Wangard earlier this month held an official ground-breaking ceremony at 1477 N. Jefferson St. for Avenir apartments, a 104-unit residential community that is the first development in Milwaukee’s Park East Corridor since Milwaukee County began selling the land six years ago.
Wangard chief executive officer Stewart Wangard, Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee County executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee alderman Nic Kovac spoke at the ceremony. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation account manager Kathryn Berger spoke on behalf of chief operating officer and deputy secretary Ryan Murray.
“As the rental market in downtown Milwaukee expands, residents are looking for environmentally sound facilities and more contemporary amenities,” said Wangard in a written statement. “We are excited to meet that demand by bringing Avenir to the Park East Corridor.”
Avenir, which is French for “future,” is specially designed with eco-friendly amenities that young professionals of the millennial generation demand such as a location in a walkable community, and close proximity to vibrant nightlife, mass transit and convenient shopping. The property will also include 7,000 square feet of retail space, a rooftop terrace for entertaining and gathering and underground parking.
Avenir apartments are expected to open in September of 2014.