MILL ROAD LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT

7717 North Good Hope Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223

The mixed-use building includes a new library with 65 units of housing. In June 2019, the residential component was completed and named the Fortitude Apartments.

Located on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, this mixed-use development features the new construction of a four-story building consisting of a pre-cast first level with wood framing above. Anchoring this development is a new 17,000 square foot Milwaukee Public Library that will replace the Mill Road Branch. The upper floors include a total of sixty-five mixed-income multi-family apartment homes catering to families. The redevelopment includes on-site parking for residents and library users, as well as an outdoor green space along a highly visible and accessible commercial corridor.

The redevelopment proposes to set aside 56 of the units for residents earning 30%, 50%, 60% or less of the Area Median Income. The remaining units will be rented at market rates. Unit sizes will range from 650 square feet for one-bedroom units, 850 square feet for two-bedroom units, and anywhere from 1,050 to 1,250 square feet for three-bedroom units.

This plan continues the successful replacement of several branch libraries with new mixed-use buildings. The Milwaukee Public Library’s Villard Square Branch opened in October 2011. The new East Branch opened on November 22, 2014, drawing more than 2,000 visitors on opening day. The new Forest Home Library, now named Mitchell Library, opened in October 2017.

Development partner: Royal Capital Group 

Mill Road Library Redevelopment utilized the following funding sources:

-$8,223,266 LIHTC Equity 

-$2,900,000 Permanent Financing

-$2,350,000 City of Milwaukee

-$750,000 FHLBC AHP 

-$809,507 Deferred Developer Fee