MEDC loan for Legends tavern renovation OK’d

Public financing has been approved toward the redevelopment of tavern and restaurant across the street from the Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. approved the financing, a $100,000 loan, for CHIP Investments, which has operated the Legends Sports Bar and Grill at 1118 N. 4th St.
M&I Bank is also helping financing the $425,000 project.
CHIP Investments is renovating the tavern to offer a new image based more on dining than on the bar, although its sports orientation will be maintained. While square footage will remain the same at 8,740, more seating will be added to accommodate the dining.
The project will give the spot a relocated bar, new restrooms, improved exits, a new façade, and new flooring and furniture, according to information from MEDC.
CHIP Investments anticipates that employment will increase from 12 full-time and 40 part-time at Legends to 15 full-time and 60 part-time under the new focus.
Work is currently under way on the project.
The MEDC also has approved a $755,000 loan, via the Small Business Administration’s 504 program, for Kujawa Enterprises of 3630 E. Munkwitz Ave. in Cudahy. The firm intends to build a 32,000-square-foot building with a 10,800-square-foot mezzanine on 6.67 acres of land at 802 E. Rawson Ave. in Oak Creek.
The company is a four-season landscape management firm founded in 1968 by Ron and Sally Kujawa. They currently employ 119 people full-time and 10 part-time, and expect to add 15 full-timers and five part-timers under the project.
Lincoln State Bank is also helping finance the $2,238,777 project.
A $76,000 loan was approved for D&F Investments, LLC, a holding company, and AJA Enterprise, LLC.
Bevelyn Johnson, who owns both firms and who operates AJA Enterprise, intends to purchase a former 39-bed nursing home at 8726 W. Mill Rd. in Milwaukee. Based on the amount of space, AJA Enterprise would be able to have two licensed facilities under one roof. Those would include a group home and a community based residential facility.
Johnson currently operates three group homes. She anticipates employment would increase from the current 22 to 37 on a full-time basis and from 10 to 20 on a part-time basis.
North Milwaukee State Bank is participating in financing the $190,000 project.
A 45,000 loan was approved for Malcolm McCrae, doing business as Sho’Time/Wild Images, at 3817 W. North Ave. in Milwaukee.
The company, which handles screen-printing, airbrushing and graphic design, was established in 1999 in its present location. The building is tax-delinquent and has been poorly maintained, according to the MEDC. McCrae would like to buy the building and renovate it for continued business operations there. The renovations would include an addition on the first floor for work space.
The business now employs one person full-time and one part-time. McCrae anticipates the project would help boost employment to six full-time and three part-time.
Legacy Bank is participating in financing the $185,000 project.
Aug. 30, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee