nearby Summit and construction of a second fire station at Pabst Farms.

To cope with these and the other 41 development projects in the works, the city might have to prioritize the handling of projects, contract out some services, improve the project review process, hire more staff or even put off some projects until they can be processed.

Recently, the Common Council approved the hiring of a part-time assistant city planner.

"There will have to be changes made," Ald. Scott Antonneau said.

Waukesha County sure isn't slowing down....

[brewcityfan]

From the JS:


Goodwill proposes new headquarters

It plans to start work by January on Oak Creek building

By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com (tdaykin@journalsentinel.com)

Posted: May 31, 2007

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin hopes to begin construction by January on a 140,000-square-foot headquarters and work facility planned for Oak Creek, an agency executive said Thursday.

Goodwill has proposed the building for a 13-acre site at 140 E. Rawson Ave., said Roger Sherman, senior vice president for organizational development. The Oak Creek Plan Commission has recommended the site be rezoned, and the Common Council has scheduled a June 19 public hearing on that request.

Goodwill wants to shift its administrative offices from 6055 N. 91st St., on Milwaukee's northwest side, to Oak Creek, Sherman said. That would allow the agency to expand its work and training facility at the N. 91st St. location, he said.

Also, the non-profit group would move its work and training facility from 200 W. Vogel Ave., near Mitchell International Airport, to the Oak Creek building. Goodwill leases space at the Vogel Ave. building, and prefers to own its facilities, Sherman said.

The new building would house around 130 Goodwill staff members, and around 270 people who participate in Goodwill programs, Sherman said.

Goodwill provides training, employment and support services for people with disabilities.

The new facility would take around a year to build, Sherman said.

In addition to the two Milwaukee County facilities, Goodwill operates work and training centers in Waukesha and Racine counties.

[Jesse276]

In that case, why would you claim all I want is Milwaukee praise?

That's I think the whole problem, and you addressed the root of it - Milwaukeeians aren't interested in what happens OUTSIDE their boundaries. Many people on this forum will openly tell any of you that there's more to a city and a metro area than JUST the city. Things that happen in the suburbs have just as big of impacts as those occurring inside the city.

I'm not ordering you to give praise, I'm asking you to keep an open mind, something up to now you refuse to have.

I bring up the differences only when warranted. I don't need to say anything - since usually some Milwaukee poster will have something ingenious against suburbia to bash about. All I do is simply remind, and point out arrogance where arrogance exists. To that matter, I honestly don't think any Milwaukeeians have a clue about suburban ideals and interests, and I'm sure many suburbanites don't have an idea of what city dwellers yearn and want either.

I'm not interested because in suburban areas, there is rarely anything to be interested in. If there were some genuine rowhouse projects with walkable retail. I would be fairly interested, but don't whine because I'm not impressed by strip malls. I have an open mind, it just has standards.

If you think I've been giving constructive criticism to suburban areas, you are sorely mistaken. I've given your overwhelming boosterism a pass even as you talk about the 1 billion of development coming that is spread over a 6 mile stretch of road and is expected over the next 20-25 years. YAWN!

[brewcityfan]

I'm not interested because in suburban areas, there is rarely anything to be interested in. If there were some genuine rowhouse projects with walkable retail. I would be fairly interested, but don't whine because I'm not impressed by strip malls. I have an open mind, it just has standards.

If you think I've been giving constructive criticism to suburban areas, you are sorely mistaken. I've given your overwhelming boosterism a pass even as you talk about the 1 billion of development coming that is spread over a 6 mile stretch of road and is expected over the next 20-25 years. YAWN!

Considering it's targeting office and retail, something which downtown Milwaukee can't hardly grab at this moment because of TIF and "tax" issues, I don't think you have the time to yawn. Downtown Milwaukee's revitalization has already hit its 15th year, and you sure weren't yawning about that.

Is West Allis's project still too "unurban" to you? Sorry if that's not a word, I'm just trying to point out the urbanist bias here....

[Jesse276]

Considering it's targeting office and retail, something which downtown Milwaukee can't hardly grab at this moment because of TIF and "tax" issues, I don't think you have the time to yawn. Downtown Milwaukee's revitalization has already hit its 15th year, and you sure weren't yawning about that.

Is West Allis's project still too "unurban" to you? Sorry if that's not a word, I'm just trying to point out the urbanist bias here....

You're right, there is not retail or office development downtown. Especially when you look at a 20-25 year timeline.

Why do I have to post about something to prove I'm not biased. I like many buildings going up in Chicago, but I don't have to post anything in a forum to prove I like them. The same works for any other project.

With your talk of an 'urbanist bias' you sound like a republican talking about a liberal bias in the news. If you want more people to share your strip-mall joy, get more people who like that development on this site. Don't whine to everyone on this site because we don't get overwhelmed at the sight of massive parking lots and a discount retailer.

[brewcityfan]

You're right, there is not retail or office development downtown. Especially when you look at a 20-25 year timeline.

Why do I have to post about something to prove I'm not biased. I like many buildings going up in Chicago, but I don't have to post anything in a forum to prove I like them. The same works for any other project.

With your talk of an 'urbanist bias' you sound like a republican talking about a liberal bias in the news. If you want more people to share your strip-mall joy, get more people who like that development on this site. Don't whine to everyone on this site because we don't get overwhelmed at the sight of massive parking lots and a discount retailer.

To pull something you do to me constantly - YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION!!

West Allis's project in particular doesn't have plans for massive parking lots and discount retailers. Neither does Oak Creek's urban village.

I'm not even whining about the subject. Fine with me if you don't like absolutely anything in the suburbs. I'm sure you don't even spend time out here anyways.

I was just glad to see in other cities, posters actually look forward to suburban projects sometimes. It's a shame Milwaukee posters can't feel the same way.

[exit_320]

To pull something you do to me constantly - YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION!!

West Allis's project in particular doesn't have plans for massive parking lots and discount retailers. Neither does Oak Creek's urban village.

I'm not even whining about the subject. Fine with me if you don't like absolutely anything in the suburbs. I'm sure you don't even spend time out here anyways.

I was just glad to see in other cities, posters actually look forward to suburban projects sometimes. It's a shame Milwaukee posters can't feel the same way.


Again.. it's because our suburban projects are so typical with no variations on anything you could find in any suburb and hick town anywhere else in America.

The West Allis project is good and should be a model for development. Oak Creek project could still use some work.

Show me a suburban development with buildings right up to the sidewalk and within walking distance of housing and I would be all about it.. the fact is there just aren't that many developments like that in our area.

[Jesse276]

To pull something you do to me constantly - YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION!!

West Allis's project in particular doesn't have plans for massive parking lots and discount retailers. Neither does Oak Creek's urban village.

I'm not even whining about the subject. Fine with me if you don't like absolutely anything in the suburbs. I'm sure you don't even spend time out here anyways.

I was just glad to see in other cities, posters actually look forward to suburban projects sometimes. It's a shame Milwaukee posters can't feel the same way.

In fact I did, I was saying that I don't have to praise every project I like, be it in West Allis, Milwaukee, Chicago, or any other town. It's not that I don't like anything in the suburbs, I just don't like much of anything that is suburban in character, be it in West Allis, Milwaukee, Chicago, or any other town.

As I said before, stop complaining to the board because people aren't as happy as you are about certain projects. If you want more interest, try to recruit new members to this site.

It's just a shame that people feel they have to scold everyone on this board to like the projects in their hometown.

[brewcityfan]

In fact I did, I was saying that I don't have to praise every project I like, be it in West Allis, Milwaukee, Chicago, or any other town. It's not that I don't like anything in the suburbs, I just don't like much of anything that is suburban in character, be it in West Allis, Milwaukee, Chicago, or any other town.

As I said before, stop complaining to the board because people aren't as happy as you are about certain projects. If you want more interest, try to recruit new members to this site.

It's just a shame that people feel they have to scold everyone on this board to like the projects in their hometown.

And as I said before, I'm not scolding anyone. I'm not demanding anything. I'm not even complaining! I just ask for open minds. It's absolutely FINE that you don't like anything in the suburbs, even if others say certain projects out here look "urban" in design.

Do you get the point?

[Jesse276]

And as I said before, I'm not scolding anyone. I'm not demanding anything. I'm not even complaining! I just ask for open minds. It's absolutely FINE that you don't like anything in the suburbs, even if others say certain projects out here look "urban" in design.

Do you get the point?

Well, to clarify, I don't prefer suburban developments but a truly urban development in a suburb is fine by me. If our metro wants to stand out, we need many more of them.

[brewcityfan]

^^ Sounds like a good plan to me. Suburbs are beginning to get that trend as well.

[brewcityfan]

Another $83 million invested....

Retail planned for I-43 corridor
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - June 8, 2007 by Pete Millard

A Port Washington insurance agency is putting together an $83 million retail and residential condominium project at Interstate 43 and Highway 33 in Saukville, the latest project in the bustling freeway corridor.

The project would include a Wal-Mart Supercenter, which the Bentonville, Ark., retailer confirmed earlier this year that it was considering for the Ozaukee County suburb. The project would be the largest single development ever undertaken in Saukville, a village of 4,000 people.

A.N. Ansay & Associates' mixed-use development will cover 149 agricultural acres on the village's eastern boundary and will be called Heritage Crossing.

A Wal-Mart Supercenter combines a regular Wal-Mart discount store and a grocery store.

In addition, Brian Biernat, the village's community development director, said there will be another 80,000 square feet of retail space. When finished, there could be 10 to 12 retail and residential buildings on the 149 acres.

Ansay & Associates is working with Midwest Expansion, Green Bay, to develop the retail portion and Milwaukee's Towne Realty has an interest in developing the condominiums, said Don Roeber, real estate portfolio manager for Ansay.

Midwest Expansion, which has more than a dozen retail center developments under way in the Fox Valley and Madison, has a tentative agreement to construct the Wal-Mart. Towne Realty plans to build condos on 21 acres of the development, said Mike Mervis, a spokesman for Towne and Zilber Ltd.

Wal-Mart currently has a discount store at 825 E. Green Bay Ave., just south of the proposed Supercenter site in Saukville that will close and be redeveloped when the Supercenter is completed,

The residential portion of Heritage Crossing will be about 28 percent, or 42 acres. Biernat said the village expects up to 110 condo units as part of the project.

This would be the second major retail project undertaken in recent months along the I-43 corridor, just north of Milwaukee.

Continental Properties Co. Inc., Menomonee Falls, is embarking on a retail development in Grafton at I-43 and Highway 60.

Saukville plans to establish a developer-financed tax incremental financing district valued at $8 million to defray the cost of infrastructure for Heritage Crossing.

"The interest from developers in purchasing 25-acre parcels is keen," he said.

A.N. Ansay also is considering the development of senior housing for Heritage Crossing. The company is still negotiating with independent developers to handle the senior housing units.

I would say this sounds like a suburban development (large parking lots and big boxes) - so no need to point that out.

[Vail]

Hello,

Do you know if there are plans to remove an existing apartment building on the east side of Prospect Ave N. directly across from Diamond Tower to build a new condominium high rise? I've been hearing rumors and would like to know if there is any truth to this one.

Vail

[Markitect]

Hello,

Do you know if there are plans to remove an existing apartment building on the east side of Prospect Ave N. directly across from Diamond Tower to build a new condominium high rise? I've been hearing rumors and would like to know if there is any truth to this one.

Vail

Yes, a new 30-story condo high rise is being proposed for the site currently occupied by the Prospect Heights Apartments, which would be demolished. You can read about it here: Developers propose 2 more condo towers (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=603042)

Also, for future reference, this is the Suburban Milwaukee thread. For development discussions within Milwaukee itself, you can go to the Milwaukee Development News thread. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=422324)

[brewcityfan]

Yes sir, but us in suburbia would love to have 30-story towers anyday!

[brewcityfan]

This should get Twoaday's attention! :lol:

SuperTarget in Pewaukee?
By MIKE JOHNSON
mikejohnson@journalsentinel.com
Posted: June 11, 2007
Village of Pewaukee - A Target store is being proposed for a 22-acre site at Highway 16 and Ryan St., and officials from Target Corp. are scheduled to appear Thursday before the village's Plan Commission to discuss the project.

The Minneapolis-based chain wants to build a 175,000-square-foot store in two phases along the southeast corner of the intersection. Initially, a 132,500-square-foot store would be constructed, according to documents submitted to the village.

The second phase of construction would add 42,500 square feet. Target stores of 175,000 square feet or more typically are SuperTargets, which include a full-service supermarket and retail store.

If a SuperTarget is located at the Pewaukee site, it would be the first such store in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area. Target operates 32 stores in the state, including a SuperTarget in Eau Claire.

Target also has shown interest in building a SuperTarget at Sunset and Sentry drives in Waukesha, the former site of food wholesaler Fleming Cos. The chain has 181 SuperTarget stores, including several in the Chicago area.

To proceed with the project in the village, Target will need to have the site rezoned from B-3 office and service district to B-1 community business district. Additionally, Target will need a conditional use permit because the proposed building is greater than 20,000 square feet.

The Plan Commission meets at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Village Hall, 235 Hickory St.

Thursday's meeting is for Target officials to gauge reaction of village officials to the proposal.

Village Planner Michael Stumpf says in a memo to Plan Commissioners that while the proposal generally is compatible with surrounding uses, Target's building proposal "does appear to be too large for the available site."

"Significant changes to the site plan would be needed in order to accommodate the building, parking and landscaping within the village's standards," the memo says.

Stumpf says the village's master plan shows the site as a location for business uses such as offices.

The Target store would be east of the existing Pick 'n Save supermarket and retail complex. That complex, Lake Country Square, is along the southwest corner of Highway 16 and Ryan St. (also Highway KF).

RLK Inc., a Minnetonka, Minn.-based consultant representing Target, states in documents filed on the proposal that Target would employ 150 to 200 people initially and as many as 350 after the second phase of the project is completed.

It says the Target store is a good fit for the intersection.

Village President Chuck Nichols, who chairs the Plan Commission, said Monday that the meeting with Target is "strictly a consultation" and he had not yet formed an opinion on the proposal.

You can read my opinion about the situation here: http://franklinnow.com/blog/index.aspx?blogid=353&month=06&year=2007&entryid=39222

[brewcityfan]

I got the link to the video that was presented to the Oak Creek and Franklin Common Councils last week.

I'd like whoever views this thread to take a peek, bias or no bias, and provide me an opinion - positive or negative. I'd also like to know if this qualifies for urban development in a suburban setting. Also, would this be GOOD or BAD for the Milwaukee metro area?

This corridor is supposed to lure $1 BILLION in new development to the Milwaukee area, specifically in Franklin and Oak Creek.

http://www.steveolson.us/html/27th_street_corridor.htm

Thanks for any input ahead of time!!

[Twoaday]

brew>I'm not sure why I would care at all about a Target in the burbs..

My take on Pabst farms is that is not good for the Metro but bad in that it clearly continues to encourage sprawl. And that it is just another mall in truth. And who's going to pay for that freeway intersection that I will never use?

Finally what people are trying to explain to you brew as far as why they aren't excited about suburban development is because 99 times out of 100 the projects are just more generica. "Wow we're getting a new Target, or Applebees maybe if we're lucky a Cheesecake Factory."

