City of Milwaukee - File #: 260533

• File #: 260533
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: In Council-Passage
• File created: 7/31/2026
• In control: ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
• Title: A substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith to allow the construction of a multi-family residential building at 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street, on the east side of North Van Buren Street, south of East Kilbourn Avenue, in the 4th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
10/27/2026	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE; Minutes note: Appearing: Tanya Fonseca, DCD Joey Wisniewski, New Land Enterprises Mark Larson, Korb Architects A presentation was given on details of the zoning change and new Zenith development. There was inquiry and discussion on differences from the general plan development to the detailed planned development, alley configuration, site acquisition and project timeline, assessed value and costs of the site, and unit sale pricing. Public testimony in support: Cade Gerlach, resident Public testimony with concerns: Allen Cooper, property owner at 815 N. Cass St. Mr. Cooper had concerns with alley traffic, parking, noise pollution, construction impacts (vibration and cracking), point of contact, informed community engagement, and garbage pickup relating to the new development. The development team responded to the concerns presented. Public testimony in opposition: Curtis Oquist, property manager at 835 N. Cass St. Mr. Oquist had concerns with street parking and impacts to his tenants.	Pass	5:0
9/30/2026	1	CITY CLERK	DRAFT SUBMITTED
9/28/2026	0	CITY PLAN COMMISSION	APPROVED CONDITIONALLY; Minutes note: Ms. Fonseca presented. This zoning change was requested by the property owners (applicant) to allow the construction of a 25-story for-sale residential condominium tower on the site. The proposed development, known as Zenith, includes 226 dwelling units, 412 indoor vehicle parking spaces, 68 total bicycle parking spaces, resident amenity spaces, a ground-floor residential lobby, and building service areas. Staff recommended approval conditionally. Appearing: Joey Wisniewski, New Land Enterprises Mark Larson, Korb Architects Ald. Robert Bauman, 4th Ald. Dist. A presentation was given on details of the zoning change and new development. Ald. Robert Bauman, 4th Ald. Dist., testified in support. There was inquiry and discussion on loading zones, deliveries, and move-in access points; and City-assisted financing. Public testimony in opposition: Susan Roberts, resident David Guzman, resident Curtis Oquist, nearby property manager (Edgewood Apartments) Christian Trunley (virtual) Speakers in opposition testified to concerns of increased density, blockage of their outside views and sunlight at their residences/buildings, loud noise and air pollution construction impacts, exacerbation of luxury high rise buildings in the area, the housing serving residents from outside the community, negative parking impacts in the neighborhood, potential for condo units being unoccupied, and lack of a lighting and shadow study relating to the new development. There was inquiry and discussion on community outreach and notifications by the applicant, building height differences between the previously approved GPD to DPD, setback at the south line, parking ratio, amenity floor footprint, location of mechanicals, guest parking options, a lighting and shadow study, traffic and parking access in relation to the alley, public parking options in the area, access to amenities, street activation for pedestrians, height restrictions and regulations for downtown, and construction timeline. Commissioner Gonzalez moved approval conditionally, seconded by member Smith. (Prevailed 5-0) Condition: 1. Applicant provides a status update to DCD Planning on the south setback design and coordination with the adjacent property prior to the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee meeting.	Pass	5:0
9/28/2026	0	CITY PLAN COMMISSION	REFERRED TO	Pass	5:0
8/7/2026	0	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	REFERRED TO
7/31/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
260533
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
071500, 140578, 241871
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith to allow the construction of a multi-family residential building at 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street, on the east side of North Van Buren Street, south of East Kilbourn Avenue, in the 4th Aldermanic District.
Analysis
This zoning change was requested by New Land Enterprises and will allow the construction of a multi-family residential building on the subject sites.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee (“Common Council”), do ordain as follows:

Part 1. There is added to the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances (“Code”) a new section to read as follows:

(1) In accordance with the provisions of Section 295-907 of the Code relating to the establishment of planned development districts, the Common Council approves the subject Detailed Planned Development, which is restricted to the time limit of 5 years from the effective date of this ordinance unless the criteria per s.295-907-2-c-11 are met as referenced in Exhibit A, a copy of which is attached to this Common Council File which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and made a part as though fully set forth herein.

(2) The zoning map is amended to change the zoning for the property located at: 711 East Kilbourn Avenue, Tax Key No. 393-0942-000 and 822 North Van Buren Street, Tax Key No. 392-1574-100 from General Planned Development to a new Detailed Planned Development.

(3) The requirements set forth in said detailed plan attached to this Common Council File as Exhibit A, constitute the zoning regulations for the area contained in such planned development district described, provided further, that the effect of the approval of such detailed plan is that such plan shall limit and control construction, location, use a...