A 252-unit project proposed in Franklin
Apartment building plan includes dog park, pool
A 252-unit multifamily project with a dog park has been proposed in Franklin.
The Seasons at Franklin development could be built on property at 9801 S. 27th St. and 9605 S. 29th St which was formerly the home of Nature’s Nook Garden and Floral.
Tony DeRosa of Milwaukee-based Fiduciary Real Estate Development said the property has “become somewhat of a blighted site and common dumping ground.” He said pent-up demand for market-rate rental housing, good proximity to jobs, nearby health care and access to the interstate make this an ideal location for the project.
“Multifamily, we believe, is the highest and best use here,” DeRosa said.
The proposal, which the plan commission reviewed March 3, is on about 24 acres and includes up to 252 apartments divided among 12 two-story buildings, of 20 and 24 units each, with private entries. The apartments are a mix of 30 studio, 96 one-bedroom, 103 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom units, per submitted plans.
Rents are anticipated to be between $1,200 and $2,500 per month.
The project, which DeRosa estimated as an upward of $50 million investment, would be constructed in a single phase; Fiduciary hopes to break ground by the end of summer. The property would be accessed off South 27th Street with an emergency secondary access on the north side.
A presentation indicated an estimated $600,000 increment in annual property taxes on the project. (The current tax bill was listed at $32,000.)
Targeted demographics were across the board from baby boomers and empty nesters to millennials and young professionals.
“We’ll take anybody as long as they have good credit,” DeRosa said.
The development will cater to anyone not looking for three- or four-story apartments with common corridors. DeRosa said the apartments “feel more like a condo or townhome.”
Amenities include both attached and detached garages, private balconies/ patios, in-unit washer/dryer, stainless appliances, a fitness center, pool, clubhouse, a resident-only dog park and onsite management.
Plans show most of the tree line along the south and west of the site has been preserved. DeRosa said the site has challenges due to significant wetlands, but Fiduciary has been working with the state Department of Natural Resources to minimize the impact on them. The DNR issued Fiduciary a permit last year to fill just under 700 square feet of wetlands to allow for better access on the property.
There is some environmental contamination on the property from Nature’s Nook.
Fiduciary is planning to perform testing on the site, DeRosa said.
“It’s a great addition to an area that’s been underutilized for a long time and should be a nice benefit to Franklin,” Commissioner Kevin Haley said.
He also commended the developer’s proactive work on the wetlands with the state.
The commission unanimously recommended the Common Council approve a resolution for a special use permit and approve the site plan.