[brewcityfan]

brew>I'm not sure why I would care at all about a Target in the burbs..

My take on Pabst farms is that is not good for the Metro but bad in that it clearly continues to encourage sprawl. And that it is just another mall in truth. And who's going to pay for that freeway intersection that I will never use?

Finally what people are trying to explain to you brew as far as why they aren't excited about suburban development is because 99 times out of 100 the projects are just more generica. "Wow we're getting a new Target, or Applebees maybe if we're lucky a Cheesecake Factory."

But what about the video??? Two Two Two!

[Jesse276]

But what about the video??? Two Two Two!

Maybe you should start and explain why you thought it was urban.

[Twoaday]

I'll check it out tonight... or this weekend.

[Twoaday]

As long as this is the sprawl er suburban forum I'll add that the Fountains project clearly is just yet another suburban strip mall. Yea it looks a little better than a standard strip mall, but when you get right down to it.. it is a strip mall... It is just not urban... How will people get to the stores? Drive. Notice the surface lots everywhere. It's funny the "architecture" is so much beter... ha... no it's not the design is still well suburban, auto gheto, generica. I'm not holding out much hope for the 27th street video either.

[brewcityfan]

As long as this is the sprawl er suburban forum I'll add that the Fountains project clearly is just yet another suburban strip mall. Yea it looks a little better than a standard strip mall, but when you get right down to it.. it is a strip mall... It is just not urban... How will people get to the stores? Drive. Notice the surface lots everywhere. It's funny the "architecture" is so much beter... ha... no it's not the design is still well suburban, auto gheto, generica. I'm not holding out much hope for the 27th street video either.

Well I'd have to respectfully disagree with you on that. While I'm not at all surprised by the comments - because I don't even think a miniature downtown Milwaukee in a suburb would qualify for you as "urban."

The bigger picture about The Fountains project is the fact that there are plenty of connecting sidewalks into the development. The neighboring Root River Parkway will also be connected into this - and with future enhancements it will become a quality, but smaller, Bayshore Town Center. Also the one-story buildings currently shown can add condos/apartments above them - making it a better mixed use project where residents would simply take the elevator down to the 1st level and walk to their stores. Also the surface lots can be replaced by parking structures if retail demand becomes great. The original conceptual plans are just that - a concept that can be changed and redone.

There's a definite variety here that other "strip malls" don't provide - offices, food, clothing, entertainment, high quality dining, and culture - that can and will most likely lure the residential component into this.

But, the fact of the matter is, my opinion is probably not going to enlighten anyone as heavily leaned as yourself. I'm just hoping others can see the bigger picture.

Thanks also for the 27th Street comment. At least some people know how to respond.

[Milwaukee, WY]

Well I'd have to respectfully disagree with you on that. While I'm not at all surprised by the comments - because I don't even think a miniature downtown Milwaukee in a suburb would qualify for you as "urban."

The bigger picture about The Fountains project is the fact that there are plenty of connecting sidewalks into the development. The neighboring Root River Parkway will also be connected into this - and with future enhancements it will become a quality, but smaller, Bayshore Town Center. Also the one-story buildings currently shown can add condos/apartments above them - making it a better mixed use project where residents would simply take the elevator down to the 1st level and walk to their stores. Also the surface lots can be replaced by parking structures if retail demand becomes great. The original conceptual plans are just that - a concept that can be changed and redone.

There's a definite variety here that other "strip malls" don't provide - offices, food, clothing, entertainment, high quality dining, and culture - that can and will most likely lure the residential component into this.

But, the fact of the matter is, my opinion is probably not going to enlighten anyone as heavily leaned as yourself. I'm just hoping others can see the bigger picture.

Thanks also for the 27th Street comment. At least some people know how to respond.


Alright Brew,

I grew up in Greenfield, and my parents still live there, so I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who does really appreciate the suburbs for what they are. Suburbs are what they are, I will pass no judgement on that. I think that building more walkable communities is commendable. What I don't think you realize here is that Fountains is a wholly private development. You (and I mean developers) can't create a "downtown". What it really is, is a shopping mall that looks like a downtown. It's still a destination that most will get to by car. Yes, there may be some residential mixed in, but even the nearby residents are likely to have to drive some distance to get to work. A true downtown of the type that were built in this country prior to WWII, were not built in 18 months by a single private developer and stocked with national chain stores. This is why despite the Disneyland architecture and parking meters, Bayshore TC is not a "downtown." It is a cleverly configured shopping mall.

On a side note, I do like some of what the 27th St master plan has, the use of more high rises and mid rises for office space, but there is still a lot of open lawn space, and that will relagate it to "suburban auto-centric" to any urban planning minded person. I think that it actually reminds me a lot of Denver's Tech Center area, which is shared by Denver, and the neighboring suburbs of Greenwood Village, and Littleton. It creates a second skyline for Denver with several office and hotel high rises, but the street pattern is strictly suburban, it's no threat to downtown Denver.

[brewcityfan]

Alright Brew,

I grew up in Greenfield, and my parents still live there, so I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who does really appreciate the suburbs for what they are. Suburbs are what they are, I will pass no judgement on that. I think that building more walkable communities is commendable. What I don't think you realize here is that Fountains is a wholly private development. You (and I mean developers) can't create a "downtown". What it really is, is a shopping mall that looks like a downtown. It's still a destination that most will get to by car. Yes, there may be some residential mixed in, but even the nearby residents are likely to have to drive some distance to get to work. A true downtown of the type that were built in this country prior to WWII, were not built in 18 months by a single private developer and stocked with national chain stores. This is why despite the Disneyland architecture and parking meters, Bayshore TC is not a "downtown." It is a cleverly configured shopping mall.

On a side note, I do like some of what the 27th St master plan has, the use of more high rises and mid rises for office space, but there is still a lot of open lawn space, and that will relagate it to "suburban auto-centric" to any urban planning minded person. I think that it actually reminds me a lot of Denver's Tech Center area, which is shared by Denver, and the neighboring suburbs of Greenwood Village, and Littleton. It creates a second skyline for Denver with several office and hotel high rises, but the street pattern is strictly suburban, it's no threat to downtown Denver.

First, I just would like to say THANK YOU for at least

1. Keeping an open mind
2. Holding back whatever bias you may have
3. Stating your opinions without having to offend or jab the other side in the process

I agree that downtowns aren't created by one single developer in this instance. But comparing such a decent development to strip-mall material is a bit frustrating to say the least. You got it right when you said most will have to travel by car to get to work and such - but what this development is doing will provide other means of travel...especially for the nearby subdivisions behind it. Until something of mass transit gets proposed that is satisfactory to suburbanites, there will always be some condescending attitudes between urban believers and their suburban counterparts concerning the development-transit ideals. We can both at least say The Fountains won't look like Bayshore concerning the "Disneyland" architecture you mentioned.

Concerning 27th Street - once again, thank you for your opinion. I think this will serve Milwaukee and its metro area well, and will provide more opportunities for companies to enter the Milwaukee area to test us out. I also agree with you on the lawn part of it.....and that's something I took note of.

[brewcityfan]

Another public market!

WEDNESDAY, June 20, 2007, 4:13 p.m.
By Dave Fidlin

Daily Market gets green light
Three entities have come to a mutual developer's agreement for the Daily Market, crystallizing months of discussion about its feasibility in Cudahy.

Two of the three parties, the Community Development Authority and developer MK Realty LLC, approved the terms of the agreement on Monday. The Common Council, representing the city, gave its approval Tuesday.

The Daily Market is to be part of a larger mixed-use facility on land that will be redeveloped on two city-owned lots at the northwest and southwest corner of Packard Avenue and Library Drive.

MK officials said they hope to feature an array of vendors at the Daily Market, including butchers, fine chocolatiers and fish mongers, plus a wine store, coffee shop and deli.

As outlined in the agreement, construction on the complex is to begin Oct. 1 and be completed by April 1, 2009.

[brewcityfan]

Milwaukee's suburban real estate roundup, thanks to the Business Journal.

Developer finally gets approval for $15 million apartment complex
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - June 22, 2007 by Pete Millard
After a year of negotiating with Glendale aldermen and residents, David Cunningham finally has the zoning designation he needs to move ahead on his $15 million, 100-unit apartment complex for West Mill Road.

The Glendale Plan Commission turned down Cunningham's original request for a 164-unit apartment building on the 7-acre former manufacturing site in the 2300 block of West Mill Road. Density and traffic issues created a concern among neighbors, said Richard Maslowski, Glendale's city administrator.

Cunningham, whose company, Northland Development L.L.C., owns and manages more than a dozen apartment and commercial properties in southeast Wisconsin, scaled back his plan and purchased an additional acre to lower the density of the project from 17 units per acre to 14 units per acre.

With the revised plan, the Glendale Common Council approved rezoning the land June 11 from light manufacturing to multi-family residential.

"Now our challenge is to design a building that can be successful and that the neighbors will like," Cunningham said.

Northland Development's proposal calls for constructing two four-unit townhouses along West Mill Road and a 92-unit apartment building behind the townhouses.

The complex is designed to attract families, said Maslowski. The project, which is being designed by Torke Wirth Pujara Architects, Elm Grove, will include a garden, play areas, a fitness center and community center. The complex will also include an underground garage for about 166 cars and a surface parking lot that will hold more than 100 cars.

According to the plans currently under review, the 92-unit building will have two and three bedrooms in four wings, said Maslowski. Monthly rents for the apartment will range from $1,200 to $1,500. The northwest and northeast wings of the building will be two stories. The rest of the building will be three stories.

While the city has approved the project's rezoning request, Northland Development still has to get approval for the design of the building from the Glendale Plan Commission.

"We're cautiously optimistic this will get done," Cunningham said.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pabst Farms condos approved
Pabst Farms Development Inc. has received approval for the design of the Village Crossing at Pabst Farms from the Oconomowoc Plan Commission.

The 144-unit condo development, one of four residential components of the 1,500-acre Pabst Farms master-planned community, will include 72 buildings spread out over 32 acres. Pabst Farms is located at Interstate 94 and Highway 67.

The other residential areas at Pabst Farms are Eastlake Village, an area with 170 single-family lots; Lake Country Village, an area planned for 205 lots; and Interlaken Village, an area on the far eastern end of the development planned for 26 one-acre lots.

The Pabst Farms developers and their architectural firm, Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects & Planners Inc., Palatine, Ill., will make another appearance at the Plan Commission in August for a final review of the proposed project.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shorewood to get mixed-use project
Wired Properties hopes to begin construction on its proposed four-story project in Shorewood in the fall that will add 23 condominiums and 5,000 square feet of retail to the 4500 block of North Oakland Avenue.

Wired was selected by the village as part of a request for proposal process initiated last fall to develop the village-owned vacant lot on North Oakland. Blair Williams, president of Milwaukee-based Wired, is negotiating to buy the land through a developer's agreement with the village. The condos will range in size from 900 to 2,000 square feet and cost up to $300,000.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richfield firm buys land near Cabela's
Germantown Iron & Steel Corp., Richfield, has acquired 6 acres from the Jackson Business Park on Alcan Drive in the village of Jackson for $315,000.

The company has no immediate plans to expand its operations at 3040 Highway 145, across the street from Cabela's Richfield store. Growth in the company's structural steel, stairs, rails and ornamental iron business may necessitate a new location in the future.

The acquisition of the land in Jackson was handled by Mark Schnoll, a broker with Inland Cos. Inc., Milwaukee.

[NLouisianaJay]

14.6% GROWTH SINCE 2000
Franklin sees population boom, census data show
U.S. Census Bureau figures released Wednesday show Franklin's estimated population is 33,812, an increase of more than 4,000 people, or 14.6%, since the 2000 census. The percentage increase is the largest among cities of more than 20,000 in southeastern Wisconsin. More »

[brewcityfan]

14.6% GROWTH SINCE 2000
Franklin sees population boom, census data show
U.S. Census Bureau figures released Wednesday show Franklin's estimated population is 33,812, an increase of more than 4,000 people, or 14.6%, since the 2000 census. The percentage increase is the largest among cities of more than 20,000 in southeastern Wisconsin. More »

I guess that shows that nowhere in SE Wisconsin is suburban growth being slowed. I also add, that this growth is happening in a community where people complain about taxes 24/7. Very interesting.

[DooMer_MP3]

Alright Brew,

I grew up in Greenfield, and my parents still live there, so I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who does really appreciate the suburbs for what they are. Suburbs are what they are, I will pass no judgement on that. I think that building more walkable communities is commendable. What I don't think you realize here is that Fountains is a wholly private development. You (and I mean developers) can't create a "downtown". What it really is, is a shopping mall that looks like a downtown. It's still a destination that most will get to by car. Yes, there may be some residential mixed in, but even the nearby residents are likely to have to drive some distance to get to work. A true downtown of the type that were built in this country prior to WWII, were not built in 18 months by a single private developer and stocked with national chain stores. This is why despite the Disneyland architecture and parking meters, Bayshore TC is not a "downtown." It is a cleverly configured shopping mall.

Very well said. These town centers sprouting up are definitely a more appealing version of your typical mall, though. And I tend to give Bayshore a nod, because Whitefish Bay, being an older suburb, definitely follows a much more urban landscape. The plots of land are small, the housing is dense and on a grid system... neighborhood retail scattered about etc.

Where in Greenfield are you from? Did you go to GHS? Class of '97 here lol.

[DooMer_MP3]

I guess that shows that nowhere in SE Wisconsin is suburban growth being slowed. I also add, that this growth is happening in a community where people complain about taxes 24/7. Very interesting.

Tell me about it. I wonder how many days can go by without the word "taxes" being used lol.

[brewcityfan]

Tell me about it. I wonder how many days can go by without the word "taxes" being used lol.

Unfortunately that's how officials get elected. False promises are key I guess. People must not care, since they are still moving in at a great rate. It's a bit disgusting.

[brewcityfan]

Could be good, or bad, news for Southridge

Greendale to push Simon to redevelop Southridge
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - June 29, 2007 by Rich Kirchen

Village of Greendale officials hope to meet in the next two months with the new owners of Southridge Mall to discuss both "re-positioning" the mall with higher-caliber retailers and the possibility of developing the land surrounding the shopping center.

Simon Property Group Inc., Indianapolis, and Farallon Capital Management, San Francisco, closed in April on their $1.64 billion purchase of The Mills Corp., Chevy Chase, Md., which owned 37 malls, including Southridge. Executives with Simon, the largest mall owner in the country, expect to announce plans for the Mills properties in 60 to 90 days, said spokesman Les Morris.

"We're still very much in the evaluation mode," he said.

Simon sent representatives to Southridge to evaluate the property and held introductory meetings with Greendale officials, said Joe Murray, Greendale village manager.

Village officials have focused on the 37-year-old, 1.4-million-square-foot enclosed mall since the departure of one anchor, Younker's, in 2000. They created a $2.5 million business improvement district for a facelift of the space, which now is home to Steve & Barry's, Linens 'n Things and Cost Plus World Market. The 100-acre property at 5300 S. 76th St. is the village's largest taxpayer.

Village president John Hermes said Simon executives have promised to meet with village officials to discuss their concerns that Southridge is falling behind other Milwaukee-area malls that have been redeveloped, such as Bayshore Town Center in Glendale and Brookfield Square in Brookfield.

