BUILDING BLOCKS: Legacy Lofts

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ADDRESS: 1500 W. North Ave., Milwaukee

COST: $13.9 million

SIZE: 72,800 square feet

START DATE: March 2015

COMPLETION DATE: May 2019

CONTRACTOR: Greenfire Management Services

ARCHITECT: Continuum Architects + Planners

OWNER: Evergreen Real Estate Group and Legacy Midwest Renewal Corp.

OTHER PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS: MacRostie Historic Advisors, HN Development, Walnut Way Development Corp., Haywood Group, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper II, the city of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Historical Society. U.S. Bank, Associated Bank, the city of Milwaukee, WHEDA and IFF provided additional financial support.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PROJECT: The 64-unit, mixed-income rental community in Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood included the redevelopment of the former Blommer Ice Cream Factory, as well as the construction of a three-story addition. The restored historic factory building includes high ceilings — more than 17 feet in some first-floor units — polished cement floors and a former loading dock that has been converted into an outdoor patio. All units feature Energy Star appliances and a contemporary design that includes exposed ductwork for HVAC systems.