MEQUON — After a nine-month study, the City of Mequon is one step closer to enhancing the 5.2-mile Port Washington Road commercial corridor between County Line Road and Glen Oaks Lane.
The city’s Committee of the Whole met last month to develop Redevelopment Resources LLC’s real estate market analysis based on data collected and key Recommendations were considered. Recommendations include redevelopment, zoning, and architectural design opportunities.
“It is important to note that Northport Washington Road is a thriving commercial district, and most properties contribute positively to the local economic base,” the Madison-based consulting firm said. writes. “But there are always opportunities for improvement. There are a few underperforming properties, some blighted vacant lots/buildings, and an opportunity for higher density development.”
The analysis, approved in March and paid for with existing funds from Tax Increment Financing Districts 4 and 5 and consultant funding from the Department of Community Development’s annual budget, was conducted in two different parts.
The first part, consisting of Phases I and II, includes a complete market analysis focused on commercial uses with housing opportunities on the landfill based on complete demographic, market, and housing baseline data. The second part, Phases III and IV, will build on the results of the first phase and create a series of recommendations to maximize the use of city real estate to meet the goals set by the community. I will.
The following locations have been identified as redevelopment opportunities based on current property values, current uses, size, adjacency, and contribution to the short- and long-term tax base:
– 11249 N. Port Washington Road — Retail stores, restaurants, medical clinics (may include businesses such as Golf Galaxy, IHOP, Wahlburgers, Adidas, etc.)
– 10500-10520 N. Port Washington Road — incorporates a hotel and/or indoor entertainment facility, family attractions (business could include Dave & Buster’s Entertainment similar to Eau Claire’s Metropolis Resort )
– 10401 N. Port Washington Road — mixed-use with underground parking (currently used as a motel)
– Part of the Marcus North Shore Cinema parking lot at 11700 N. Port Washington Road — Outlot development, drive-thru restaurant, or small retail store (Cheba Hut, Portillo, Papa John’s, Pizza “Venues with hotels, large senior communities, and large multifamily developments will all have a significant impact on the economic dynamics of the corridor,” the study states. , points out that the market favors at least one new hotel. There are 60 to 100 rooms. “These economic developments should be the focus of attraction to the sites identified in the Redevelopment Sites section.”
The study also encourages clustering of businesses along North Port Washington Road, particularly medical offices, and installs directional signage in the northbound and southbound lanes of Port Washington Road at Mequon Road to increase It also promotes full aisle marketing to attract visitors.
Because the current zoning classifications are similar to each other, it is recommended that all property zoning on North Port Washington Road, currently in B2, B3, and B4, and associated B/PUD zoning classifications be combined into one new zone. will be done.
“Development/redevelopment is facilitated by consolidating zoning classifications into one and creating guidelines that promote development, density, and efficient land use,” said Redevelopment Resources, LLC. Added.
The recommendations include that the city consider a redevelopment authority to initiate, prepare and implement redevelopment plans.
“Using a redevelopment authority has not only political advantages, but also economic advantages,” said Kristen Fish Peterson, principal and CEO of Redevelopment Resources. spoke.
Action steps to achieve short-, medium-, and long-term goals include city staff and officials meeting with property owners to determine appetite, timelines, and obstacles for redevelopment and determining which properties may be considered for acquisition. This includes considering changes to the zoning area. To view the complete analysis, please visit https://shorturl.at/xXaap.
But this study is just one of several ongoing efforts aimed at preserving and supporting the long-term economic health of the city’s eastern commercial corridor.
In March 2023, city consultant Harwood Engineering completed TID 4 and 5 street construction, including new lighting, landscaping, signage, and other public amenities on Port Washington Road between the County Line and Mequon Road. The landscape concept plan was announced.
The plan lists a total cost of $1 million to complete all of these improvements, which officials said could be funded from the district’s cash reserves. The streetscape project is expected to go to bid this winter and be built in 2025.
