News Summary
Wauwatosa is undergoing a major transformation in its housing sector, with two significant projects aimed at creating affordable apartments. Samapa Development Co. plans to convert the Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa hotel into 198 below-market-rate apartments, while Three Leaf Partners LLC proposes a $46 million multi-family housing development with 163 units. The combined investment will enhance the housing supply and cater to the rising demand in the area, providing essential amenities to future residents.
Wauwatosa is set to see significant changes in its housing landscape as two major developments plan to turn existing structures into affordable apartments to meet the growing housing demand in the area. Local developers, including Samapa Development Co. and Three Leaf Partners LLC, are spearheading projects that represent a combined investment of approximately $69 million.
The first project involves the Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa hotel located at 10499 Innovation Drive. Samapa Development Co. has proposed a $23 million plan to convert the 198-room hotel into below market-rate apartments. The company currently has the hotel under contract and aims to finalize the purchase by the end of the year. The hotel is presently owned by Wauwatosa-based Hotel Investment Group.
In another significant project, Three Leaf Partners LLC has submitted plans for a three-story multi-family housing development on the site of the former St. Bernard Congregation and Wauwatosa Catholic School at 7474 Harwood Ave. This site is being sold as the St. Bernard parish merges with Christ King parish. The pastor, Rev. Phillip Bogacki, has noted that proceeds from the sale will support the newly merged parish. This project represents an investment of approximately $46 million and will include 163 apartment units, primarily one-bedroom units ranging from 650 to 850 square feet, along with some larger one- and two-bedroom units.
Three Leaf Partners, which was co-founded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton, has a well-established record in developing hotels and multi-family units. As part of the new development, plans include a parking garage with 187 spots designated for residents and an additional 23 spots for visitors. Future residents can expect amenities such as a courtyard with grills and a fire pit, a bike storage area, a fitness room, and a club room. Notably, Three Leaf Partners will not be seeking tax incremental financing (TIF) for this project.
Developers indicated that they may repurpose existing features of the St. Bernard building, which was established as Wauwatosa’s first Catholic church in 1911. The current parish complex has undergone various renovations since its original construction in 1962, with renovations initiated in 2000. For the Three Leaf Partners project, city approval may take six to nine months, during which the parish will continue to operate.
The Design Review Board is scheduled to hold a public meeting on April 18 to discuss the plans for Three Leaf Partners. Additionally, John Vassallo and Cobalt Partners are proposing a redevelopment project for the former Wisconsin International Academy property at 11811 W. Bluemound Road. This project, named Tosa Lofts, is set to include a five-story, 357-unit apartment building at an estimated cost of $90 million. Demolition of existing structures may commence in the first quarter of next year, with construction anticipated to begin in the second quarter.
The Tosa Lofts will predominantly feature one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with around 20% of the units targeted towards residents earning 80% of the area median income. Amenities planned for the Tosa Lofts include a pool terrace, fitness facilities, and concierge services.
In addition to these projects, the Synergy development at Mayfair Collection is in progress, which is expected to provide hundreds of upscale apartments. Combined, the development value of Mayfair Collection and Synergy is projected to exceed $100 million. The first mixed-use building of Synergy is anticipated to open in November, with a second building expected to be completed by April 2019, totaling 269 apartments and 50,000 square feet of retail space. Apartment rents at Synergy are expected to range from $1,100 to $2,200, attracting young professionals working in local medical facilities.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Financially Challenged Wauwatosa Hotel
- Jsonline: Three Leaf Partners Plans Apartments
- BizTimes: 357-Unit Apartment Development
- Jsonline: Wauwatosa’s Mayfair Collection
- BizTimes: Proposed Wauwatosa Mixed-Use Development
- Wikipedia: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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