While village officials realize the mall's direction is ultimately Simon's decision, they are optimistic about discussing the remaining 50,000-square-foot vacancy in the Younker's space and possible conversion of the massive parking lots into other uses.

"We see a great potential for Southridge to improve upon its stature," Murray said.

[benscrape]

I will say Simon will have their hands full on how to revamp Southridge especially as it has become a very low tier shopping center compared to Mayfair, Bayshore and Brookfield Square. What kind of tenents they will try to attract with any plans they draw up is unknown. I know the mall and Greendale especially want more upscale retailers at the mall. But I don't know how many of the upscale stores that are in the other malls are going to add another store here (exempt is Pabst Farms as that will most likely end up as Mayfair 2). Will some add stores, most definetly yes, but who, I don't know. For more upscale retailers to come in to Southridge, Simon will have to aggressively try to advertise to Muskego, Oak Creek, Franklin where money is. If you ask around, alot of people from those communities shop at the other malls in the metro area. (this is strictly a response to attracting higher-end retail)

I know item number 1 for Simon will be to fill in the remaining empty space in the Younkers building since Greendale has been pushing to fill it for years. Who will go in there who knows.

For filling in Southridge around it, I can see parking garages in the future. Southridge will not be chopped up into pieces to form a town center like look because the building is too massive, 2 stories and on uneven terrain, its not as simple as Bayshore was. But I do see either indoor wing additions or lifestyle additions added to the building. You look at alot of Simon's mall properties they own, they do alot of lifestyle additions to the mall.

[brewcityfan]

I will say Simon will have their hands full on how to revamp Southridge especially as it has become a very low tier shopping center compared to Mayfair, Bayshore and Brookfield Square. What kind of tenents they will try to attract with any plans they draw up is unknown. I know the mall and Greendale especially want more upscale retailers at the mall. But I don't know how many of the upscale stores that are in the other malls are going to add another store here (exempt is Pabst Farms as that will most likely end up as Mayfair 2). Will some add stores, most definetly yes, but who, I don't know. For more upscale retailers to come in to Southridge, Simon will have to aggressively try to advertise to Muskego, Oak Creek, Franklin where money is. If you ask around, alot of people from those communities shop at the other malls in the metro area. (this is strictly a response to attracting higher-end retail)

I know item number 1 for Simon will be to fill in the remaining empty space in the Younkers building since Greendale has been pushing to fill it for years. Who will go in there who knows.

For filling in Southridge around it, I can see parking garages in the future. Southridge will not be chopped up into pieces to form a town center like look because the building is too massive, 2 stories and on uneven terrain, its not as simple as Bayshore was. But I do see either indoor wing additions or lifestyle additions added to the building. You look at alot of Simon's mall properties they own, they do alot of lifestyle additions to the mall.

That's why Franklin now has become extremely aggressive in luring developers for upscale retail development. I have spoke with the developer of Fountains of Franklin, and there are definitely upscale retail interested in his area. Also, upscale dining options as well.

The Franklin mayor already firmly believes that Franklin can and will become better than Brookfield in demographics. While I think it's a bit cocky, after reviewing some estate subdivisions proposed in Franklin - they have homes nearly triple the size of our current most affluent homes.

NML, Wheaton Francisican, and the future of the Business Park and 27th Street will lead to more and bigger companies moving in, with tons of money behind it.

Southridge needs to jump on the bandwagon NOW before it turns into another Northridge.

[Jesse276]

The Franklin mayor already firmly believes that Franklin can and will become better than Brookfield in demographics. While I think it's a bit cocky, after reviewing some estate subdivisions proposed in Franklin - they have homes nearly triple the size of our current most affluent homes.

I disagree a little bit with Franklin overtaking Brookfield. There are some things that Brookfield has that Franklin is a long way from touching. First of all, the population is relatively affluent in Brookfield, but there also a lot of people.

The population of Brookfield is approximately 40,000, then you have similiarily affluent Tosa next door with 45,000. Then you have to look at the daytime population of the area which is huge because the area has the 2nd highest office/services cluster in the metro. Then you have to look at the fact that the area is geographically in the middle of the metro, convenient to the most people, on average, wherever they live in the Milwaukee metro area.

I'm sure Franklin will see strong demand for upscale retail developments, but the area won't be able to support an uber upscale mall.

[Skyking2]

I disagree a little bit with Franklin overtaking Brookfield. There are some things that Brookfield has that Franklin is a long way from touching. First of all, the population is relatively affluent in Brookfield, but there also a lot of people.

The population of Brookfield is approximately 40,000, then you have similiarily affluent Tosa next door with 45,000. Then you have to look at the daytime population of the area which is huge because the area has the 2nd highest office/services cluster in the metro. Then you have to look at the fact that the area is geographically in the middle of the metro, convenient to the most people, on average, wherever they live in the Milwaukee metro area.

I'm sure Franklin will see strong demand for upscale retail developments, but the area won't be able to support an uber upscale mall.

Sorry, but you're far off base comparing the average wealth of Brookfield residents vs. Wauwatosa residents. As Tosa sees more encroachment from the East, original or long-time residents of Tosa have moved, or are moving, further West and Northwest: Brookfield, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Sussex, Menomonee Falls -- and even further West and NW. And, believe it or not, while Franklin's HH income is not quite with Brookfield's yet, it's getting there...and probably closer than Tosa's these days.

[brewcityfan]

I disagree a little bit with Franklin overtaking Brookfield. There are some things that Brookfield has that Franklin is a long way from touching. First of all, the population is relatively affluent in Brookfield, but there also a lot of people.

The population of Brookfield is approximately 40,000, then you have similiarily affluent Tosa next door with 45,000. Then you have to look at the daytime population of the area which is huge because the area has the 2nd highest office/services cluster in the metro. Then you have to look at the fact that the area is geographically in the middle of the metro, convenient to the most people, on average, wherever they live in the Milwaukee metro area.

I'm sure Franklin will see strong demand for upscale retail developments, but the area won't be able to support an uber upscale mall.

Wow. A great response without the need of questioning my sanity. I'm impressed!

Now, to my opinion...

I agree with some of your points, because yes indeed Brookfield and Tosa are in the middle of the metro. However, I don't think that means an upscale mall cannot be located off the middle.

I think if northern Racine county (which is mostly undeveloped) gets a big boom of upscale subdivisions, condos, etc....there will be demand for upscale malls without having to travel 30 mins+ to get there.

Also, the 27th Street corridor, along with Franklin's Ryan Road developments, could lead to a major office cluster that will have high paying jobs. NML could have up to 4 phases. Wheaton's campus in Franklin along 27th Street also could have up to 4 phases in development. The YMCA will lure more in the physical medical field.

Oak Creek's side is still up for grabs - currently Liberty wants to build an office park by 27th and I-94. There's a large mixed use campus being proposed for 27th and Puetz on OC's side. The urban village across from NML could be the true upscale mall - so to speak. Right now Franklin developers don't have anything comparable to mall standards, but they're getting there.

Franklin's population by 2020 was supposed to be 45,000. Right now, that'll probably be passed in half the time if we grow as fast as recently. Oak Creek's population was supposed to be 60,000 by 2020 (probably thanks to the large manufacturing base)

So, I guess the question is - can it be feasible?

[benscrape]

I'll say Franklin's overall HH income is moving up but I don't see it overtaking Brookfield anytime soon. Its possible they could one day. Who knows. But at the rate its growing, it will become one of the more affluent suburbs of Milwaukee. Oak Creek won't even be close to 60,000 by 2020. Wisconsin DOA projects only 44,000 by 2020. ANd our HH income has steadily been rising, I think the highest I saw was $63,000 (I'll have to recheck sources). If thats true, I can see Oak Creek between $65,000-$70,000 by 2010. I'd post Franklin's but have no numbers right now.

I'm not overly impressed so far with Liberty's proposal. Its supposed to be a green project, which is good, but it only consists of a business warehouse, a couple retail buildings and 1 story office buildings, which the latter, don't fit into the 27th St. corridor plan, which calls for minimum 2-stories. They've been told several times by Oak Creek officials to redesign the development because it didn't match the architecture of Franklin's side, pretty much the mayor and alderman saying "we don't want to be the dumping ground to Franklin." That statement was made in reference to the high quality design of projects in Franklin. We want equal.

I don't see Franklin getting a mall size development due to the proximity of Southridge. But numerous smaller developments like Fountains will be more common. The urban village is supposed to be mall like. It could become the mall for the southern part of the metro, upscale maybe, but not close to Mayfair/Bayshore/Pabst Farms. I could see a mall with stores similarly found at lifestyle malls in Illinois (Geneva Commons/Algonquin Commons/Deer Park Town Center).

But I'm still not overly impressed with the "urban village" design. Its still to spread and not more dense then I thought it would be. I hope the designs are tweaked with it.

For 27th St. in general, the video provides big visions for the corridor. Will we likely see it like that, I don't think so, but with having a big vision, it puts the pressure on developers to having high quality developments to be proposed. I can see an office cluster happen here, but its how the market will dictate that. It could be years before see anything like that.

[Milwaukee, WY]

Very well said. These town centers sprouting up are definitely a more appealing version of your typical mall, though. And I tend to give Bayshore a nod, because Whitefish Bay, being an older suburb, definitely follows a much more urban landscape. The plots of land are small, the housing is dense and on a grid system... neighborhood retail scattered about etc.

Where in Greenfield are you from? Did you go to GHS? Class of '97 here lol.

Yeah, I went to GHS, we were there at the same time, for a year, I graduated in 2000. My folks live on Ohio between 44th and 45th, just North of Morgan Ave, that's where I grew up.

[brewcityfan]

I'll say Franklin's overall HH income is moving up but I don't see it overtaking Brookfield anytime soon. Its possible they could one day. Who knows. But at the rate its growing, it will become one of the more affluent suburbs of Milwaukee. Oak Creek won't even be close to 60,000 by 2020. Wisconsin DOA projects only 44,000 by 2020. ANd our HH income has steadily been rising, I think the highest I saw was $63,000 (I'll have to recheck sources). If thats true, I can see Oak Creek between $65,000-$70,000 by 2010. I'd post Franklin's but have no numbers right now.

Right now Franklin's income has been varied between $64-70,000. Our population by 2020 is supposed to be 45,000 residents. However, in 2007 we're already nearing 34,000 - and currently there are 41 subdivisions/condominium projects either proposed, approved, or under construction. I expect the 34,000 mark to be passed by December if things really get moving.

I'm not overly impressed so far with Liberty's proposal. Its supposed to be a green project, which is good, but it only consists of a business warehouse, a couple retail buildings and 1 story office buildings, which the latter, don't fit into the 27th St. corridor plan, which calls for minimum 2-stories. They've been told several times by Oak Creek officials to redesign the development because it didn't match the architecture of Franklin's side, pretty much the mayor and alderman saying "we don't want to be the dumping ground to Franklin." That statement was made in reference to the high quality design of projects in Franklin. We want equal.

Amen for your commentary on Liberty's proposal. Oddly enough some members of the Oak Creek Plan Commission and Common Council seem more than ready, however, to push this forward and basically put the agreements on 27th Street to an end. When I spoke to a few Franklin aldermen, they said the buildings in that zone must be at least 2 stories in height. It's very disappointing that Liberty so far hasn't been very compromising on your end. Wheaton's development across the street will lure a lot of high end jobs, and is serving the agreements well with I believe 5 or 6 stories on its 1st phase.

Another unfortunate moment for Oak Creek is your mayor's comment of being the "dumping ground." Franklin residents note the 3 railroad lines running through your community, the various manufacturing/factory jobs there or nearby, and the majority working class make-up as reasons to possibly be snotty. One Franklin resident, responding to the NOW talkback forum on 27th Street, openly said this with no remorse:

I envision low cost apartment complexes with lots of kids going to the Oak Creek Franklin public schools to make up for all the money from the business park that flows to their district. They can just build on to the motels that exist there now.
- A Concerned Taxpayer, Franklin, WI

I don't see Franklin getting a mall size development due to the proximity of Southridge. But numerous smaller developments like Fountains will be more common. The urban village is supposed to be mall like. It could become the mall for the southern part of the metro, upscale maybe, but not close to Mayfair/Bayshore/Pabst Farms. I could see a mall with stores similarly found at lifestyle malls in Illinois (Geneva Commons/Algonquin Commons/Deer Park Town Center).

But I'm still not overly impressed with the "urban village" design. Its still to spread and not more dense then I thought it would be. I hope the designs are tweaked with it.

The proximity to Southridge will do NOTHING to Franklin (or Oak Creek) if Southridge keeps faltering. Simon doesn't sound extremely interested in updating the look. Greendale seems to be holding on to the last optimistic thoughts in their Village Hall. Right now, Southridge is unfortunately becoming into a middle-of-the-road mall - and if nothing's done, suburbs like ours can jump on the opportunity. Even if Southridge gets a boost, I think a southern Mayfair/Brookfield Square scenario could exist. The urban village right now is seen as a possible problem for Franklin, and I don't know how it's going to work. Oak Creek has been putzing around with this concept since 2000 - with nadda to show. I guess that's fine for Franklin.

For 27th St. in general, the video provides big visions for the corridor. Will we likely see it like that, I don't think so, but with having a big vision, it puts the pressure on developers to having high quality developments to be proposed. I can see an office cluster happen here, but its how the market will dictate that. It could be years before see anything like that.

I think an office cluster can definitely happen. Franklin's Business Park has been the leading business park in the state concerning tax returns - and it still lands more companies. As Chicago creeps to the north, companies will too. It's too bad Abbott didn't build up here instead of in Kenosha, because damn would that complex been HUGE.

[benscrape]

Oddly enough some members of the Oak Creek Plan Commission and Common Council seem more than ready, however, to push this forward and basically put the agreements on 27th Street to an end.
And this is really sad that some are in such a hurry to pass this. If I remember, one alderman said something along the lines of, "its green which is new here. We shouldn't hold up this development because its not meeting certain requirements." This would set a bad precedent, especially on Oak Creek's side that "well you let liberty put up 1-story, why can't we."

One Franklin resident, responding to the NOW talkback forum on 27th Street, openly said this with no remorse:

I envision low cost apartment complexes with lots of kids going to the Oak Creek Franklin public schools to make up for all the money from the business park that flows to their district. They can just build on to the motels that exist there now.
- A Concerned Taxpayer, Franklin, WI
I hope that this one person is just one bad apple in the whole bunch. I've never really paid enough attention to see, you would know better than I would in regards to Franklin residents on their general view of Oak Creek. I know here we tend to speak about, "Why can't we get what Franklin is getting?" in regards to higher class homes and developments. Which we are starting to see with some newer subdivisions going in. I do know that for athletic rivalries, OC-Franklin has gotten good.

The urban village right now is seen as a possible problem for Franklin, and I don't know how it's going to work.
Do you see maybe Franklin and Oak Creek work together on making this the upscale mall of South metro instead of possibly 2?

