Ajit “Jay” Walia, one of the owners of the Comfort Inn and Suites in downtown Milwaukee, is working on plans to build an extended stay hotel near the Brady Street business district.
Ajit "Jay" Walia, one of the owners of the Comfort Inn and Suites Downtown Lakeshore hotel at 916 E. State St. in downtown Milwaukee, is working on plans to build an extended stay hotel near the Brady Street business district on Milwaukee’s east side.
The hotel would be a Candlewood Suites, according to a source. Walia has not formally submitted any plans about the project yet to the city, but he has met with city officials and neighborhood groups about the project.
Walia could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
He plans to purchase the Jesus’ Soul Saving Traveling Mission of the Apostolic Faith building at 1640 N. Franklin Place, immediately south of the Arlington Court high-rise elderly housing complex. Walter Curtain, a real estate broker representing the church, confirmed that Walia has made an offer to purchase the property. Curtain declined to disclose information about the offer, but he said the list price for the property, which is for sale, is $1.5 million. The building is also used for the Jesus Academy of Learning school and by Heavenly Care East Side Day Care.
The church plans to move to a new building that it plans to build on 95th Street, Curtain said.
Walia indicated that he is meeting with city officials about the property and has two development options, the hotel and an apartment building, Curtain said.
If the deal with Walia falls through, other potential buyers have expressed interest in the property, Curtain said.
