SoNa Lofts Apartments

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A former industrial brownfield site turned luxury apartments.

That’s the history behind the SoNa Lofts in West Allis. The $17.8 million project was completed in March 2023 by Moore Construction Services and features 110 units along with commercial space.

With a nod to the historic industrial structures of West Allis, SoNa Lofts boasts a modern interpretation of the character that built the area. The apartments are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry and designer touches.

Features of the historic industrial past can further be seen through the choice of galvalume siding, steel cross bracing details, custom metal panel patinated hallway art and steampunk light fixtures.

One of the biggest challenges with the project was the environmental condition of the site.

“Environmental records were murky at best given the nearly 12-year time horizon of various DNR permit applications, some of which were never enacted,” said Bob Monnat, senior partner with Mandel Group, the project owner of SoNa Lofts.

“The environmental closure of the property eventually needed to conform to the newly delineated property lines as compared to the former parcels, which is no easy task considering the complexity of the DNR mapping system,” he added.

Since the apartments opened last year, other entertainment and food and beverage venues have invested in the area, creating a high-density, walkable neighborhood.

“The resident population at SoNa Lofts … is predominantly young professionals who value the proximity to employment, the fullness of the neighborhood in terms of destinations and the cost effectiveness of their lifestyle in West Allis,” Monnat said.