Oak Creek has been putzing around with this concept since 2000 - with nadda to show.
I really wish we could be seeing something more definite by now too. I know some OC citizens want to see something. I know that a development like this can sometimes last a decade before anything really starts moving. OC has been kind of quiet in regards to the urban village right now. I know several planning/engineering firms have been working on the project. I know for malls, they look for certain demographics (surrounding pop., income, business market) and need to meet their requirements. So I don't know if we are not there yet or what. And what I'm thinking is that the city is waiting on the decision of the DOT about the Drexel interchange, which OC has made a key important piece of the Urban Village. And I'm sure land ownership is another part they are working on since there are several properties on that block.

[brewcityfan]

And this is really sad that some are in such a hurry to pass this. If I remember, one alderman said something along the lines of, "its green which is new here. We shouldn't hold up this development because its not meeting certain requirements." This would set a bad precedent, especially on Oak Creek's side that "well you let liberty put up 1-story, why can't we."

That and Oak Creek will be reaffirming Franklin beliefs that you guys aren't being truly serious on this whole project. Right now there's cooperation. Let's not make it become competition.

I hope that this one person is just one bad apple in the whole bunch. I've never really paid enough attention to see, you would know better than I would in regards to Franklin residents on their general view of Oak Creek. I know here we tend to speak about, "Why can't we get what Franklin is getting?" in regards to higher class homes and developments. Which we are starting to see with some newer subdivisions going in. I do know that for athletic rivalries, OC-Franklin has gotten good.

All I have to say is read the article that came out today in FranklinNOW, that is posted below:


MONDAY, July 2, 2007, 3:08 p.m.
By John Neville (jneville@cninow.com)</B>


Subdivision may have $4 million homes

A Franklin developer is planning to build an upscale 42-acre subdivision - Whispering Woods - on land now owned by the Tuckaway Country Club north of West Puetz Road between South 68th Street and South 76th Street.

Icon Development Corp. President Jeff Klement said lots in the 24-lot executive subdivision will range from $195,000 to just under $250,000. Including lots, the single-family residences will begin at about $1 million and possibly top out at $4 million.

Klement said sale of the property by Tuckaway is contingent on approval of the proposed subdivision by the city.

"It's a beautiful parcel of land that overlooks (Tuckaway) club," Klement said. "It's almost the shape of an 'L' because it follows the golf course on a number of holes."

Klement said so far reservations have been taken out on 14 of the 24 mostly half-acre lots.

"There aren't a lot of options for high-end executive level housing in the southwest area of (suburban) Milwaukee," said Klement. "With the number of reservations we have, you can see there's a great demand for this type of product."

The proposed development is now being reviewed by Franklin officials and will head back to the city Plan Commission for consideration.

So far Mayor Taylor's conversation with me has begun to make sense. A $4 million-home subdivision only means one thing - more will be coming. The best Oak Creek can do is plop single-family homes along the lake. Unfortunately, the WE Energies power plant doesn't provide a good view.


Do you see maybe Franklin and Oak Creek work together on making this the upscale mall of South metro instead of possibly 2?

Right now, Franklin residents are pretty upset that Oak Creek currently has a cash cow for their public schools system. Some regret even trying to do the 27th Street corridor because of this. All the companies on Franklin's side of that street pay Oak Creek schools, including NML, and that frankly just pisses us off. That's why Franklin is trying to pull retail and other commercial ventures off, like Fountains of Franklin. I can't see a Oak Creek/Franklin relationship concerning retail developments. It's a miracle that the office component is still working - but then again I think that's only working because those high paying jobs will end up moving and living in upscale Franklin estates, which once again is unfortunate for Oak Creek. So far it seems Franklin is doing this to keep their demographics going up to attract better things, and Oak Creek just wants a nice street and won't wanna dare look like the lower end of the stick.


I really wish we could be seeing something more definite by now too. I know some OC citizens want to see something. I know that a development like this can sometimes last a decade before anything really starts moving. OC has been kind of quiet in regards to the urban village right now. I know several planning/engineering firms have been working on the project. I know for malls, they look for certain demographics (surrounding pop., income, business market) and need to meet their requirements. So I don't know if we are not there yet or what. And what I'm thinking is that the city is waiting on the decision of the DOT about the Drexel interchange, which OC has made a key important piece of the Urban Village. And I'm sure land ownership is another part they are working on since there are several properties on that block.

Well I do know Franklin doesn't want that urban village marketed with the 27th Street corridor. That could wreck our chances of landing upscale stores in the Franklin Public School District, and affect developers in Franklin with their marketing. I-94 is your golden ring that Franklin doesn't have.

[brewcityfan]

Just a little tidbit...
THURSDAY, July 12, 2007, 12:49 p.m.
By Tom Daykin

Tosa office building sold: $96.5 million
The Wauwatosa office building that houses GE Healthcare's regional headquarters has been sold for $96.5 million, the largest commercial property sale so far this year in the Milwaukee area.

The 506,000-square-foot office complex was sold to investors groups led by Boston-based Eaton Vance Management, according to information filed with the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds. The building was sold by Edison Technology Center LLC, an investors group led by Irgens Development Partners LLC.

Investment funds managed by Eaton Vance Management own around $5 billion in commercial real estate. Eaton Vance Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., an investment management firm with $144.3 billion under management as of March 31.

"We were very happy to be able to bring such a high-quality institutional buyer to Milwaukee," said Mark Irgens, of Irgens Development. "We couldn't have found someone better to own such a great building."

It's a good thing to know that Milwaukee area developments are beginning to become attractive (and expensive)

[brewcityfan]

Wauwatosa developments are top of the news today...
THURSDAY, July 12, 2007, 1:12 p.m.
By Tom Daykin

Prime land off Highway 45 sold
A prime development spot along U.S. Highway 45 in Wauwatosa has been sold to Chicago-based investors.

Roundy's Supermarkets Inc.'s former warehouse properties, 11300 and 11500 W. Burleigh St., were sold by a Roundy's subsidiary to investors groups affiliated with Chicago-based HSA Commercial Real Estate Inc. for $8.5 million, according to documents filed today with the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds.

The warehouses, built in the 1954 and 1955, carry less value than their land, which totals around 39 acres. The parcels bought by HSA Commercial are among 70 acres east of Highway 45 and north of Burleigh St. that have been designated for redevelopment by city officials.

The city plan envisions condos overlooking Currie Park along the site's eastern edge, along with offices and high-tech manufacturing - with many of those buildings along Highway 45. The plan also calls for retail space along Burleigh St. and a hotel.

An HSA Commercial executive couldn't be reached for immediate comment on the firm's plans for the site.

[brewcityfan]

An ugly eyesore turns into attractive apartments
West Allis complex to house seniors
Developer plans 200 apartments
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 11, 2007
A Minnesota-based housing developer plans to build nearly 200 apartments for elderly people in West Allis.

MSP Real Estate Inc. has proposed a housing campus of three buildings for about 6 acres along the south side of W. National Ave., between S. 77th and S. 80th streets.

The firm hopes to begin construction by late fall on the buildings, which would take about a year to complete, said MSP President Milo Pinkerton.

The project's largest building would have 120 apartments in four stories for seniors who can live independently, Pinkerton said.

The development would include a two-story assisted living facility with 40 apartments, and a one-story, 32-unit building for people with memory loss, he said. All three buildings would be linked.

Financing for the project would include federal tax credits that are provided to developers who create apartments with below-market rents for moderate-income people.

The project received a preliminary approval Tuesday from the West Allis Community Development Authority.

The project needs additional city approvals, tax credit approval from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and completion of its financing package before construction could begin, Pinkerton said.

MSP, based in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park, owns about 600 apartments in senior housing complexes that the firm built throughout the Milwaukee area, Pinkerton said. MSP also has apartment buildings in Minnesota.

Along with the apartments, the Community Development Authority approved plans for a PyraMax Bank branch at the southwest corner of W. National Ave. and S. 81st St. The branch office, which would be the eighth location for PyraMax, is to open by January, said Monica Baker, senior vice president of marketing.

West Allis officials last year designated the apartments and bank branch sites as a redevelopment area. Most of the land was used by Laidlaw Transit Inc. for school bus storage until Laidlaw's lease ended in 2006.

[Milwaukee, WY]

An ugly eyesore turns into attractive apartments

I used to live on 79th just two blocks north of there... that space is a grassy field and an old school bus lot... not the most attractive space, but there are worse eyesores in 'stallis. but, good infill development for them. W.A. is on a roll...

[brewcityfan]

Milwaukee suburbs hit CNN Money's "Top 100 Best Places to Live"

Germantown - #30
New Berlin - #41
Franklin - #90

May this promote growth and development for the Milwaukee area!

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0707/gallery.BPTL_top_100.moneymag/index.html

[brewcityfan]

High-end apartments still make their push into the suburbs from downtown Milwaukee...
Harmony Homes plans $30 million Waukesha apartment complex
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - July 20, 2007 by Pete Millard

The shortage of high-end apartments in Waukesha is prompting a subsidiary of Harmony Realty Corp. to build a $30 million, 248-unit complex on the western edge of the city.

Harmony Homes, also based in Waukesha, plans to construct a four-building apartment community called The Lodge east of Meadowbrook Road and north of the Meadowbrook Marketplace on the corner of Highway 18 and Meadowbrook Road.

Even though Harmony's plans for the development are being redesigned, city officials expect the 23-acre apartment project to be valued at $30 million. The Waukesha Plan Commission turned down Harmony's original plan to have 72 units in each of the four buildings. The Plan Commission agreed to have 62 units in each of the buildings.

Harmony plans to resubmit its plans for The Lodge in late August or early September with the intention of breaking ground in late 2007 or early 2008.

Harmony Homes is owned by Bryce Styza, who also owns Meadowbrook Marketplace and more than half a dozen other commercial properties in southeast Wisconsin.

At a recent Waukesha Plan Commission meeting, Styza said The Lodge units would be rented at $1.20 per square foot. The majority of the rental units would be 1,000 square feet and priced at $1,200.

The supply of rental units in Waukesha has not kept up with demand, said a spokesman for the Metropolitan Builders Association. In the last three to four years, more than a dozen apartment complexes in Waukesha County have been converted to condominiums, creating the rental imbalance.

Harmony Homes is one of the largest single-family home builders in Waukesha County. The company has developed more than a dozen subdivisions, including Rolling Ridge South in Waukesha, Waterford's Fox Glen, North Prairie's Broadlands and the Kettlefield in Genesee.

In addition to Meadowbrook Marketplace, Styza owns four other commercial properties in the city of Waukesha: Silvernail Woods Shopping Center, North Street Market, The Shoppes of Mountain Village and Main Street Plaza.

[brewcityfan]

High quality architecture occurs even out in the suburbs.

Eye-catching Indian school nears completion
Officials view facility as a source of pride for local community
By John Neville
Staff Writer
Posted: July 25, 2007
A state-of-the-art school designed by an internationally renowned architect has set its sites on a Sept. 1 opening, even as the city of Franklin works out some final details concerning the campus.

On July 19, the Franklin Plan Commission approved a site plan amendment for Indian Community School of Wisconsin to add 12,773 square feet of playground for the soon-to-be-open school in the 10400 block of West St. Martins Road.

The pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade facility cost about $35 million to build.

Architectural wonder
The school, designed by New Mexico-based architect Antoine Predock, features four white pine trees from the Menominee Indian reservation as pillars. The 165,000-square-foot facility will also boast unique features such as metal beams in the ceiling near a main doorway to represent migratory paths of birds. There also will be a drum-shaped, 200-seat theater. A breakout classroom overlooks nearby wetlands.

Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor described the building as an architectural showpiece.

"We had the number one architect in the world design this building. For those of you that haven't been in the building yet, you will be utterly amazed and have a great sense of pride … in what has been built," he said.

A cornerstone-placing ceremony took place last September and was attended by Wisconsin First Lady Jessica Doyle. A time capsule with various artifacts and gifts was also sealed and installed at the now nearly complete school.

Preparing to move in
The old school, which has a student population of about 375 students and more than 30 teachers, is in its final days of operation in Milwaukee at 3121 W. State St.

Taylor said a coordination team has been assembled to inspect the new building before it opens.

"There's hundreds of items that need to be checked off a list, from fire suppression to building inspection things. Because it's a school, we really put it under a microscope," he said before the meeting.

City Building Inspector Frederick Baumgart said school administrators have targeted Wednesday, Aug. 1, as move-in day for the school's teaching staff.

The school will open about a month later.

Space to play with
Franklin Planning Manager Joel Dietl said school officials recently requested additional playground space as one final detail that differed from earlier plans for the campus.

"The area where (the school is) planning the playground would have been a parking lot so there would have been no impact on natural resources," Dietl said prior to the July 19 commission meeting. "It would have been resurfaced anyway."

Timothy Hayes, an engineering consultant who represented the school at the meeting, said school officials decided recently to request a second playground, which would include two basketball hoops.

The first playground was approved with the project's site plan in 2006.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/indianschool2.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/indianschool1.jpg

[brewcityfan]

Welcome Wal-Mart: Communities working with retail giant for supercenters
The Business Journal of Milwaukee - July 27, 2007by Rich Kirchen
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is preparing plans for supercenters in Greenfield and Franklin as part of the well-known retailer's big push into the Milwaukee-area grocery store market.

The two locations would be the Bentonville, Ark.-based discount retailer's third and fourth grocery/general merchandise megastores in the Milwaukee area. Wal-Mart also has 10 general merchandise stores in the Milwaukee area.

Wal-Mart Supercenters have about 185,000 square feet of floor space and carry about 142,000 items. They incorporate the traditional Wal-Mart discount store and a grocery supermarket under the same roof.

The Franklin supercenter would entail an expansion of the existing Wal-Mart at 6701 S. 27th St. The Greenfield supercenter will be either an expansion of the Wal-Mart at 4500 S. 108th St. or a new structure on an adjacent property.

The rest of the article is here: http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2007/07/30/story3.html?t=printable

[FutureChicaukeean]

On-the-Border put up a new sign (It actually looks nice and can be seen from the interstate)

Oak Creek started updating the city limit population signs.

They have posted new 32,XXX signs. Hmmm...seems kinda low? I was expecting atleast 33...possibly 34,000.

The new hospital is looking very very nice to say the least and a subdivision is starting to pop up just north of it.

27th and Ryan Rd continues to be a nightmare until you hit HWY 100 in Hales Corners which... well I will never take that route again.

[brewcityfan]

A new blog has been started that is strictly Franklin Development News. I'm thinking of perhaps throwing in Oak Creek as well.

The site is linked on my sig.

OTB got a new sign? Yes! That's just what Franklin needs...better advertising of the strip joint.

[benscrape]

FutureChicaukeean: Which signs ahd the population changes? Green or the city? If they the city ones, I wonder if they have received the update WI DOA estimates which come out this month. I've always thought that our numbers were lower than actually reported. But oh well.

For development here in Oak Creek, it really has slown down. Last number I heard for housing permits for the year was 47. Alot lower than the past decade.
And for commercial developments:
Woodman's
Guardian Credit Union (Howell & Drexel)
Medical office (Between Masterlock & diCarlo)
office condominiums (Mayhew & Centennial)
addition to Pick N Save (Ryan & 27th)
2 Hotels will be starting next year on 13th south of college where Edgerton Construction is.
THese are just a handful I can think of that are in current development.

It would be nice to be rid of OTB. I know alot of people in Franklin & Oak Creek wish it to be gone as We here in Oak Creek wish we could get rid of Cupid's Toys.

