Direct Supply continues corporate campus project

Milwaukee-based Direct Supply Inc.’s redevelopment of its northwest side campus is proceeding with the possible conversion of a bus terminal into an employee fitness center.

Direct Supply, which helps build, equip and operate long-term care and senior living communities, has completed its acquisition of the neighboring building used by Lakeside Buses of Wisconsin Inc., said Paul Selin, Direct Supply senior legal counsel.

Direct Supply has conceptual plans to convert the 12,000-square-foot building, 7300 W. Green Tree Road, into a fitness facility, Selin said at this week’s Plan Commission meeting.

That’s a change from the original plan to demolish the building for parking after Lakeside Buses moves to a new facility by January.

Also, the portion of West Green Tree Road between the bus terminal and Direct Supply’s buildings would be vacated, under a resolution unanimously recommended for approval Wednesday by the Common Council’s Public Works Committee.

The council has vacated other parts of West Green Tree Road and North Industrial Road.

That portion of the blended road has Direct Supply’s main employee parking lot on the north side and company buildings on the south side. The company wants to close it to create a pedestrian-friendly area for its employees.

Gov. Scott Walker announced in August 2016 that Direct Supply’s longterm expansion would earn the company up to $22.5 million in state tax credits — depending on the number of jobs it keeps and creates.

Direct Supply in March 2016 disclosed plans for a five-story, 280,000square-foot office building in the center of its corporate campus on North Industrial Road. Those plans haven’t yet proceeded.