This 30,000-square-foot, two-story building is located at 1617-1633 East East North Street. It was formerly a milk distribution center and is known for its Art Deco style design. The property is owned by an investment group led by developer Ken Breunig.
His projects include the transformation of the former Pritzlaff Hardware Co. building in the city center into apartments, offices, event venues and other new uses, and the transformation of some of the offices of Plankinton Arcade into apartments.
Breunig is seeking to change the zoning of the east side building from an industrial area to a local commercial area. The planning committee and joint committee will review the request.
“This will allow me to build 17 apartments instead of the self-storage that I originally approved,” Brunig said.
Breunig told the Sentinel that he plans to build one- and two-bedroom apartments on the first floor of the building, as well as 21 indoor parking spaces.
He said: “The car will use the same drive as the building’s original purpose to drive through the building for milk trucks to drive through and load and unload.”
Based on the zoning change application submitted to the Department of Urban Development, the estimated conversion cost is US$2.2 million.
He is working on a conversion plan, mainly because he can no longer use the building for self-storage.
That’s because his company Sunset Investors LLC last year sold several EZ self-storage centers operated by Breunig throughout the Milwaukee area.
Breunig said that his renovation plan is still being developed and may include setting aside some street space for commercial use.
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the building was built in 1946. It was originally used by Dairy Distributors Inc.
The Trombetta Company, which produces solenoids and other industrial power products, moved to this building in 1964 from Milwaukee’s historic third district.
The Breunig plan seeks state and federal historical preservation tax credits to help fund the reconstruction of buildings.
Post time: Aug-27-2021