City endorses historic Schlitz tavern conversion
$1.2M development to include condo on 3 floors
A plan to convert a historic Schlitz tavern in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood into condos is getting an initial city approval — something the prospective developer says will help save the building.
Developers Todd Hutchison and Kyle Mack want to build one residential condominium on each floor of the three-story building, at 2249 N. Humboldt Ave.
The $1.2 million development would be known as The Kirchhoff — a reference to the building’s architect, Charles Kirchhoff.
It was built in 1890 as a Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. saloon, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
The building, which was acquired by the city through property tax foreclosure, has been vacant for several years. It once housed Zak’s Tavern.
Hutchison and Mack’s investment group, 2249 LLC, want to buy the building from the city and spend
$150,000 on a new roof, as well as tuck pointing and gutting the interior.
That work is needed as soon as possible, Hutchison told members of the Historic Preservation Commission on Monday.
The project’s exterior changes will need commission approval once Hutchison and Mack have detailed plans.
Meanwhile, the developers wanted conceptual approval before spending money on the first phase of repairs.
A one-story portion of the building that attaches to the main structure is already set for demolition after part of its facade fell over the winter, damaging a neighboring building. It would be replaced by a private patio for the firstfloor condo.
Also, water is “pouring” into the building through a hole in its parapet, Hutchison said.
That led to a 1-inch layer of ice on its interior stairwell this winter, said Tim Askin, a city historic preservation planner.
The commission unanimously granted conceptual approval for the proposed exterior changes, which include adding new windows and balconies on the building’s south side.
Also, Hutchison and Mack also want to build a six-car garage west of the building for the condo residents, and add an exterior elevator shaft.
“Conceptually, I think it’s a fabulous plan,” said Patricia Keating Kahn, a commission member.
Hutchison, who’s done other historic renovations, is a former Riverwest resident who lived within a few blocks of the tavern.
“I’m very fond of this building,” he said.