Now, once Hwy 100 is done in Franklin, aren't they supposed to then expand the rest of it from 68th to Drexel?

[brewcityfan]

^^ You forgot one Ben. What's going on @ 27th & Puetz? There's a massive area full of construction just north of that intersection, towards NML. That spot in particular was noted in the 27th Street video as mixed use.

Hwy 100's expansion is as follows:

This year: Hwy 100 to 6 six lanes (continuation for OC's side) from 27th to just short of 68th.

Next year: Slight expansion of Hwy 100 to 4 lanes from Drexel to just a bit beyond The Shoppes at Wyndham Village

2009: Expansion of Hwy 100 to 4 lanes all the way to Puetz

2012: Expansion of Hwy 100 to 4 lanes from Puetz to 68th St.

20??: Possible expansion of Hwy 100 to 8 lanes - YES 8 LANES - from I-43 to Loomis Road. Officials in DOT are considering possible US 45 Expressway (much like US 41 in Northern Illinois) It should be noted that one of the heads of the DOT for the Milwaukee area lives in Franklin and resides on the Franklin Plan Commission (George Torres). This could also help explain DOT beliefs of expressway thinking through western Franklin.

[benscrape]

I was just listing the commercial developments. But the development north of Puetz is the Colonial Woods Condominiums. To the north of that is zoned mixed use from the development to Drexel.

Ok. So it will be awhile before Hwy 100 is expanded fully. I wouldn't be surprised that 100 would be widened to 8 lanes especially from 1-43 to Loomis.

I've missed the past 27th Street meetings. Have you heard of any timeline of when they would be actually doing any construction on 27th?

[brewcityfan]

Sorry about the delayed response.

Thanks for the info on the development for OC's side of 27th Street. Honestly, I think both cities are still in need to pass the funds necessary for such a project. I don't think they have a timeline for that stuff.

[brewcityfan]

It made their respective papers on the same week.
Project requires zoning change

Building plan draws objections, enthusiasm

By LISA SINK
lsink@journalsentinel.com (lsink@journalsentinel.com)

Posted: Aug. 6, 2007

Brookfield - A proposed 97-foot tall, 127,000-square-foot building with a rooftop garden, other "green" features and numerous fountains would be a needed architectural gateway into the city at the intersection of Greenfield Ave. and Moorland Road, city plan commissioners said Monday.

The commercial project - with four stories atop two levels of underground parking, one partially exposed - would require the city to change the zoning to allow greater height and coverage on the vacant 2-acre corner.
http://www.brookfieldnow.com/images/FountainBrook.jpg
New Berlin developers Lanae Fox and her husband, Bill Hoeg, said that without zoning changes, the site would be restricted to a much smaller, 27,000-square-foot project.

The development, dubbed Fountain Brook Crossing, would be on the northeast corner of that high-profile intersection dividing Brookfield and New Berlin.
On the southwest corner, New Berlin city officials have approved a 405-room combination hotel, water park and convention center. A neighboring apartment complex has threatened to go to court to block it, objecting to its 94-foot height and scope.

That hotel project would overshadow Brookfield's commercial building if it were restricted to existing size and height rules, Hoag and Fox wrote to commissioners. In addition, "horrific soil conditions" make construction of the northeast corner in Brookfield economically difficult, they said.
Hoag touted the project Monday as an environmentally friendly, signature building with unique architecture that allows about 9 acres of parking and commercial space to be consolidated vertically on 2 acres.

A 7,010-square-foot roof garden would have at least 50% green space to help with storm water management. The building would use supplemental geo-thermal heating and cooling and set energy conservation standards, such as lighting specifications, for tenants.

Several plan commissioners enthusiastically backed the project, saying the design was visually exciting and the corner was one of few places in Brookfield where a building of that height would work.

"This is going to be very, very dramatic and stand out," said Ald. Gary Mahkorn, a commissioner. "It fits in perfectly and it is a signature gateway."

The 97-foot height at the tallest gable would tower over the adjacent height of the Country Inn and Brookfield Suites - at 54 feet. Farther north on Moorland Road, the Sheraton hotel is 75 feet tall, and Midway hotel is 85 feet.

Other commissioners raised questions about effects on traffic, storm water issues and the 16- to 20-foot height of the proposed retaining wall.
City Engineer Jeff Chase also said he has concerns about traffic and storm water and that a more detailed traffic study would be needed before commissioners could vote on rezoning.

By John Schultz (jschultz@cninow.com)</B>

Commission OKs minor changes in hotel plan

The New Berlin Plan Commission has given its blessing to some tweaking of the plans for the Deer Creek Inn and Conference Center, to be built on the southwest corner of Moorland Road and Greenfield Avenue.

Commissioners Monday approved changes that reduced the number of underground parking floors from five to four, modified traffic patterns for the north end of the project, and decreased the size of the underground parking stalls. The controversial $55 million project calls for more than 400 rooms, a water park, conference center and exhibit hall in a seven-story building.

At Monday's Plan Commission meeting, the architect for the project, Bob Williams of TDI Associates, said the removal of the lowest level of parking under the building takes the building out of the water table, a concern of nearby residents.

He said the design now allows for the parking of cars under the water park area. That means an extra 60 to 70 vehicles can be moved up from the bottom layer of parking.

The project features a "green roof," which recycles runoff water from the roof to cisterns in the basement. By moving the cisterns in the basement more parking became available.

"We were able to get significantly more efficient," he said. "That allowed us to eliminate a whole floor of parking."

The project, originally approved in 2001, was changed when it was resurrected this year and approved in February. Ament agreed with some residents who asked in February for another public hearing on the project because of the changes, which included the additional height of the building.

Though the New Berlin Board of Appeals in April upheld the Plan Commission's decision not to hold another public hearing on the project, a lawsuit has been filed by the owners of the Deer Run Apartments the project immediately to the south of the proposed Deer Creek Inn and Conference Center, over the height of the building.

The courts have yet to rule on that suit.

[Sonic reducer]

It is good to see things are progressing. This area is such an eyesore. I do not believe that an 18 story condo tower will ever be build across the street though. I believe that it would stick out like a sore thumb, especially next to the mammoth water tower to the west.


Chicago firm buys another Tosa site
Burleigh St. parcels designated for redevelopment
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Aug. 15, 2007
A Chicago-based real estate investment firm has purchased a high-profile development site in Wauwatosa, adding to its holdings in the area east of U.S. Highway 45 and north of W. Burleigh St.

Advertisement

Buy a link hereThe former warehouses for Kohl's Food Stores Inc., 11100, 11200 and 11310 W. Burleigh St., were sold by Burleigh Partners LLC, a local investors group, to investors groups affiliated with Chicago-based HSA Commercial Real Estate Inc. for $9 million, according to documents filed with the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds.

The parcels total about 24 acres.

HSA Commercial in July led the purchase of Roundy's Supermarkets Inc.'s former warehouse properties, 11300 and 11500 W. Burleigh St., for $8.5 million. That site totals about 39 acres.

The parcels bought by HSA Commercial have been designated for redevelopment by city officials.

The city plan envisions condominiums overlooking Currie Park along the site's eastern edge, along with offices and high-tech manufacturing - with many of those buildings along Highway 45. The plan also calls for retail space along W. Burleigh St. and a hotel.

Tim Blum, an HSA Commercial executive vice president, said the firm will eventually create a development plan for the sites. He said the firm will work with city officials on that plan.

"It's going to be a long process," Blum said.

South of W. Burleigh St., Franklin-based Icon Development Corp. plans to create an office building, retail space, a luxury hotel and condo tower on 6 acres that formerly housed a pair of car dealerships.

City officials are waiting for Icon to submit detailed plans for the site.

[Milwaukee, WY]

It is good to see things are progressing. This area is such an eyesore. I do not believe that an 18 story condo tower will ever be build across the street though. I believe that it would stick out like a sore thumb, especially next to the mammoth water tower to the west.

Maybe these deveopers will ask the city for a TIF in the form of tearing down/relocating the water tower. I'm not too sure that a water tower that large is even needed anymore since all the warehouses closed up. I do agree that the condo tower will look really odd next to the water tower, and who wants to look at that from their living room windows?

[brewcityfan]

I think all of these show the current urbanization of the suburban landscape here in Milwaukee.

While some stand firmly opposed, there are plenty saying "the times have come" and to "flee to Delafield" if they don't like the current situation.

I hope there is more support for the suburbs from Milwaukee in the future, and vice versa.

[brewcityfan]

Another development that hopefully will start back in the right direction.

Continental Properties to buy Iceport site

City of Cudahy officials finally put a dagger into the heart of the Iceport project. On Tuesday the city and Sportsites LLC, the Iceport developer, signed an agreement to end the project. Sportsites also agreed to sell the entire 26-acre site to Menomonee Falls-based Continental Properties Company Inc.

"I am pleased to put the Iceport behind us and I look forward to working with Continental Properties, which is a first class commercial developer," said Cudahy Mayor Ryan McCue. "This is a victory for the City of Cudahy. We put an end to the Iceport and severed our relationship with Sportsites. If Sportsites doesn't live up to any portion of the stipulation, the City of Cudahy will receive ownership of all 26 acres free and clear."

The Iceport was a proposed $29 million hockey and skating rink complex that was to be built near East Layton Avenue and South Nicholson Avenue. It was only partially built, and in 2004 construction was halted because of financing problems. Later, city officials declared the project in default of a development agreement with the city. The Iceport was to anchor a mixed use commercial development which was expected to include a hotel, restaurants and stores. However, the only commercial development that occured near the Iceport site was a Walgreens store and a Maritime Savings Bank branch.

[JPmaverick]

Greetings,

[brewcityfan]

Welcome, JPMaverick! I hope to read more posts from you in the future!

Whispering Woods gets loud endorsment from city
Mayor refers to new tony subdivision as a 'dream' development
By John Neville
Staff Writer
Posted: Aug. 8, 2007
A high-end, 24-lot subdivision near Tuckaway Country Club was unanimously backed by the Franklin Plan Commission at a special meeting Aug. 2.

The commission recommended the Common Council OK a certified survey map and rezoning, plus extend other municipal approvals, for Whispering Woods, a 42-acre subdivision proposed for north of West Puetz Road between South 68th and South 76th streets.

The tony subdivision, a project of Icon Development, would feature lots ranging from $195,000 to just under $250,000. Including lots, the single-family homes would begin at roughly $1 million and possibly reach $4 million.

"This is one of those developments that most cities literally dream of," said Mayor Thomas Taylor, commission chairman.

The subdivision would be next door to Avian at Tuckaway, a condominium development.

It will have about 21 acres off limits to development

City Engineer John Bennett convinced Mike Krill of Icon to decrease right-of-way width from 60 to 50 feet on one of two cul-de-sac streets in the subdivision so a landscape buffer is not located in the right of way.

"The gas company, the electric company, AT&T with their new fiber-optics all use the right of way for their facilities," Bennett said, noting the street will still have a standard 28-foot width from curb to curb.

[exit_320]

South Suburban Chamber endorses Drexel I-94 interchange plan

The South Suburban Chamber of Commerce board of directors has passed a resolution endorsing the proposed creation of an Interstate 94 interchange at Drexel Avenue as part of the rebuilding of the freeway from downtown Milwaukee to the Illinois border.

The board resolution states that the booming development in both Oak Creek and Franklin is creating a strain on the existing interchanges at Ryan Road and Rawson Avenue that will only increase as Oak Creek and Franklin continue to grow.

Information from the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that Oak Creek and Franklin are the two largest cities in Wisconsin to attain more than 10 percent population growth since the 2000 Census.

According to the chamber, 63 new residential and business developments currently are under way in Oak Creek, while 41 new residential developments and 34 business and commercial developments are in various stages in Franklin.

The resolution in support of the I-94 Interchange demonstrates the commitment of the businesses in the area to support those efforts that will continue to grow the communities, said Barbara Wesener, executive director of the chamber.

The 400-member South Suburban Chamber, serving Oak Creek and Franklin, is a business organization whose purpose is to promote the interests of the members and enhance the regional business climate, economy and community.

[brewcityfan]

A positive article concerning more upscale facilities in the Milwaukee area.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/bayshore1.jpg


Going beyond dinner and a movie

Bayshore's new cinema will have upscale bowling, restaurant, bar

By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com (tdaykin@journalsentinel.com)

Posted: Aug. 21, 2007

With its plush movie theater love seats, high-end restaurant and lounge, and a luxury bowling alley, the IPic Entertainment Center opening in November at Bayshore Town Center promises to be the first of its kind in the Milwaukee area.

"This is not a movie theater," said Jim Lee, vice president of marketing and advertising at IPic Entertainment, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company that will operate the entertainment center at Bayshore. "We are an entertainment venue much more so than a movie theater."

The 38,000-square-foot IPic center aims to offer a one-stop destination for people looking for a night on the town, Lee said Tuesday.

The Glendale location, now under construction, will be the first of six centers that IPic plans to open over the next two years in Wisconsin, Texas, California, Illinois and New York.

IPic Entertainment was founded by Hamid Hashemi, former chief executive officer of Muvico Theaters, a Florida-based theater chain. The Glendale project will be on Bayshore's upper level near the main rotunda, across from Bar Louie.

The six-screen IPic theater will have seating in the form of 6-foot-wide love seats. It also will use digital projection, which is designed to offer a clearer picture, and the movies will be presented without pre-show advertisements.

Tickets, expected to be priced at $15 to $16 for evening shows, will include popcorn and valet parking in an adjacent parking structure. All moviegoers will be assigned a seat number, and after 6 p.m., all guests must be at least 21. Matinee shows, at lower prices, will be open to people younger than 21, Lee said.

The entertainment complex will include the 200-seat Ovations restaurant, and the 120-seat Sequel bar. Ovations will offer what IPic calls "casual chic dining."

The Pinstrikes bowling center will have 11 lanes, where bowlers can lounge on plush couches and sip champagne while contemplating the challenges of the 7-10 split.

"The bowling area will be more like a nightclub," Lee said. "We have put a significant amount of money in the video and sound system in the bowling section to make it a very alive and exciting location."

Perhaps the closest thing to the IPic center in the Milwaukee area is Marcus Majestic Cinema, which opened in May in the Town of Brookfield.
The 16-screen Majestic doesn't have a bowling alley. But it does include two theaters with 72-foot-wide screens, known as UltraScreens. UltraScreen shows cost extra: $9.50 for the regular seats and $11 for premium seats grouped in the upper rows, including two areas that resemble opera boxes. Tickets for the Majestic's other theaters are $9.

The Majestic features the AT&T Palladium, a theater that doubles as a venue for live events. The Palladium offers meals and drinks with tableside service. The Majestic also has the Take Five Lounge; a coffee shop and ice cream parlor; and a cafe serving made-from-scratch pizzas.
The strategies behind the Majestic and the IPic center are similar: provide a variety of entertainment, dining and drinking options under one roof. Customers stay longer, and spend more.

The initial response to the Majestic "has been extremely positive," Marcus Corp. said in its annual report, filed recently with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marcus, which operates the dominant theater chain in southeastern Wisconsin, is considering ways to duplicate the Majestic's "food and beverage strategies" in several of its other cinemas, the report says.

