Residential Units Proposed For 2nd Floor Of Waukesha Bar Building

WAUKESHA, WI—The Waukesha Plan Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday evening to discuss a proposal for adding residential units above a business.

The proposal is for the addition of seven residential units for the second floor of 351 W. Main St. The Craft Lounge, a bar and restaurant, is currently on the first floor. The first floor formerly was used for Bernie's Tap Room.

The proposal, according to city documents, includes six one-bedroom units and one efficiency apartment. One-bedroom units average about 500 square foot in size while the efficiency unit is 350 sq. ft.

There is existing access to the second level from Main Street and a new exterior access to the second floor will be provided.

The developer will need to provide parking for the units in the downtown area and is exploring options with the municipal lots and parking structures to secure the required spaces, the documents said.

Also on the agenda

A public hearing is also scheduled for 414 Wisconsin Ave. The request is for a conditional use permit – to allow a residential unit in the building.

The property is zoned B-3 as a general business district. The site was previously used as a single-family home, however, it has sat vacant for several years so the legal use no longer applies.

The applicant is hoping to find a commercial tenant for the first floor of the building. No specific tenant has been identified for the site, however, the owner has mentioned that a hair salon could be an option. The owner plans to renovate the second story into a 715 square foot, one-bedroom apartment. The apartment will be accessible from the existing exterior staircase, according to city documents.

The Plan Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Agendas are located on the city's website.