Proposed Fox River Project In Waukesha Needs Only Minor Changes

WAUKESHA, WI— The Plan Commission asked for only minor changes in its meeting Wednesday to a proposed mixed-use residential and retail development along Brehm Street between East St. Paul Avenue and the Fox River.

Among the changes it cited: Revise the roofline and the project's elevation and increase the space between the proposed townhouses and the river.

Beyond these minor changes, commissioners expressed approval of the project.

General Capital and Joseph Property Development plan to build three three-, four- or five-story multifamily residential buildings comprising 192 units. The project could add 20 units.

The developers, who did not speak at Wednesday's meeting, will come back to the Plan Commission to present final plans for further consideration before the commission sends the proposal to the City Council for final approval.

Commissioner Corey Montiho expressed concern about the project's elevation as seen from the river. He added that the roofline seemed flat.

Commissioner Jack Wells said he has some concerns about the townhouses that are too close to the river.

"There maybe needs to be more buffer between the private space for tenants and public spaces," Wells said.

Otherwise, commissioners liked the proposed project. Mayor Shawn Reilly said that the Plan Commission had approved a previous apartment development along the river.

"Overall, the use of the property to me seems in sync with what [we] have approved before, and I don't have any major objections to the use of the property in this way," Reilly said.

Montiho said the proposed development would be a proper use of the land. "The area has [been] empty for a very long time. As long as they preserve [the] Riverwalk, which it appears they are. It is aesthetically impressive," Montiho said.

General Capital and Joseph Property Development are under contract to purchase a portion of land owned by Waukesha State Bank and by Davies Property Management along the north side of the Fox River.

The project would occupy about 2.5 acres, which are currently vacant or used for parking.

The project's rents were estimated to be in the $1,200 to $2,200 per month range, city documents said.

Each building will consist of upper story residential units above enclosed parking. There will be approximately 279 parking stalls, as well as bicycle racks. An additional 40 public parking spaces will be available.

The project will include about 2,000 square feet of retail space along Barstow Street.