But another attempt to offer a high-end theater, at Mayfair Mall, failed.
General Cinema in 1999 opened an 18-screen cinema at Mayfair, in Wauwatosa. It included two small auditoriums with large leather chairs, an attached restaurant, alcohol beverage service, free popcorn and ticket prices of $12 or more. Just 17 months later, General Cinema closed the two premium-priced auditoriums.

General Cinema and several other theater chains later went through bankruptcy proceedings after an industrywide building binge that saw supply outrun demand. The Mayfair cinema is now operated by AMC Entertainment Inc., which reopened the closed auditoriums but did not bring back the sit-down food-and-beverage service.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/bayshore2.jpg

[brewcityfan]

Positive news out of Grafton. Another suburb that wants an urban feel to an otherwise suburban atmosphere...

Condos find niche in Grafton
New projects helping attract seniors to walkable downtown
By BRANDON LORENZ
Special to the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Aug. 25, 2007
Grafton - Jim and Julie Bednarczyk like condo living.

So when they were looking to escape the traffic congestion around their Mequon condo, the retired couple were among the first to move to Grafton Square, a condo project aimed at residents 55 and older on Grafton's south side.

The location seemed ideal. A five-minute walk away is a Sendik's grocery store. Ample sidewalks make it easy and safe for Julie Bednarczyk to walk Oscar, her 14-year-old dog.

"It was really hard in our old neighborhood. I had to watch the traffic closely," says Julie Bednarczyk.

Finished in 2004, Grafton Square was one of the last condo projects to be approved before trustees decided to restrict condominium projects to the village's downtown, concerned that too many of them would dilute Grafton's single-family character.

By limiting multi-family housing to downtown, village officials hoped to create a mix of commercial and residential uses that would enable residents to frequent nearby local businesses, an uncommon but sophisticated approach for a village of about 12,000 people.

"We've tried to be smart by locating condos in areas that we feel fit our redevelopment goals," says Darrell Hofland, village administrator.

"There has been demand for condos by the interstate, but we would only be competing against ourselves," Hofland said. "Resisting that demand has increased interest in the downtown."

The Bednarczyks moved from Mequon, one of the few couples in their building to move from outside the village.

Fueled by demand from older residents who want to maintain social connections with friends and church groups but who no longer want to own single-family homes, two recent projects have added dozens of units to Grafton's downtown.

The projects - Heritage Condominiums and Berkshire Senior Housing - have added more than $10 million to the village's tax base.

Developer Peter Sheperd said he initially expected that his new downtown project, the BridgeWater Condominiums, would cater to older residents.

When constructing the model, Sheperd decided to put an elevator in the three-story unit to entice seniors.

Situated on the Milwaukee River, the three-bedroom units range from 2,500 to 3,100 square feet.

Decks overlook the river and amenities include cathedral ceilings, granite and marble counters, security systems, surround sound and fireplaces.

But Sheperd says the units, which start at $449,000, are attracting younger buyers who want to be within walking distance of downtown restaurants and coffee shops.

Four of the nine units in the project have sold.

"What this really is, is a rural-urban downtown. You can walk to get some coffee or walk to the river or walk to a restaurant. You don't always need your car anymore," Sheperd says.

The downtown condominium projects have spurred village officials to allow multi-family housing units on the site of the Manchester Mall, not far from the Bednarczyks' condo on the village's south side.

If successful, the plan could revitalize the site, which has lost two national retailers.

Bednarczyk would welcome the change.

"We're city kids from Milwaukee. We want conveniences," Bednarczyk says. "I don't want acres and acres."

[brewcityfan]

The Fountains of Franklin has new tenants...

New tenants named for Fountains of Franklin

The Business Journal of Milwaukee - 3:38 PM CDT Friday, August 31, 2007

The opening of Sendik's Food Market's new location at the Fountains of Franklin is scheduled for Oct. 31, project developer Devo Properties L.L.C. said Friday in announcing additional tenants for the development.

Sendik's new 62,000-square-foot grocery store will be joined by a Bank Mutual branch and a DQ Grill & Chill restaurant, Devo Properties said. Fountains of Franklin is located at South 51st Street and West Rawson Avenue in Franklin.

Brown Deer-based Bank Mutual, which has $3.4 billion in assets and 78 offices statewide, will occupy 3,370 square feet and plans to begin construction on the new office this year.

Grill & Chill is a variation of the familiar Dairy Queen brand. It features an upscale look and a hot foods menu to complement its desserts.

"We're looking forward to creating a destination where families can bank, shop, eat and relax within a beautiful environment that fits into the surrounding community," said Greg Devorkin, principal of Devo Properties.

In addition to the Sendik's Food Market and Bank Mutual, Devo Properties plans to build 50,000 square feet of additional retail space. CB Richard Ellis is the leasing agent for the space.

"We're pleased we could pre-lease 70 percent of the available 50,000 square feet of this project," Devorkin said. "This speaks to the quality of the project and the area."

The Fountains of Franklin is a mixed-use center consisting of upscale retail and professional offices. The development will feature abundant landscaping, lighting, fountains, courtyards for outdoor dining and extensive walkways for pedestrian traffic. A signature entrance features a lit archway, a boulevard and lit fountains.

[brewcityfan]

It took awhile, but Target caved!

The atypical Milwaukee Target...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0607.jpg

Turned into probably the finest one in the state...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/target_view1_550-250_9-6-07.jpg

Also, Lakeside Market Square (developed by Mandel Group) will begin construction in Spring of 2008. That's in St. Francis.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/St_Francis_Site_Plan_big.jpg

[Milwaukee, WY]

It took awhile, but Target caved!

The atypical Milwaukee Target...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/IMG_0607.jpg

Turned into probably the finest one in the state...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/target_view1_550-250_9-6-07.jpg

Also, Lakeside Market Square (developed by Mandel Group) will begin construction in Spring of 2008. That's in St. Francis.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r21/g3forc305/Suburban%20Developments/St_Francis_Site_Plan_big.jpg


First of all, the Target designs look pretty much the same. That said, I am a Target fan, and I think that their newer stores are pretty great compared to the older tan box with a red stripe and an arched entryway. The only other target that is dressed up as much as the original rendering is the one in West Allis, not a bad looking box. So I guess the design was "atypical", the opposite of "typical".

Second, the other development still has waaaaaaay too much asphalt, and is too disjointed to be considered a new urban development. It's more like a strip mall turned inside out, which I guess is an improvement, since it hides the parking. Sorta.

[brewcityfan]

Where exactly do you want the people to park their cars? On the street??

You're a very tough guy to please! :lol:

[Milwaukee, WY]

Where exactly do you want the people to park their cars? On the street??

You're a very tough guy to please! :lol:

Or underground...:)

[Twoaday]

That Target as do most suburban (free parking big box retail) parking lots will be built to something like an estimated 10-20th busiest hour of the year, so in general that lot will never be full... So yes the lot will be huge and yes I'd like to see them park on the street.

[brewcityfan]

^^Trust me, we'd love to do something about it. But as usual the City doesn't respond to e-mails of residents. The Franklin ordinance actually specifically mentions street parking for the civic center district (where Target will be located). Ah - for developers Franklin bends over backwards, and then some. I think we need some advice from the great Twoaday....

[brewcityfan]

All the newspapers covered it today - General Growth is leaving the Pabst Farms project.


Pabst Farms may lose builder

Developer seeks backup firm for massive Oconomowoc mall

By AMY RINARD
arinard@journalsentinel.com (arinard@journalsentinel.com)

Posted: Oct. 3, 2007

Oconomowoc - Developers of Pabst Farms are shopping for another company to build a large upscale mall at I-94 and Highway 67 because General Growth Properties Inc. looks like it is bowing out of the high-profile project.

Peter Bell, president of Pabst Farms Development Inc., said he still intends to open a large regional shopping mall at Pabst Farms in 2010 and has been in discussions for several months with other companies that are interested in taking on the project on that schedule.

"We're talking to other national developers," Bell said in a phone interview Wednesday from Florida, where he was touring a shopping mall built by a developer he said was interested in the Oconomowoc project.

"If (General Growth) has some internal reasons for slowing down or are unable to execute on this site, I've got a timetable to maintain; I'm moving forward."

General Growth properties Senior Vice President Louis Bucksbaum did not return phone calls Wednesday. The company, a publicly traded real estate investment trust, reported in its latest financial results July 31 that its funds from operations were 71 cents a share in the second quarter, which fell short of the 74 cents a share that analysts had expected.

However, the company said in July that it still expects to match its predicted financial results for 2007, and last week it announced plans to team up with another firm on a $450 million hotel, condominium and retail development in downtown St. Louis.

Two local retail sources who did not want to be named said rumors of General Growth's decision to pull out have been circulating for weeks. They suggested the site has not been attracting as much interest from retailers as expected because of the lack of population in the Oconomowoc area.

Bell said General Growth's withdrawal from the project was not being contemplated for financial reasons but because of internal discussions in the company about a shift in business strategy and the number of projects it can take on at one time.

Officials of General Growth, the second-largest developer of malls in the country and the owner of Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, have more than once come before the city's Common Council to present their plans for the 184-acre, 1 million-square-foot Pabst Farms Town Centre, intended to attract shoppers from a broad swath of Wisconsin. Aldermen have approved those plans.

A large drawing of the latest version of the mall design hangs on a wall in City Hall for review by city staff.

"Because of the investment of time we've put into this process, I'd be disappointed," Mayor Maury Sullivan said Wednesday when told about a possible change in mall developers.

"But whatever the reason might be, life moves on, and there's no reason why the concept cannot go forward with a different player. The city still is expecting it will be a regional mall of a pretty large scale and a quality development."

Meanwhile, the Waukesha County Board is expected later this month to vote on a plan to build a new freeway interchange at I-94 and County Highway P designed primarily to serve the mall.

The county would contribute $1.75 million toward the cost of the $25 million freeway project, with Pabst Farms contributing another $1.75 million and the city $400,000 from revenues generated through the tax incremental financing program created for part of the 1,500-acre Pabst Farms development. The state Department of Transportation would fund the remainder of the project.

The interchange project was expanded and its scheduling accelerated after General Growth announced plans last year for the mall.

County Executive Dan Vrakas said Wednesday that it makes no difference to the interchange funding agreement he brokered if General Growth backs out of the mall project, as long as a large retail center is built at the Pabst Farms site.

"To me this was never about General Growth," he said. "To me this is about having a regional shopping mall there."

General Growth Properties has proposed a mall that would include a multi-screen cinema and two hotels.

The main section of Pabst Farms Town Centre would be an enclosed multistory structure with two or three large anchor stores; two smaller anchor stores, such as a bookstore, and 100 to 120 smaller shops.

West of the enclosed mall would be an open-air mall. A 16-screen movie theater and restaurants are planned east of the enclosed mall.

A 44-acre parcel east of the cinema would be for stand-alone big-box stores.

Bell said he believes a mall at Pabst Farms still is on track to open in 2010.
He said several developers of high-quality regional retail centers are talking with him about building the mall at Pabst Farms and that having a plan in place to build the interchange is essential to moving the mall plan forward.

Tom Daykin and Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

[Milwaukee, WY]

All the newspapers covered it today - General Growth is leaving the Pabst Farms project.

[/I]

While I was disappointed to see GGP is leaving the project, I think they'll get someone else on board, maybe Simon. I still think the mall will get built. It's a killer location.

[Jesse276]

While I was disappointed to see GGP is leaving the project, I think they'll get someone else on board, maybe Simon. I still think the mall will get built. It's a killer location.

What about it makes it a 'killer location'? I know the area is affluent, but the population of the area doesn't seem to be large enough to support the amount of retail planned. I'm sure the area could support a lifestyle center size development, but a regional mall seems like overkill.

ps to anyone - i'm not trying to start a flame war, just trying to stimulate conversation.

[Twoaday]

It appears GGP is leaving the project as they've recently become interested in New Urbanism style development and well Pabst Farms (which when done will have neither Pabst or farms) just doesn't fit the model... There was a mention of this on CNU today.

[Milwaukee, WY]

What about it makes it a 'killer location'? I know the area is affluent, but the population of the area doesn't seem to be large enough to support the amount of retail planned. I'm sure the area could support a lifestyle center size development, but a regional mall seems like overkill.

ps to anyone - i'm not trying to start a flame war, just trying to stimulate conversation.

Well, I'm a closet fan of newer upscale malls, having spent the past seven years in the Denver area. Well, prior to this year...
... but anyway, off topic...
I think that it is a good location, because it is right on the freeway, is within relatively quick commute from Western Milw County, and Eastern Wauk County, and with the right mix of unique (to the market) retailers, read: IKEA, Dave and Buster's, places of that nature, it would be an easy destination draw for the MKE market as well as the Madison one. It just seems to be a good spot for this type of development. That said, I wouldn't want a mega mall in DT MKE, but one in Oconomowoc, well that's bound to happen anyway (sprawl), so it might as well be nice sprawl. And, THAT said, I'd love to see that kind of money get invested in my city without an incentive...

I'm going to retreat into solitude in anticipation of the forthcoming barrage...

[JPmaverick]

What about it makes it a 'killer location'? I know the area is affluent, but the population of the area doesn't seem to be large enough to support the amount of retail planned. I'm sure the area could support a lifestyle center size development, but a regional mall seems like overkill.

ps to anyone - i'm not trying to start a flame war, just trying to stimulate conversation.

Pabst Farms is a master-planned community and destination with a dense mix of residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, medical, and green space. One housing plan calls for 1,200 units. In addition to the existing affluent population you mention in the Lake Country area, the workers, residents, and other visitors to developments surrounding the mall will have a place to shop.

One other factor, I believe, is the growth pattern in western Waukesha County and Jefferson County. The two counties are growing and eventually, continuous development along I-94 will link Milwaukee to Madison. A Pabst Farms study concluded that residents in the area are unwilling to travel more than 15 miles for consolidated shopping trips. At present, no major shopping center exists along the corridor except in Johnson Creek (albeit an outlet mall). Planners may have felt that existing and future residents in the area (Lake Mills, Watertown, Jefferson, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, etc.) will have a destination midway between Madison and Milwaukee without having to travel to either city.

On a side note: Waukesha County recently approved funds for a proposed interchange near the planned mall.

[brewcityfan]

Two - I'm glad to see you read the New Urbanism story as well!

Pabst Farms will, unfortunately, be turning into big boxes....or so it seems. From today's Journal Sentinel:

Big box stores might be Pabst Farms' future
Finding a new mall developer won't be easy, observers say
By DORIS HAJEWSKI and TOM DAYKIN
dhajewski@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Oct. 4, 2007
So-called big box stores, such as a Target and Kohl's Department Store, could replace a regional shopping mall planned for Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc, commercial real-estate industry observers said Thursday.

That's because western Waukesha County might not have enough residents to attract the types of retailers needed to create a large mall.

Those comments came after the Journal Sentinel reported Thursday that the developers of Pabst Farms are seeking another company to build a large upscale mall at I-94 and Highway 67 in Oconomowoc. Peter Bell, president of Pabst Farms Development Inc., said Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., one of the country's largest mall operators, might be bowing out of the high-profile project.

A General Growth executive hasn't returned phone calls from reporters. Bell said General Growth is contemplating a withdrawal from the project because of a shift in business strategy. Two sources close to the project said that General Growth had pulled out.

