June 19, 2024

Milwaukee County Pursuing Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Existing Coggs Building

Milwaukee County to partner with Gorman & Company to redevelop existing Coggs Building into 65 affordable housing units, commercial space and small café

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County has entered into an agreement with Gorman & Company for the sale of the existing Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Building, located at 1220 W. Vliet Street. Gorman & Company will pursue a mixed-use redevelopment of the property that will create an estimated 65 affordable housing units, as well as commercial space for Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services and a small cafe.

Milwaukee County issued a Request for Information (RFI) in February of 2023 to solicit options for adaptive reuse or redevelopment of the existing Coggs building, while also seeking solutions to meet County parking needs. Through this process, Gorman & Company was selected for their development experience, property management reputation, commitment to racial equity, and capacity to pursue this development that includes larger, family-serving affordable units. Gorman & Company will purchase the land from Milwaukee County for one million dollars.

Gorman & Company’s project will preserve the historic character of the building while providing quality, affordable housing for King Park neighborhood residents. Their proposal includes the adaptive reuse of the existing Coggs building into an estimated 65 affordable housing apartments for individuals and families. The first floor will be anchored by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, as well as a small café. Gorman & Company also intends to place solar panels on the roof of the Coggs building to reduce energy costs.

Gorman & Company intends to acquire the building through a development agreement and secure financing for the project. Gorman & Company has developed numerous projects that convert historic buildings into housing since 1984. Notable examples of recently completed adaptive reuse projects in Milwaukee County include the Fifth Street School, the Alexander Lofts, the Sherman Park Commons, and the Blue Ribbon Lofts. 

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) plans to move its current operations out of the existing building once the construction of the future Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Building is completed in 2025.

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