Redevelopment on tap for old brewery

Plan Commission advances proposal for Grafton Creative building that may include offices, art studios and apartments but with parking stipulation

A NEW SPACE dedicated to artists and their crafts is coming to the Village of Grafton. Grafton Creative, 1032-1038 12th Ave., will be home to numerous artists, makers and businesses, including BSL Studios, an architectural firm. The space is expected to be fully operational by January. Photo by Sam Arendt
By 
FINN ASKIN
Ozaukee Press staff

Grafton will soon be home to a new creator-driven space in the heart of the village.

Grafton Creative, after its planned unit development approval by the Plan Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 24, will be moving into the former brewery at 1032-1038 12th Ave.

A planned unit development is a type of flexible zoning device that redefines the land uses allowed in a stated land area.

The large, brick building, which was constructed in the 1800s, is comprised of two separate lots but is connected by a long hallway.

“I love the building. This would be the seventh building from the 1800’s that I have renovated for this type of use,” Dieter Wegner, the owner of the land, said. “I am very enthusiastic about the property and Grafton. Every time I step into the building, I like it a little more.”

The building will be divided into numerous tenant spaces as well as potential work-live spaces and apartments if a concept plan is approved in February.

  Community Development Director Jessica Wolff said the work-live units “may be challenging.”

“There is certain fire and building code requirements that may make this difficult. These spaces will be looked at further down the line,” she said.

Regardless of that approval, Wegner said, the rest of the business will be operational in January.

The space, according to village documents, could house office space, a physical activity studio, artist studios and maker spaces.

The building’s first proposed tenant will be BSL Studios, an architecture firm.

The approval of a conditional use permit will also allow for an art gallery and a coffee shop.

Wolff said the building will be similar to the Grafton Arts Mill, 1300 14th Ave., which currently houses more than a dozen artist studios, a boutique, a gallery and a coffee shop.

The approval of the planned unit development came with multiple stipulations, including the addition of a parking lot on the north side of the property.

The initial plan was to build the parking lot within 12 months of occupancy, however that was ultimately changed after discussion from the commission and comments from concerned citizens.

Shannon Frazier, who lives across the street from the development, said she doesn’t want to lose the green space where the parking lot would be built.

“There has been a ton of improvement on this building and I’m just concerned that putting a parking lot there might halt that improvement,” she said.

Karen Locher, who also lives adjacent to the property, agreed.

“We are very excited about what he (Wegner) is doing. We know what Dieter is doing for the neighborhood is good. A lighted parking lot would not be good for the neighborhood,” she said. “Please consider the years of experience Dieter has for transforming spaces that nobody wants.”

The green space, Wegner said, could be used for a community garden if it were not turned into a parking lot.

“Even though it used to be a parking lot, I don’t see any need for parking. I have other options available if required,” Wegner said.

Wegner also asserted that the building’s land can currently fit anywhere from 10 to 14 vehicles without a parking lot.

Wolff, however, disagreed.

“I get it, in a perfect world we wouldn’t pave anything. I think it is my job to protect street parking. You could easily have 20 to 30 people in the studio if all the uses are in use. I’m looking at this physical activity studio and the art gallery,” she said.

Commission member Jim Brunnquell said not having a plan for parking could be detrimental to the success of the development.

“Jessica is absolutely correct. We don’t want to create a scenario where people can’t park if the occupancy is full. I am 100% supportive and we want to make sure you (Wegner) are successful,” he said.

The commission eventually settled on setting a trigger at 50% occupancy where Wegner would come back to the Plan Commission to identify solutions for parking.

“I think we look at this like it’s going to be much like the Arts Mill and will be great for that side of town. We are really happy to have you here,” Village President Dan Delorit said. “But with the Arts Mill there are times where that lot is full and you have to end up parking elsewhere. I think having a plan (for parking) is a good idea. That doesn’t mean a parking lot. We just want to make sure we are fair.”

Category:

Feedback:

Click Here to Send a Letter to the Editor

Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

CONNECT


User login