Milwaukee-area shopping center developer Larry Kilduff said General Growth executives might have decided there aren't enough potential customers in the Pabst Farms trade area to draw retailers to the proposed mall.

General Growth and other publicly traded real-estate investment trusts have to operate "with a great deal of certainty," Kilduff said.

Though the number of new homes is growing in western Waukesha County, "the population is not very dense out there yet," he said.

"It's very simple. They just couldn't get any interest," said John Melaniphy Sr., a Chicago retail consultant who has done work in the Milwaukee area.

"I think something will get built, but it won't be what General Growth wanted to do," Melaniphy said. "Everything is slowing down."

With the combined effect of the slowing housing market and high gas prices, consumers have pulled back, and retailers are expecting only modest gains in sales for this holiday season.

Macy's, which would be a logical anchor tenant for a regional mall at Pabst Farms, is struggling with slow sales after converting all of its acquired department stores to the Macy's brand.

Sales are down 30% for the Macy's North division, which includes Milwaukee and Chicago, Melaniphy said.

He also suggested that Boston Store didn't show a lot of interest in the development because executives weren't seeing other anchor stores coming on board.

"Our interest will depend upon which developer ultimately executes a project on this site, and the nature and scope of a proposed development," said Mary Kerr, spokeswoman for Bon-Ton Stores Inc. in York, Pa., the corporate parent to Boston Store.

General Growth's plans at Pabst Farms called for 1 million square feet of commercial space, including a multiscreen cinema and two hotels.

The main section of the development, dubbed Pabst Farms Town Centre, would be an enclosed multistory structure with two or three large anchor stores; two smaller anchor stores, such as a bookstore; and 100 to 120 smaller shops.

It could be difficult for Pabst Farms to find another mall developer to replace General Growth, especially as a slowdown in consumer spending affects plans for new-store openings, Kilduff said. Other mall developers will wonder why General Growth didn't go through with its plans, he said.

It might be more likely that a retail developer will build freestanding big-box stores, Kilduff said.

Those types of stores were part of General Growth's overall plans for Pabst Farms. Typical stores in such developments include Target, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy.

Funny enough, I was talking to a local developer and he told me about a month ago that he overheard that GGP was backing out. I was stunned and didn't want to believe him. Sadly, he was right on the money.

[Jesse276]

Well, I'm a closet fan of newer upscale malls, having spent the past seven years in the Denver area. Well, prior to this year...
... but anyway, off topic...
I think that it is a good location, because it is right on the freeway, is within relatively quick commute from Western Milw County, and Eastern Wauk County, and with the right mix of unique (to the market) retailers, read: IKEA, Dave and Buster's, places of that nature, it would be an easy destination draw for the MKE market as well as the Madison one. It just seems to be a good spot for this type of development. That said, I wouldn't want a mega mall in DT MKE, but one in Oconomowoc, well that's bound to happen anyway (sprawl), so it might as well be nice sprawl. And, THAT said, I'd love to see that kind of money get invested in my city without an incentive...

I'm going to retreat into solitude in anticipation of the forthcoming barrage...


You see I could understand if there were going to be many destination retailers, but from what I read, there really aren't. They were courting anchors like Bon-Ton (Boston Store), Macys, Target, JCPenney, and Kohls. Why would someone drive from Wauwatosa (~27 miles one way) when they have the same stores in their own backyard?

Or are people supposed to drive out for a movie, passing by 3 or 4 other cinemas along the way. Of course there will be all the regular chain stores in the area as well, but again, why make the extra drive.

Is there some other draw that I'm missing?

[brewcityfan]

Von Maur and IKEA were supposedly in talks with Pabst Farms.

However, the source I got the info from says that IKEA turned away from Pabst Farms because of the residential population in the vacinity. Apparently IKEA's response became GGP's response.

[Jesse276]

Pabst Farms is a master-planned community and destination with a dense mix of residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, medical, and green space. One housing plan calls for 1,200 units. In addition to the existing affluent population you mention in the Lake Country area, the workers, residents, and other visitors to developments surrounding the mall will have a place to shop.

One other factor, I believe, is the growth pattern in western Waukesha County and Jefferson County. The two counties are growing and eventually, continuous development along I-94 will link Milwaukee to Madison. A Pabst Farms study concluded that residents in the area are unwilling to travel more than 15 miles for consolidated shopping trips. At present, no major shopping center exists along the corridor except in Johnson Creek (albeit an outlet mall). Planners may have felt that existing and future residents in the area (Lake Mills, Watertown, Jefferson, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, etc.) will have a destination midway between Madison and Milwaukee without having to travel to either city.

On a side note: Waukesha County recently approved funds for a proposed interchange near the planned mall.

I can understand about the areas population not wanting to drive more than 15 miles for their shopping needs. Although, if those out in Oconomowoc don't want to drive more than 15 miles for that type of shopping, why is it assumed that people from the rest of the metro would like to do that to reach that mall.

Also, while Pabst Farms has a large residential component, it is set to build out over many years. The idea of continuous development to Madison will also happen, but not now or even 10 years hence.

I'm not saying this isn't a good place for this type of retail or development, just that all the pieces won't be in place for awhile.

[brewcityfan]

It's official. GGP is backing out. The JS writes:

By Doris Hajewski

Mall developer drops Pabst Farms plans
General Growth Properties Inc. (GGP) has confirmed that the Chicago-based mall developer has dropped plans for a regional shopping center in Oconomowoc.

The company said in an e-mail today:

"General Growth Properties has decided not to participate with Pabst Farms in the development of a shopping center at Oconomowoc. We gave the project long, careful consideration, but in the end it proved to be not the right time or conditions for us to pursue this project. We sincerely appreciate all of the hard work that the city, county and state put into working with Pabst Farms and us, and we are confident that those efforts will bear fruit in the form of other kinds of economic development for Oconomowoc."

General Growth is the owner and operator of Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.

[JPmaverick]

I can understand about the areas population not wanting to drive more than 15 miles for their shopping needs. Although, if those out in Oconomowoc don't want to drive more than 15 miles for that type of shopping, why is it assumed that people from the rest of the metro would like to do that to reach that mall.

Also, while Pabst Farms has a large residential component, it is set to build out over many years. The idea of continuous development to Madison will also happen, but not now or even 10 years hence.

I'm not saying this isn't a good place for this type of retail or development, just that all the pieces won't be in place for awhile.

Agreed. I think the planners may have been too optimistic with the concept given the demographics of the area (real, perceived, future, etc.). The size and scope of Pabst was curious but nonetheless interesting given the potential retailers and, in my opinion, the walkable and multi-faceted projects surrounding the development. I still believe a regional mall is sustainable in the area (perhaps on a smaller scale) if for no other reason than to attract shoppers from Dodge and Jefferson Counties and the growing population in western Waukesha County.

In any case, all of this is moot (per Brew's post ^^) since the project has been dropped. I just hope they don't end up building some strip mall. Isn't there already something like that not a few miles away at Hwy. 83 & I-94?

[JPmaverick]

Von Maur and IKEA were supposedly in talks with Pabst Farms.

However, the source I got the info from says that IKEA turned away from Pabst Farms because of the residential population in the vacinity. Apparently IKEA's response became GGP's response.

What ever happened with Nordstrom? Or was it Neiman Marcus? I read GGP was possibly negotiating with one of them but I never heard anything since. Obviously that too is moot (and perhaps due to the same reasons you stated) but still curious.

[brewcityfan]

Nordstrom was approached by many developers, and even the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. What did they tell JS reporter Doris Hajewski?

Thanks for the info. However, we're not really interested in Milwaukee...

If Nordstrom bowed out, Neiman Marcus I'm sure would flat out reject the area.

There was rumor of Bloomingdale's entering Brookfield Square. Hell, every upscale department store is rumored to be interested in that mall! When speaking to the head manager of Bloomingdale's Old Orchard, I was told that Bloomingdale's feels new cities to be targeted should be Milwaukee and Scottsdale, Arizona. Apparently a lot of Milwaukeeians shop at Bloomies.

The current talk for Pabst Farms is big box mania - Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, etc, etc, etc. It's a true shame considering what it could have been.

[Skyking2]

General Growth Properties made the right decision -- for their business. The Pabst Farm site is a nice area and begs for future development, but there is not nearly enough people in the area to warrant the kind of project that was originally envisioned. Perhaps 10-15 years down the road, but not now or within the next five years -- even with the growth. This project will require many, many people to shop there regualrly from Milwaukee and Madison. And, with the exception of some curious first-timers, that ain't gonna happen.

[Milwaukee, WY]

The thing that I really don't get is they spent all this time and money on getting approvals, even so far as to have the county agree to pay for a new interchange to handle all the additional traffic. Traffic they're now saying would be non-existant? I still think reason being the lack of population in Oconomowoc is dubious at best.
And Seriously, if no one is willing to drive more than 15 minutes for shopping, who do we explain the endless loss of millions of dollars South to Chicagoland? It's certainly not to waste gas and pay their high sales taxes, it's because they have retail options we dont, and this mall could have had some of that "destination retail". It's why the Schaumburg IKEA generally has it's parking lot half full of Dairyland plates.

[brewcityfan]

^^That's a good point to make. However, I do see the reasons being the population. Pabst Farms Town Centre would have done a lot better if it was a little deeper inside the metro area.

That's why everyone here is still pondering about what Oak Creek's Urban Village will be, and when it plans to go under construction. It's right across from Northwestern Mutual Life's campus in Franklin, borders I-94, and is only minutes from the airport and within 20 mins of downtown Milwaukee.

It's the perfect spot to lure visitors, Chicagoans, and residents throughout the Milwaukee area.

[Jesse276]

People will drive more than 15 minutes for something out of the ordinary like shopping at Ikea or on Michigan Ave in Chicago. They won't go that far for Kohls, Home Depot, JC Penney, Best Buy, etc.

[Milwaukee, WY]

People will drive more than 15 minutes for something out of the ordinary like shopping at Ikea or on Michigan Ave in Chicago. They won't go that far for Kohls, Home Depot, JC Penney, Best Buy, etc.

Yes, I agree, and the point I was making, which I thought I made somewhat clear, was that from the very beginning, this thing was conceived to have more stores that are unique to the Milwaukee area. I realize that there actually aren't that many left that would be, and that the development was envisioned with a section of big box stores. I know no one will typically drive more than 15 minutes for Target, or Kohl's. That's not what I was talking about. I was really lamenting the lack of unique offerings at area shopping centers, which this development conceivably would have had. Is it a great location for a Gap? Probably not by itself. Is it a good location for a Gap if the anchors next to it are Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and/or Nieman Marcus? Quite possibly. Either way, it's a moot point, since there is no developer, and thus, no development.

[Milwaukee, WY]

Nordstrom was approached by many developers, and even the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. What did they tell JS reporter Doris Hajewski?



If Nordstrom bowed out, Neiman Marcus I'm sure would flat out reject the area.

There was rumor of Bloomingdale's entering Brookfield Square. Hell, every upscale department store is rumored to be interested in that mall! When speaking to the head manager of Bloomingdale's Old Orchard, I was told that Bloomingdale's feels new cities to be targeted should be Milwaukee and Scottsdale, Arizona. Apparently a lot of Milwaukeeians shop at Bloomies.

The current talk for Pabst Farms is big box mania - Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, etc, etc, etc. It's a true shame considering what it could have been.

What ever happened to the old rumor about Mayfair adding a third Anchor?

[brewcityfan]

What ever happened to the old rumor about Mayfair adding a third Anchor?

Right now that seems about as far-fetched as Brookfield Square adding a fourth anchor.

I remember those promos as well - Mayfair was supposed to add an entire wing of stores on top of that new department store, because Mayfair was overwhelmed with shoppers.

Then it seemed to fizzle away...

Our area malls are something else. Other than Bayshore, it seems to be a ton of talk. Southridge under Simon so far has produced nadda. Brookfield Square has plenty of visions, and they're doing SOME of the things proposed - like redoing their outer shell to make it more like Mayfair. Mayfair seems to have moved to a dead stop, with only one restaurant under construction by Macy's.

[Milwaukee, WY]

Right now that seems about as far-fetched as Brookfield Square adding a fourth anchor.

I remember those promos as well - Mayfair was supposed to add an entire wing of stores on top of that new department store, because Mayfair was overwhelmed with shoppers.

Then it seemed to fizzle away...

Our area malls are something else. Other than Bayshore, it seems to be a ton of talk. Southridge under Simon so far has produced nadda. Brookfield Square has plenty of visions, and they're doing SOME of the things proposed - like redoing their outer shell to make it more like Mayfair. Mayfair seems to have moved to a dead stop, with only one restaurant under construction by Macy's.

Yeah, I seem to remember some talk a few years back of BS adding a second level. I guess we know that it really all was just BS...:nuts:

[Jesse276]

Well, Mayfair added 100,000 SF to its 2nd level in 2001, was that what you were talking about?

[brewcityfan]

Mayfair was planning to add an entire new wing, NOT the extension of the 2nd floor, not too long ago

Stores that were interested were bebe, Z Gallerie, and others.

What happened to the new wing? Zilch. Nadda.

I'm a big fan of Mayfair, and I was anticipating this since it was announced. I'm not stupid! :)

[honest86]

I guess I can't see why very many retailers would want to build in Pabst Farms. It is to far from Milwaukee and most of its suburbs to attract people without it having a major destination, and even then I would think that the eastern part of Waukesha would be more attractive for most retailer, and destination stores such as IKEA as it is more centrally located for the suburban population. Building at Pabst Farms would put the stores on the far western edge of where their customers would live.

[Jesse276]

Mayfair was planning to add an entire new wing, NOT the extension of the 2nd floor, not too long ago

Stores that were interested were bebe, Z Gallerie, and others.

What happened to the new wing? Zilch. Nadda.

I'm a big fan of Mayfair, and I was anticipating this since it was announced. I'm not stupid! :)

Easy on the caffeine, I just wanted to clarify.

[exit_320]

Pabst Farms was a joke in general. Why would anyone in a majority of the Milwaukee area drive to the middle of no where for shopping when they could find the same shopping in the north burbs of Chicago. The travel to IKEA in Pabst Farms would be just about the same for travel to IKEA in IL.. but IL would have more to do and be closer to a major city instead of cows

[brewcityfan]

I did have a lot of energy drinks that day, Jesse.

I'd think the goal for SE Wisconsin in general would be to keep people from going across the border to get their shopping done.

Pabst Farms could have answered that easily. Unfortunately, it was too far away from the bulk of the metro area, to which it failed.

If a Pabst Farms development occurred in a closer suburb, say Oak Creek or Franklin, I think there would be no problems.

But I get this feeling any suburban project might not appease some on this forum.

[Kramerica]

Why would anyone in a majority of the Milwaukee area drive to the middle of no where for shopping when they could find the same shopping in the north burbs of Chicago. The travel to IKEA in Pabst Farms would be just about the same for travel to IKEA in IL.. but IL would have more to do and be closer to a major city instead of cows

You're kidding, right? Here are distances:

DT Milwaukee to Pabst Farms: 28 miles
DT Milwaukee to Schaumburg IKEA: 80 miles
Milwaukee/Racine border to Pabst Farms: 42 miles
Milwaukee/Racine border to Schaumburg IKEA: 66 miles

The midpoint is the Racine/Kenosha county border.

