Hotly contested retail, apartments proposal in Brookfield to go before council

Developers want to build a five-story mixed-use development over a gas station in Brookfield. The city will meet Tuesday to discuss an amendment to zoning for the plans. (Photo courtesy of city of Brookfield.)

Brookfield city council members will meet Tuesday to discuss rezoning plans for a proposed mixed-use building for retail and apartments. In a previous informational meeting, the city collected over 90 signatures for comments from residents and city officials in support of or opposition to the development. 

Kegel Real Estate LLC wants the city to amend the zoning at 13925 W. Capitol Drive to build a 111,743-square-foot development with a five-story building, including retail space and apartments and two townhome buildings. The development would replace an existing AAMCO Transmission station and includes plans for a Wheel & Sprocket commercial space. 

In the developer plans, the Heimat Group is the head developer, and The Kubala Washako Architects is the main architect. VJS Construction Services would be the lead contractor and Pierce Engineers is the structural engineering firm tasked with the project. 

Residents against the project plans said traffic would be a major problem after completion and said the building’s planned height was too tall, comments from a meeting on Wednesday showed. Other residents said the business would move to other communities if plans aren’t approved and they wanted to see improvement in the area. 

“Brookfield’s value comes from a suburban feel,” one resident said in an email. “You are devaluing the appeal of the community with your push towards urbanization, and tampering with the core of the community that was built here after World War II.” 

“The apartments will be great for couples as well as seniors that are looking to downsize,” another resident commented. “There are enough gas stations so that won’t be missed. I say, go for it!”