Three Leaf Partners, a Milwaukee-based development group, has announced that construction is slated to begin later this year on a $45 million apartment complex at the former St. Bernard Congregation site in Wauwatosa. This project, which will bring 153 new apartment units to the area, marks a significant step forward in the ongoing development of Wauwatosa Village.
Key Approvals Secured for Three Leaf Partners Apartment Design in Wauwatosa Village
After receiving key approvals from the Wauwatosa Design Review Board, Three Leaf Partners is moving forward with its plans to transform the 7474 Harwood Ave. location. The development group, currently under contract to purchase the former church property, initially presented its proposal to the city in April. This occurred shortly after St. Bernard parishioners were informed of the parish’s closure and planned merger with Christ King parish.
The initial design submitted by Three Leaf Partners faced challenges at the Design Review Board meeting in April. Following community feedback and board concerns, Three Leaf Partners revised their plans. The updated design, submitted in May, addressed previous criticisms by reducing the number of apartment units from 163 to 153. Crucially, the revised plan incorporated more community space, creating a better connection with the adjacent city-owned pocket park. This revised design received approval from the Design Review Board at their meeting in mid-July, paving the way for the project to proceed.
With design approvals secured, the Three Leaf Partners project now requires a building permit and site approval. These remaining steps are administrative and do not necessitate further public meetings, according to Wauwatosa communications manager Eva Ennamorato.
Design Details of the Three Leaf Partners Apartment Building on Harwood Avenue
The 153 apartments planned by Three Leaf Partners will primarily feature one-bedroom units in a variety of layouts. The unit breakdown includes:
- Two studio apartments at 550 square feet each.
- 36 one-bedroom apartments at 650 square feet each.
- 62 one-bedroom apartments ranging from 750 to 850 square feet.
- 14 one-bedroom apartments with a den, ranging from 850 to 950 square feet.
- 37 two-bedroom apartments ranging from 1150 to 1250 square feet.
- Two three-bedroom apartments exceeding 1400 square feet.
To accommodate residents and visitors, the development will include 193 parking spaces in an underground parking garage and an additional 23 visitor parking spaces in a surface lot located to the north of the building.
Anticipated Completion and Developer Statement on Three Leaf Partners Project
John Ford, chief development officer for Three Leaf Partners, indicated that demolition of the existing St. Bernard Congregation building and commencement of construction are scheduled for late 2024. He estimates that the entire apartment project will reach completion in the spring or summer of 2026, bringing new housing options to Wauwatosa Village.
“We appreciate the collaboration and feedback throughout the approval process from the community, Wauwatosa Mayor McBride and staff, and St. Bernard’s parish,” stated Ford, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the project’s development.
Context of Development: Three Leaf Partners and Broader Wauwatosa Village Growth
Three Leaf Partners views the former church site as an “ideal location” for this multi-family housing development, as noted by Ford. The project also benefits from the support of the Village of Wauwatosa Business Improvement District (BID). BID President Chris Leffler expressed the organization’s endorsement of the development in a letter to the Design Review Board.
Interestingly, the Three Leaf Partners project is not the only multi-family development planned for the immediate vicinity. Another developer, the Mandel Group, is also pursuing a separate apartment project, known as Harlow & Hem, a block south of the Three Leaf Partners site. The Harlow & Hem proposal aims to construct 157 apartments at the Blanchard Street Parking lot in the Village.
The simultaneous progress of these two large apartment projects has generated some discussion among residents and business owners in Wauwatosa Village. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of multiple large-scale housing developments proceeding concurrently.
The Mandel Group’s Harlow & Hem project has undergone numerous public hearings and meetings as part of its approval process. In a July 16 meeting, the Common Council approved key requests from the Mandel Group, including land combination, rezoning, and preliminary planned unit development. Mandel Group is seeking over $9 million in tax incremental financing (TIF) from the city to help fund their project, a request that is currently under negotiation with the city. The Financial Affairs Committee and Common Council will need to review and potentially approve this TIF request at future meetings.
The Three Leaf Partners apartment project represents a significant addition to Wauwatosa Village, promising to bring new residents and vitality to the area. As construction approaches, further updates are expected on this and other developments shaping the future of Wauwatosa.
