Kahler Slater Architects of Milwaukee has been hired to examine two adjacent office buildings in the heart of downtown Milwaukee to come up with renovation recommendations.
The buildings, at 731 and 735 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee, are owned by Compass Properties, LLC, a Madison-based real estate investment firm that hired Kahler Slater.
Kahler Slater is currently focusing on revitalizing the vacant 731 North Water property, analyzing the existing infrastructure and developing recommendations to the new building owners for façade improvements and a complete interior renovation.
The six-story 731 building, built in 1952, has 81,039 square feet of space, according to city records. Its assessment rose from $1,020,675 in 2001 to $3,290,000 this year, with the increase applied entirely to the building, and not to the land.
Kahler Slater also is exploring potential enhancements to the 735 North Water Street building, including a reorganization of the interior public spaces, the elevator and main level lobby areas. Attention will also be given to outstanding building infrastructure issues.
The 16-story 735 building, built in 1912, has 300,871 square feet of space. Its assessment rose from $8,056,000 in 2001 to $12,793,000 this year, with the increase applied entirely to the building.
Both buildings have Riverwalk frontage.
"We believe our recommendations for the enhancement of the 731 building will give the owners solid options on how they can revitalize the vacant structure," said Barbara Armstrong of Kahler Slater Architects. "The goals for the 735 building are to maintain it as a landmark building while making it more functional for its current and future tenants. The overall project is complex, but once complete, it will add new life to a vital area of downtown."
Nov. 8, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
