CITY PLAN COMMISSION - 2026-04-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Milwaukee City Plan Commission approved four key items: a minor signage modification for St. Rita Square senior living at 728 E Pleasant St; a rezoning from Industrial Heavy (IH) to Industrial Mixed (IM) at 2156-2166 S 4th St to allow broader uses in a former industrial building; a rezoning from Single-Family Residential (RS2) to Multifamily Residential (RM3) at 11919 W Bradley Rd for a 100-unit senior housing development by Scott Crawford Inc. with Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church; and plans for Midtown Commons, a 200-unit affordable housing development by Gorman & Company on the former Walmart parking lot at 5825 W Hope Ave.
Key Decisions (4)
Minor Modification for St. Rita Square Signage at 728 E Pleasant St
Approved a minor modification to the detailed plan development for St. Rita Square to allow an additional non-illuminated projecting sign along the Van Buren St frontage for the senior living facility. The sign will project no more than 4 feet into the public right-of-way and be at least 10 feet above sidewalk grade. Capri Communities owns and operates the facility.
Rezoning from IH to IM at 2156-2166 S 4th St
Approved change in zoning from Industrial Heavy (IH) to Industrial Mixed (IM) for properties at 2156 S 4th St and 2166 S 4th St (city-owned Biggin lot). The rezoning allows broader uses in the existing multi-story building owned by Drummel Company/East Lincoln LLC, which currently houses Ebenezer daycare on approximately half the building. The site is within the Harbor District Riverwalk site plan review overlay zone.
Rezoning from RS2 to RM3 at 11919 W Bradley Rd
Approved change in zoning from Single-Family Residential (RS2) to Multifamily Residential (RM3) for approximately 15 acres at 11919 W Bradley Rd to allow multifamily residential development. Scott Crawford Inc. plans 100 units of senior housing in townhouse-style flat buildings (Phase 1), with future phases including a new school attached to Kingdom Faith Fellowship Church and a 60-80 unit memory care facility. Unit mix includes 25 one-bedrooms, 42 two-bedrooms, and 35 three-bedrooms per 100 units.
Midtown Commons Multifamily Development at 5825 W Hope Ave
Approved plans for a 200-unit affordable residential development by Gorman & Company on the former Walmart parking lot within the Midtown Center DIS overlay. Development includes two 100-unit four-story buildings (Phase 1 and Phase 2), each with 35 three-bedrooms, 42 two-bedrooms, and 25 one-bedrooms. Includes approximately 205 parking spaces, a fenced community play area, and 24/7 on-site management, maintenance, and security. Phase 1 construction targeted for Q3 2025.
Zoning Changes (2)
2156 S 4th St and 2166 S 4th St, Milwaukee
Drummel Company / East Lincoln LLC
11919 W Bradley Rd, Milwaukee
Scott Crawford Inc.
Development Activity (4)
St. Rita Square Signage Addition
Addition of one non-illuminated projecting sign on Van Buren St frontage of existing six-story senior living facility with independent living, assisted living, high acuity assisted living, and memory care units
2156 S 4th St Mixed-Use Conversion
Multi-story former industrial building being converted to mixed uses including daycare (Ebenezer currently occupies half the building), schools, studios, and offices. Third and fourth floors available for lease.
Kingdom Faith Fellowship Senior Housing
Phase 1: 100 units senior housing (55+) in townhouse-style flat buildings with private entries, mix of workforce and market rate. Phase 2-3: 60-80 unit memory care center and church expansion with vocational Bible school. Approximately 40 garages planned. Construction start targeted Q3 2025 for Phase 1, 2028 for Phases 2-3.
Midtown Commons
200 units affordable housing in two four-story buildings (100 units each). Unit mix per building: 35 three-bedrooms, 42 two-bedrooms, 25 one-bedrooms. 205 total parking spaces, fenced community play area, 91-foot setback from 60th St. Phase 1 closing targeted August 31, 2025. Lutheran Social Services will have offices in each building.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Strong demand for senior housing in Milwaukee, with St. Rita Square reporting full occupancy and healthy occupancy rates above national trends despite opening during COVID.
Housing Demand
Community preference expressed for townhouse-style apartments with private entries over large apartment buildings, influencing design of new senior housing developments.
Housing Demand
Milwaukee's 9th District already has 13 senior housing developments but lacks memory care facilities, indicating an underserved market segment.
Commercial Demand
Multi-story industrial buildings in Milwaukee's Harbor District no longer function well for industrial heavy uses, with owners seeking rezoning to accommodate schools, daycares, studios, and offices.
Sentiment
Alderman Chambers noted that Midtown Center corridor redevelopment is important to the entire city of Milwaukee, with the former Walmart site representing a turning point for the area.