News Summary
Cobalt Partners has put forth a proposal for a 210-acre mixed-use development in Oconomowoc’s Pabst Farms area. This project will incorporate various housing, retail, and industrial elements on undeveloped land alongside Interstate 94. A public meeting is scheduled for October 23 to discuss the development and gather community feedback. Local leaders express support for a collaborative approach to ensure the project aligns with community needs and preserves the area’s character.
Oconomowoc, WI – Milwaukee-based developer Cobalt Partners has proposed a significant 210-acre mixed-use development in the Pabst Farms area of Oconomowoc and the Village of Summit. This ambitious project will be situated on both sides of Interstate 94, to the west of the Sawyer Road interchange, and is currently on undeveloped land.
The Pabst Farms site has been undergoing active development for over two decades, beginning in 2002, transforming a 1,500-acre property into a blend of housing, retail centers, industrial buildings, and commercial projects. Nearly 1,000 acres have already been developed, but key elements of the original master plan for the southern sections of Pabst Farms have only recently begun to come to fruition.
A notable addition to the area was the opening of a Fleet Farm store in 2018. Additionally, an Illinois-based developer is currently constructing the Pabst 59 mixed-use complex nearby, which will include more than 330,000 square feet of industrial space and 162 apartments along with retail elements.
To present their vision for the new development, Cobalt Partners has organized a public information meeting scheduled for October 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Summit Elementary School, located at 1680 Valley Road in Oconomowoc. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to receive detailed information about the project and share their feedback.
The proposed development aims to create a collaborative mixed-use district, blending the area’s rural character with modern amenities. City and village staff plan to collaborate with developers to define the project scope, conduct necessary technical studies, and facilitate community input throughout the development process. This approach aims to ensure a cohesive and integrated development rather than a series of fragmented projects.
Oconomowoc’s Mayor Robert Magnus and Summit Village President Jack Riley have expressed support for this collaborative approach. Their administration seeks to work with municipal leaders to establish a well-thought-out master plan that resonates with the needs and desires of the community.
The preliminary project outlines reveal that the development will be bordered by Delafield Road, Sawyer Road, and Pabst Farms Boulevard, with an approved Costco location also included within the proposed area. This further illustrates the ongoing efforts in the Pabst Farms region to create a well-rounded community that harmonizes development with the natural landscape.
Pabst Farms Development, the property owner, shares a vision with Cobalt Partners for blending new developments with the character and essence of the local community and nature, creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
The upcoming meeting on October 23 is an important opportunity for local residents to engage in discussions about these developments and understand their potential impact on the Oconomowoc and Summit communities.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mixed-Use Development Plan for Pabst Farms
- Wikipedia: Pabst Farms
- BizTimes: Oconomowoc Development Proposal
- Google Search: Pabst Farms development
- GMToday: Mixed-Use Project Proposed in Pabst Farms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oconomowoc
- GMToday: Costco Proposed for Pabst Farms
- Google News: Costco Pabst Farms
- BizTimes: McDonald’s Planned at Pabst Farms
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
