Plans to convert the former Waukesha County courthouse, jail and connector building into high-end apartments continue to progress as the city’s Plan Commission had its first look at the proposal this week.
Historic Prairieville Limited Partners, led by Alan Huelsman, who owns Berg Management Co., has agreed to buy the three buildings, all at 101 W. Main St., which includes the struggling Waukesha County Museum.
The museum operates at the former Waukesha County Courthouse, former jail and a connector building.
Huelsman wants to raze the 1938 connector building and restore the 1885 jail to incorporate it into the residential space. Preliminary plans show 42 apartment units on four floors ranging from 665-square-feet to 1,175-square-feet.
Huelsman would not disclose costs.
The 1893 courthouse would also be restored. The three-story building would be used as a museum and banquet hall.
“High end apartments are in demand in this city,” Huelsman said. “We would like to take advantage of that and get people with spending money into our downtown.”
Berg Management constructed the 22-unit Prairieville Apartments at 260 South St. in downtown Waukesha earlier this year. Huelsman said two-thirds of the rentals were full the first month.
The museum apartment plans will go before the city’s Landmarks Commission Oct. 7 for approval before heading back to the Plan Commission for the final go ahead this fall.
“This is a very significant project for the city,” said Maria Pandazi, Waukesha city planner. “The historic courthouse and jail are arguably the most significant historic buildings in the city. We want to make sure all of the details are covered.”
