The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
The plan to renovate a vacant Milwaukee building for a new Alterra Coffee Roasters Inc. bakery took a step forward Thursday after gaining zoning approval from the city.
Phelan Acquisitions LLC, Milwaukee, plans to renovate a former bank building at 2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
The building will have second-floor office space and first floor retail, said Sean Phelan of Phelan Acquisitions. Alterra will be a tenant and operate a bakery and coffee shop. Phelan said he is still looking for office tenants.
The project required a zoning variance from the city for the baking operation, and gained it with a unanimous vote from the Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals. Although residents in April packed a public meeting to voice both concerns and support for the project, no residents showed up to speak about the zoning change at Thursday’s meeting.
“We had two community meetings that were well-attended,” Phelan said.
The city in April approved Alterra’s request to use a public, tax-free bonding program to borrow money for the estimated $4 million project at a low interest rate. Phelan said he must go back for final approval from the city’s Common Council and mayor for the bonds before renovation work can begin.
