A 203-unit live-work development could be coming to Brookfield as part of efforts to diversify housing

A new proposal could mean Brookfield will be getting apartments with monthly rents hundreds of dollars less than typically found in the upscale community.

The city Plan Commission on Aug. 8 reviewed the 203-unit live-work project, at Bishop Way and Bishop Lane in the Bishops Woods office park.

The developer, California-based Lincoln Avenue Capital, is known for creating affordable housing spaces similar to the one proposed in Bishop Woods. Other Wisconsin developments from the company can be found in Madison.

The Bishop Woods office campus could be the site of a new live-work space after a 203-apartment complex was proposed at the Aug. 8 Brookfield Plan Commission meeting.
The Bishop Woods office campus could be the site of a new live-work space after a 203-apartment complex was proposed at the Aug. 8 Brookfield Plan Commission meeting.

In line with recent pushes to implement a diverse set of housing options in Brookfield, the Plan Commission responded positively to the proposal.

The development would offer housing options that are about $400 less than the city of Brookfield’s average — something that Ald. Mike Hallquist emphasized as a priority in the meeting.

“I think this is really desperately needed in our community. We have heard this from our business community who are having troubles finding a workforce … I think we have to be a community that offers different housing options for essentially all stages of life.”

Hallquist also supported the live-work concept, even asking for more hybrid live-work spaces on the first floor of the development.

Beyond some questions about height, funding and pedestrian walkways, the board seemed to be in support of the proposal. The developers indicated that desires from the board members concerning those issues could likely be accommodated.

What would the development look like?

The development would be funded without assistance from the city of Brookfield and would, in part, be funded by an energy grant from the state.

The development would be built within a 3.707-acre lot in the Bishop Woods office park. The proposal calls for four stories with 203 mixed-use dwelling spaces; it would also include 312 parking spaces.

Proposed to serve the local workforce and seniors, the complex would offer outdoor gathering spaces, community rooms and a fitness center.

A representative from Knothe & Bruce Architects explained that the firm is working to create a development that will make the most use out of the existing space while still staying in line with the current architecture and aesthetics of the area.

There are still questions about whether the project fits with the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan; however, the developer agreed to come back to the next meeting with desired changes.

The developer hopes to start construction in early 2023.

Beck Andrew Salgado can be reached at 512-568-4070 or Bsalgado@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Beck_Salgado.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A 203-unit live-work development could be coming to Brookfield soon