Condos proposed for Bluemound Rd.

June 22 -- A four-story retail and condominium development is being proposed for the 5100 block of W. Bluemound Rd., formerly the site of a windshield repair shop.

"We're going to be very careful not to do something 90% of the neighborhood doesn't like," said Jim Olszewski, of Milwaukee, one of three principals of the family development team proposing the project. The others who form J.O. Properties LLC are Olszewski's brother, John; and father, also named Jim.

Olszewski said the condominiums might appeal to neighborhood residents who no longer want the responsibilities of a house and yard, but who want to stay in Story Hill.

The neighborhood's atmosphere, combined with the Bluemound Rd. business strip, is appealing, he said. "It's almost like a Brady St. feel," he said.

The proposed development would include 3,000 square feet of retail on the first floor, two 2-bedroom, 2-bath condos on each of the second and third floors; and a 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo on the fourth floor, Olszewski said. Condo owners would be provided with underground parking.

The site has quick access to Miller Park, Mitchell Blvd. and the freeway. "It's as convenient as can be except when Bluemound is torn up," Olszewski said.

If all goes as planned, the smaller condos would sell for at least $200,000, while the penthouse unit would go for at least $300,000 he said.

Ald. Michael Murphy, who represents Story Hill on the Common Council, said the type of development being proposed is permitted under current zoning. The proposal will be further scrutinized when the Olszewskis file for permits, he said.

Olszewski said that while the building would be taller than any of its neighbors, the architecture would reflect neighborhood sensibilities. Click here to see a basic drawing of the proposed building.

He also said plans could be revised if there is overwhelming neighborhood opposition.