Historic school on Milwaukee's near west side restored into 39 affordable apartment units

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- What was once a Milwaukee public school building on the city's near west side is now home to 39 apartment units.

The old William McKinley Elementary School was built in 1885 on 21st and Vliet.

Now, 138 years later, it's called the McKinley School Lofts, providing affordable housing to veterans and families.

"The demand for affordable housing in the city of Milwaukee is so high, that we leased this up in three months," said Ted Matkom, Wisconsin market president of Gorman & Co.

The redevelopment project wasn't simple.

After being damaged in a fire in 2013, the building was foreclosed in 2016, attracting break-ins and crime.

"Historic building, great neighborhood, yet it was a huge blighting influence," said Alderman Robert Bauman.

The city began working with Gorman & Co. in 2018 to try to save it and grow the neighborhood with affordable apartments.

The project was funded with help from tax incremental district funds, an EPA grant, and historic tax credits.

"Everything can be repaired if there's the commitment, if there's the expertise, and if there's the resources to do it," Bauman said.

Because the site is registered as a historic place, its character must be maintained.

"You can maybe put a wall up, but it has to be able to be removed so you can use that space again as it was originally intended," Matkom explained.

With the restoration now complete, it still has a distinct schoolhouse feel, with wide hallways and high ceilings.

"They've been able to preserve the feel of the school, the locker rooms, the original doors, yet provide very nice units," Bauman said.

Next-door, the company will also build four single-family homes, to be priced at market value.

"It's a great integration of different economic strata and economic groups," Bauman said.

The construction of the first house is expected to begin this fall.