Allis Yards project plans to add events venue
A $133 million mixed-use development under construction in West Allis plans to add a large events venue.
The Allis Yards development would create the venue within a historic building at 1139 S. 70th St., according to the new proposal filed with the city Plan Commission.
That two-story building is among three adjacent buildings sold by the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District to an affiliate of Cobalt Partners LLC, which is developing Allis Yards.
Cobalt renovated most of that space, totaling 155,600 square feet, to accommodate new office tenants. That includes businesses that moved there recently from a building on the other side of South 70th Street.
That building, part of the former Allis-Chalmers Corp. complex, is being demolished in part to make way for a 105-room Home2 Suites hotel.
Future phases of the project, previously known as West Quarter, envision office buildings, apartments and retail space.
The venue at Allis Yards would revitalize a building constructed in 1928 for the Allis-Chalmers tractor division’s offices, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
It would host weddings, corporate outings and other events, according to the proposal.
The space would seat approximately 300 people, and include a loft area and a new second-story balcony.
Interior renovations would “transform the building into a premier event space equipped with a banquet area, a caterer’s area, renovated restrooms, a bride’s room and a groom’s room, a grand staircase, and an open loft gathering space,” according to a Plan Commission report.
Also, city staff is working with Cobalt on a revised street improvements plans for the Allis Yards development, including the area outside the proposed venue.
Those improvements are to include lighting, decorative pavers, planters, benches, trash and recycling receptacles and bike racks on both sides of 70th Street.
The four parking lots that serve the office buildings and proposed events venue have a total of 393 parking stalls — below the city-mandated minimum of 489 spaces.
However, the proposed venue is “consistent with previously approved plans,” according to the city report.
It said the events venue and office space would have peak use periods at different times and days.
Also, Cobalt will seek loading zone permits to accommodate pickup and drop-off activities in front of the venue.
The project needs a special use permit. The Plan Commission is to review the proposal at its Wednesday meeting, with a Common Council review set for March 3.