In the heart of the historic Brewers Hill district, just one mile north of downtown Milwaukee, a new urban community is rising to meet market demand for homes of all shapes and sizes conveniently located in a friendly neighborhood of the city.

Brewers Hill Commons, a Tandem Developers project of 300 units including lofts, townhomes and single-family homes, is designed to appeal to Milwaukee’s young professionals and empty nesters alike, as well as young families who want to live and play in the area.

"Brewers Hill Commons has developed a vibrant community catering to the sophisticated needs of the new urban market," said Brian Columbus, project development manager. That market is calling for a mixed-style of dwellings in up-and-coming neighborhoods adjacent to city amenities, he said.

Brewers Hill Commons will hold a pre-grand opening event to give potential buyers a sneak preview at the new community. "It’s also an opportunity for buyers to jump on our pre-construction pricing," Columbus said.

With the downtown condo craze expected to continue to swell this spring, Columbus recommends making a reservation for the pre-grand opening event, which will be held March 23 at 12 p.m. in the sales office at Hubbard and Brown Streets. The number to call is 414-265-2000.

When all six phases of the development are completed, Brewers Hill Commons will grace a 7.5-acre property set on a bluff, providing unique lake, river and city views of downtown.

"We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind community development just minutes away from downtown," said Paul Dincin, a co-principal of Tandem Developers, LLC.

Lofty Neighbors
Dincin and partner Paul Marks are no strangers to the neighborhood. The team completed Cobblers Lofts, Phase I of the Brewers Hill Commons project last August. "It was an extraordinary success," Dincin said, "with total sellout of the 56-unit building exceeding $10 million."

The developers converted the old Weyenberger shoe factory into a distinctive urban community with spectacular views. The six-story stone, brick and timber beam building features the popular loft-style look with hardwood floors, large windows and track lighting.

Concurrent with Cobblers Lofts, Tandem started construction last May on the Cobblers Townhomes. These eight, high-end townhomes are being completed now. "The townhomes sold very quickly," Dincin said. "We have already sold seventy-five percent of them, but there is still time to customize your home."

Starting at $279,000 the two and three-bedroom homes are three stories tall, encompassing about 2,200 square feet, with balconies, private rooftop decks, enclosed patios and an attached two-car garage.

Shoe Factory Retread
Columbus said they will introduce the second loft building, Shoe Works Lofts, at the pre-grand opening. "It will be another adaptive re-use of the former Weyenberger shoe factory and warehouse on the northeast corner of Hubbard and Reservoir Streets, located directly across the street from Cobblers Lofts."

"By adding height to the building, we will create some dramatic city views overlooking the river and the Beer Line B," said Marks, co-principal with Tandem.

The lofts will stand out as a good value, with one-bedroom homes starting in the low $100,000 range. "It will be a great opportunity for young professionals to own a great unit with a contemporary flair," Marks said.

Balconies and terraces will be offered in select units, as well as a collection of unique homes on the first floor with direct access from the street. Third-floor units will feature private rooftop decks.

Stylish Homes
Rounding out the current phase development are 17 single-fam- homes modeled in the Colonial Revival, Craftsman and Queen Anne styles to be completed in the next year.

Originally an area with a wide range of income levels and social classes, Brewers Hill contains a rich architectural mix of homes and buildings dating from the 1850s to the 1920s.

Tandem Developers recognizes value of retaining the charming characteristics of Brewers Hill that have fueled its recent popularity. The combination of moderate and magnificent homes in a residential urban environment is in keeping with the area’s beginnings.

Early on, it was not uncommon business owner and employee live in the same block or even next door to each other, according the Historical Brewers Hill Neighborhood Association. The area has been said to best represent Milwaukee’s transition from a pioneer settlement to growing city with distinct neighborhoods.

" Single-family homes create a strong sense of community within any master plan," Columbus said.

" These unique, new construction homes will incorporate the historic charm of the Brewers Hill neighborhood, while offering a rare opportunity to own a new single-family home with a big yard and modern floor plans within walking distance of downtown Milwaukee."
The homes feature three bedrooms, two full baths and a first-floor powder room. "It is a wonderful opportunity to get a brand-new completely finished city home in a vintage neighborhood," Dincin said.
The exteriors will be classic in design, while the interior floor plans create large open spaces and are more efficient than a traditional layout, the developers said.

The homes have what Tandem calls "a high level of finish" including ceramic foyer entries, laminate wood floors, Kohler plumbing fixtures, fireplaces, basements and big yard space in front and back.

" They are perfect for a family, gardeners or pet lovers," Marks said. "This type of home is very hard, if not impossible, to find."

Developers like Tandem are hearing from more buyers who want to raise a family in an urban environment. With the lakefront and museums nearby, interesting ethnic restaurants to try, great pizza places and a ton of fun shops to explore on a Saturday afternoon, living in the city is appealing to more young families.

" Brewers Hill Commons is one of the most unique and innovative city developments in the country since it combines so many different housing types," Marks said. The Brewers Hill Commons sales office is located at 1985 N. Hubbard St. For more information call 414-265-2000 or visit www.brewershillcommons.com.