Construction will soon begin on the long-planned second phase of the The Innovations and Wellness Commons project in Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood, its nonprofit developer Walnut Way Conservation Corp. announced this week.
Walnut Way said it is ready to break ground this year on the $3.3 million commercial development that will house a variety of wellness, counseling and nutrition-focused tenants. It expects to complete the project in July 2020.
The project involves constructing a new 5,470-square-foot building built on the parking lot adjacent to the project’s first phase at 1615-1617 W. North Ave. It will include a 2,000-square-foot rooftop terrace and convening space that can accommodate 130 people and will overlook West North Avenue.
Phase two will focus on “health, wellness, and employment pipeline support for wellness professionals to improve individual health and strengthen a culture of wellness in Lindsay Heights,” Walnut Way said.
Confirmed tenants include Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers, Living Well by Marrika, Perseverance Health and Wellness, Universal Minds and Perspectives, and Saving Ourselves.
“The Commons is a direct response to a demand for wellness services and desire for local business owners to grow and scale their services. We know that over 56% of commercial properties in the Lindsay Heights are blighted, making it difficult for small business owners to renovate and move into businesses in the area to serve their clientele without significant financial backing,” said Antonio Butts, executive director of Walnut Way. “Phase II is two-fold. We can support local business owners by offering affordable, ready to use spaces and create a hub for residents to receive services that focus on their well-being.”
Phase one of the Innovations and Wellness Commons included the $2.9 million renovation of a historic building that was completed in 2015. Its tenants include Milwaukee Center for Independence’s commercial kitchen, Fondy Food Center offices and Basia Rose Designs.
JCP Construction is the general contractor on phase two and Emem Group is the real estate owner representative. The architect is Mayer-Helminiak, LLC, who also designed The Wellness Commons Phase I.
“We have established an amazing team of local development professionals whose values and mission align with our mission at Walnut Way,” Butts said.