If shoppers are looking to go to IKEA and maybe a couple other stores, why would they travel 25-50 more miles to go to Schaumburg rather than Pabst Farms?

(Of course, this is all a moot point for now, since the developer backed out)

[DooMer_MP3]

But I get this feeling any suburban project might not appease some on this forum.

:nuts: O RLY!?

[brewcityfan]

DooMer - we didn't need that remark.

As for IKEA - they're rumored to be interested in any part of the metro area. They especially are heavy over by Mayfair. I heard that the Wisconsin Lutheran football field and other County buildings on Hwy 45 & Watertown Plank would be eliminated for a IKEA

[DooMer_MP3]

DooMer - we didn't need that remark.
Sorry dad, I almost forgot this entire site was based on... cities!

Regardless, I am not at all sad to see this project die. It was simply ill-conceived in many facets. I am actually surprised Waukesha county residents were willing to subsidize parts of this project with their tax dollars. Especially the multi-million dollar interchange they would've ended up paying a good share for. Then late last month, the question of how to get employees to their jobs was brought up. Its no surprise to me it folded.

This piece - p://www.shepherd-express.com/1editorialbody.lasso?-token.folder=2007-09-13&-token.story=178298.113121&-token.subpub= (http://www.shepherd-express.com/1editorialbody.lasso?-token.folder=2007-09-13&-token.story=178298.113121&-token.subpub=) - sums up my thoughts pretty well on the whole thing.

[JPmaverick]

^^ LOL

Great article, btw. I grew up in Waukesha County and remember all too well how any tax or funding that benefited them exclusively was never an issue yet other proposals (namely anything in Milwaukee) was met with significant opposition. Nothing has changed. Even my parents got tired of the B.S. in that county and moved to Lake Geneva.

Anyway, Waukesha recently bitched about their reduced share of transit funding (which resulted in additional aid for Milwaukee). The funny part was that they never used their bloated share for transit. I say hold the water until they beg for mercy, then hit 'em with light rail and whatever else.

[JPmaverick]

Here are a few more links to articles pertaining to Pabst Farms:

Laurel Walker: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=674960

Whitney Gould: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=674523

Pabst Farm zoning won't permit big boxes: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=672243

[MarqKev]

I've been a lurker here for a long time, but I just wanted to clear up something said on the previous page.

Mayfair is in fact still planning to expand. The current plan calls for moving Boston Store East of its current location (Essentially over one of its parking lots), extending the wing out (both stories) over where Boston Store is, and adding another parking Garage in between AMC and the new Boston Store.
I'm not sure on what the timeline is for this happening, but it is the next step after they finish their new restaurant.

[brewcityfan]

They're moving the entire department store?!

Well, hopefully that means the outer shell will be a bit more attractive than the current Woolworth's facade presently...

[brewcityfan]

From MyMuskegoNOW.com:


FRIDAY, Oct. 26, 2007, 4:40 p.m.
By John Schultz (jschultz@cninow.com)</B>


GE building would mean new TIF district

The public soon will get its first look at plans for a new 485,000 square-foot GE Medical facility proposed for a 35-acre site south of College Avenue and west of South Moorland Road.

A public hearing has been set for Nov. 6 on the possible creation of a tax-incremental finance district to help pay for infrastructure costs for the project.

Mayor John Johnson said the figures are very preliminary, but a TIF district in the amount of just under $8.9 million is being sought. The financing would pay for such improvements as a $1 million water storage facility, road improvements, utilities, street lighting and landscape work.

Among improvements sought is making Moorland Road four lanes with a lit and landscaped median. It also would include some work on the east side of Moorland Road to be included in the TIF district.

[Twoaday]

brew> Again this is unfortunate news. Yet again a suburb is using a TIF when they should not be using one for a greenfield. Using a TIF for this purpose is so anti the spirit of the law. And again using it for this purpose is subsidizing sprawl.

[brewcityfan]

But hey - it goes to show that suburbs will use TIFs to lure companies, whether people want to believe that or not.

Most of you on this site adamantly oppose using TIFs in Downtown Milwaukee. Well, if you feel that way, then don't be upset when GE Medical once again ignores downtown and builds out here.

[Twoaday]

brew> I've tried to explain this more than a few times now but I'll try again. There are appropriate uses of TIF potentially the 4th and Wisconsin site because it has clearly been a blighting property, and the project aptly named The Catalyst will do just that. i.e Be a catalyst for that area.

And there are inappropriate uses of TIF. i.e RSC as the Park East has already been TIFd to the tune of 20 mil, we would of been TIFing something we didn't want (suburban design - and krispe kreme) and well quite frankly will develop itself for the most part. And of course this new suburban greenfield TIF clearly flies in the face of the law and I have no idea how it passes the "but for test". But I guess that's up to the lawyers.

[Jesse276]

But hey - it goes to show that suburbs will use TIFs to lure companies, whether people want to believe that or not.

Most of you on this site adamantly oppose using TIFs in Downtown Milwaukee. Well, if you feel that way, then don't be upset when GE Medical once again ignores downtown and builds out here.

Yeah, it's not like there was a TIF for Manpower or anything.

[brewcityfan]

brew> I've tried to explain this more than a few times now but I'll try again. There are appropriate uses of TIF potentially the 4th and Wisconsin site because it has clearly been a blighting property, and the project aptly named The Catalyst will do just that. i.e Be a catalyst for that area.

And there are inappropriate uses of TIF. i.e RSC as the Park East has already been TIFd to the tune of 20 mil, we would of been TIFing something we didn't want (suburban design - and krispe kreme) and well quite frankly will develop itself for the most part. And of course this new suburban greenfield TIF clearly flies in the face of the law and I have no idea how it passes the "but for test". But I guess that's up to the lawyers.

Yeah, it's not like there was a TIF for Manpower or anything.

Simmer down fellas...I'm just saying, no need to get angry.

Perhaps Milwaukee didn't put in a good enough bid for GE Medical. Again.

Hey - I'd love to see a GE Tower in downtown Milwaukee - but please do something to lure em there. Manpower was a great achievement, don't get me wrong, but it's what? 4 stories tall? Disappointing...

Hopefully Manpower explodes and needs more office space :)

[Twoaday]

brew> "Most of you on this site adamantly oppose using TIFs in Downtown Milwaukee. " I was just trying to point out that this is false. That it depends on the specific project.

Further I think getting 1000 jobs downtown is more important than building a tower that looks cool.

[NeuBrew]

To me, TIFs make sense when a site needs infrastructure improvements for something to be built, or when a company is bringing a considerable amount of jobs.

To use TIFs as merely a bribe for development... that's a slippery slope.

[brewcityfan]

I don't think downtown Milwaukee would be a good place for what GE now wants to do anyways for the Muskego site...

Muskego facility planned by GE
Distribution center would move jobs from Cudahy
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 1, 2007
GE Healthcare is proposing a 485,000-square-foot distribution center in Muskego, a facility that would shift 125 jobs to that Waukesha County community from Cudahy.

The building is planned for 35 acres south of W. College Ave. and west of Moorland Road, said Mark Colananni, GE Healthcare's general manager of global facilities and real estate.

It would be used to distribute GE Healthcare products throughout the world and would consolidate the company's distribution facilities that now operate at Ace Industrial Park, in Cudahy, Colananni said Thursday.

Colananni said GE Healthcare leases 10 buildings, totaling 375,000 square feet, at Ace Industrial Park, north of E. College Ave. and west of S. Pennsylvania Ave. He said the Muskego building would operate more efficiently than the smaller, older buildings in Cudahy.

Steiner Group Commercial Real Estate would develop the Muskego building, Colananni said, and lease it to GE Healthcare. Construction would begin by spring, with completion by January 2009, he said.

The Muskego Plan Commission has scheduled an initial review of the proposed building at its Tuesday meeting.

The commission also will discuss a proposal for $5.4 million in city financing connected to the GE Healthcare project, said Jeff Muenkel, city planning director. The funds would pay for roadwork, sewers, waterlines and other public improvements. The money would be repaid through property taxes generated by the new building.

Muskego Mayor John Johnson said the GE Healthcare facility would help attract other development to vacant land on the east side of Moorland Road.

GE Healthcare has about 6,000 employees in the Milwaukee area, including about 2,000 employees at a 506,000-square-foot office building that opened last year in Wauwatosa.

GE Healthcare also operates facilities in Pewaukee, Milwaukee and West Milwaukee.

[Jesse276]

Mitchell reduces empire by two-thirds
22 seafood, steak locations sold to rival for $94 million


http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/11/07/mitchells.ART_ART_11-07-07_A1_3H8CSTM.html?sid=101



"There are no plans to add to the Mitchell's steakhouse concept, which operates under the names Mitchell's Steakhouse and Cameron's Steakhouse. Ruth's Chris will acquire three of the four.

The fourth, in Wisconsin, will continue to be owned and operated by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. It is underperforming and the company is exploring alternatives for it, which could include another concept, said Carolyn Delp, Cameron Mitchell's vice president of marketing."

[brewcityfan]

I think Cameron's Steakhouse @ Bayshore Town Center would be underperforming because of its location - it's far and away from the main action, something people don't like walking to.

Honestly, I didn't even know where the restaurant was located until I drove around the center two times - it's not well advertised, IMO.

[D-res]

Agreed. I had no idea it was 'underperforming' however i'm not the least bit surprised. Last time we went to bayshore to go to california pizza kitchen for a friends birthday, we left the parking garage on the west side of the mall that empties out right in front of Camerons and atleast 3 people in the car had never even heard of the place, but thought it looked real swanky. Its not bad that it's facing the freeway and N Port Wash but I'll agree it's too far from the center of the action at Bayshore itself.

[brewcityfan]

Thank you!

People have so many quality dining choices in front of their faces why should they bother to wonder off the normal beat to go to Cameron's?

Bayshore has Bravo!, Cheesecake Factory, Bar Louie, CPK, and Devon all in the midst of the action. That new Mongolian Grill and Cameron's are very off to the side - hidden amongst the parking stuctures! I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear BD Mongolian Grill is suffering as well. It's poor planning for the shopping center.

Let's also look at the other retail at Bayshore - like Trader Joe's. the whole end facing Silver Spring is also extremely off the well-beaten path, and what do you see? Plenty of vacancies! Trader Joe's picked that spot solely on the corner visibility - that has to be almost 100% correct. Why else would they choose that? The main shopping area drifts away around Kohl's, and obviously dies off where the parking stucture is located.

[NeuBrew]

I think BD's is doing well, everytime I've been there it's been full.

Really, there is probably more of a market for inexpensive restaurants. A development like that can only support so many 'premium' places.

[Milwaukee, WY]

All of this does make the case that Steiner should have put some of that parking underground. Those parking structures are awful, they make the Southeast third of the property feel cold and uninviting, even in July.

[brewcityfan]

I think BD's is doing well, everytime I've been there it's been full.

Really, there is probably more of a market for inexpensive restaurants. A development like that can only support so many 'premium' places.

Oh, ok! Well, I haven't been to BD's yet - so I guess I was just assuming. I'm glad I was wrong.

All of this does make the case that Steiner should have put some of that parking underground. Those parking structures are awful, they make the Southeast third of the property feel cold and uninviting, even in July.

No kidding about the underground parking. But you better watch out...some people might think you're NUTS for throwing out such a suggestion! You know, parking with ease during a blizzard and not having to overly bundle up to face the 30 mph gusts of -30 degree wind. I think the mothers love their strollers full of slush, and well...the elderly simply LOVE sliding around the asphalt parking lots! My grandma does it ALL the time. :)

[Milwaukee, WY]

Since Brewcityfan appears to be on vacation, I'll post this one from the Journal:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=691269

New Greenfield Sendik's won't be last, owner says
By TOM DAYKIN
tdaykin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 28, 2007
High-end supermarket chain Sendik's is opening a store in Greenfield, continuing the group's expansion beyond its North Shore roots and building an alternative to Pick 'n Save, the Milwaukee area's dominant supermarket chain.

The latest Sendik's Food Market will operate at 7901 W. Layton Ave. in a 60,000-square-foot building previously occupied by a Jewel-Osco store, it was announced Tuesday. The store will open next summer.

The supermarket, with 170 employees, will be part of a shopping center that will be renamed Sendik's Commons.

Sendik's stores throughout the Milwaukee area have various owners, most of them members of the extended Sendik-Balistreri family.

The Greenfield Sendik's will be owned by Ted Balistreri, along with his brothers, Nick and Patrick, and sister, Margaret Harris. They announced plans last week to open a Germantown Sendik's at N112-15800 Mequon Road.

The Germantown store also is to open by summer and will fill another former Jewel-Osco. The Jewel-Osco chain withdrew from southeastern Wisconsin in February.

Ted Balistreri and his siblings earlier this fall opened Sendik's markets in Elm Grove and Franklin. Since 2003, they've also expanded from their store in Whitefish Bay to Mequon, Grafton and Wauwatosa, occupying empty stores formerly operated by Kohl's Food Stores, Jewel-Osco and Sentry Foods.

While declining to provide details, Ted Balistreri said his strategic plan calls for additional Sendik's markets in southeastern Wisconsin.

The departure of Kohl's and Jewel-Osco, coupled with Sentry's decline, have created expansion opportunities for Sendik's, said Dave Livingston, a Pewaukee supermarket industry consultant.

Livingston expects Sendik's to eventually become the No. 3 competitor in the Milwaukee-area market, behind Pick 'n Save, which is run by Roundy's Supermarkets Inc., and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which is opening combined supermarket-discount stores known as supercenters.

"They're already a credible alternative to Pick 'n Save," Livingston said.

Sendik's, known for its delis, bakeries, produce and meat, is "more of a category unto ourselves, rather than an alternative," Balistreri said.

Sendik's is benefiting from a growing demand for supermarkets with a lot of amenities and a high level of customer service, Livingston said.

Other high-end grocers have expanded in the Milwaukee area recently, including Whole Foods Market, which opened last year on the city's east side; Trader Joe's, which opened last year in Glendale; and The Fresh Market, which opened a Brookfield store earlier this year.

The Milwaukee area has five Sendik's stores that are not owned by Ted Balistreri and his siblings. The operators of a Sendik's at 18985 W. Capitol Drive in Brookfield plan to develop a Franklin store at The Shoppes of Wyndham Village.

The 90,000-square-foot shopping center that will house the Greenfield Sendik's was purchased last week by Devo Properties.

Greg Devorkin, Devo Properties principal, said he expects the Sendik's announcement to generate strong interest from retailers in the shopping center's 7,500 square feet of vacant space.

"It's wonderful that Sendik's is putting its trust and faith in Greenfield," Greenfield Mayor Mike Neitzke said in a statement. "I think the new Sendik's will be the cornerstone of a renaissance along Layton Ave. and 76th St."

[araman0]

Does anyone know anything about this (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=iconcondominiums-wauwatosa-wi-usa) 20 story condo project in Wauwatosa?

[brewcityfan]

Last time I checked, Wauwatosa OK'd most of it. I believe it's still looking for financing.

It should become a reality - Wauwatosa wants that complex or something similar. Kinda like Oconomowoc and Pabst Farms.