The grand opening of a professionally designed model condo at Shoeworks Lofts, 1985 N. Hubbard St., will be open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12 to 5 p.m. The party, themed "A Date with a Model," will feature food, refreshments, decorations, music, and an opportunity to tour the model and meet with the sales staff.

"Special price discounts will be available for buyers who purchase a condo on that weekend," said Brian Columbus, project manager for Brewers Hill Commons.

The designer model is an 814-square-foot, one-bedroom and one-bath floor plan with access from the street level and an indoor parking garage. The decor combines earth tones and cool creams with industrial chic furniture and accessories. The open floor plan features living, dining and kitchen areas that flow together with the privacy of an enclosed bedroom and bath.

With exposed Cream City brick exterior walls, 12-foot ceilings, industrial-style ductwork and huge windows for natural light, "the Shoeworks model offers the best of loft living," Columbus says. Maple flooring is featured in a natural finish throughout, except for the bedroom and bath.

Shoeworks Lofts is part of a new urban community, in the heart of the historic Brewers Hill district, just one mile north of downtown Milwaukee, developed to meet a growing demand for city living. The adaptive-reuse project was formerly the Weyco shoe factory, which will be completely renovated for residential use. Tandem Developers, LLC, is adding three floors to the existing two-story structure, which will provide excellent views of Milwaukee’s skyline.

"The beauty of buying a loft at Shoeworks is the opportunity to customize the finishes to one’s own personal taste. Our model features a blend of standard and upgraded finishes. The upgraded kitchen features maple cabinets with a cherry stain, kitchen island, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops," says Columbus.Kitchens come standard with a GE luxury appliance package including a free-standing range, energy saver dishwasher, garbage disposal and frost-free refrigerator with top loading freezer and ice maker, Kohler faucets, Eurostyle cabinetry, track lighting and laminate countertops.

Other standard features include hardwood flooring in the living area and kitchen, wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms and den, as well as, thermal pane windows, washer/dryer hook ups and closets with vinyl coated wire shelving.

Price Range
Price ranges for available Shoeworks Lofts units are:

• $129,900 — $179,900 for one bedroom, one-bath units with 814 to 1,003 square feet of space
• $164,900 — $174,900 for one bedroom, one bath plus a den, 976 to 1,176 square feet
• $189,900 for one bedroom, two baths plus a den at 1,109 square fee
• $204,900 — $284,900 for two bedrooms, two baths, 1,239 to 1,436 square feet
• $259,900 — $309,900 for two bedrooms, two baths plus a den, 1,545 to 1,908 square feet

"Buying a Shoeworks Loft condo is also a great investment opportunity in today’s uncertain economic climate," says Columbus, "Buying a loft is better than renting an apartment, especially since you can own a home for the same price and get tax benefits, appreciation and the pride of ownership."

The Brewers Hill Commons development opened with Cobblers Lofts as Phase I. That sold-out project included 56 units in an adaptive re-use six-story building. "Cobbler’s Lofts was a huge success in offering affordable loft home ownership and was instrumental in establishing Brewers Hill Commons as an urban community," says Columbus.

In May, Cobblers Lofts was followed by Phase II, Cobblers Townhomes. These residences feature two bedrooms and two and one-half baths in a three-story layout; with a rooftop deck, second floor balcony, gated patio and a two-car attached garage.

"The townhomes are a prime example of city living that is sophisticated and comfortable. The homes average around 2,319 square feet and sell for about $280,000," Columbus says. "We’ve sold over seventy-five percent of our inventory and have only two homes remaining," Columbus adds.

To date, Tandem has sold more than 64 units in the multiphase Brewers Hills Commons, which consists of approximately 300 units of lofts, townhomes and single-family homes. The development is designed to appeal to young professionals and empty nesters, as well as young families who want to live steps from downtown.

Brewers Hill Commons is expected to be completed via six phases of construction. Upon completion, the urban master-planned community will grace a 7.4-acre property set on a bluff, providing unique lake, river and city views of downtown.

"We’re so excited to unveil the model at Shoeworks Lofts. The grand opening celebration should be a terrific time and a great opportunity to purchase the unit of your choice, before they sellout," says Columbus.

Columbus recommends making a reservation for the grand opening event. The number to call is 414-265-2000. The Brewers Hill Commons sales office, located at 1985 N. Hubbard St., is open Saturdays through Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.