Community Development

Development Process

All new buildings, expansions, and additions, including new uses require a site plan review and approval by the Plan Commission and Common Council.  Check with the city to see approval requirements. 

Community Development Permit Application for zoning reviews, zoning amendments, CSM,  and subdivisions.


Financial Resources

The City of South Milwaukee currently maintains several TIF Districts. The City will consider requests for assistance from development projects that generate new revenue from newly created property tax base above and beyond what is already in place. Competitive requests will have significant economic impact on the form of increased tax base, increased employment opportunities, significant private investment and a positive impact on the future development or redevelopment of the surrounding area. 

For projects that meet specific development goals of the City, and show significant economic impact, the City may consider negotiating other types of incentives.


Redevelopment Projects

1100 Milwaukee Avenue, Bucyrus Campus

Scott Crawford, LLC was approved for redeveloping three office buildings and constructing a new multifamily building along 10th Ave and Milwaukee Avenue in the heart of South Milwaukee's Downtown.  The council approved the plans, conditional use permit and development agreement November 7th, 2024 with full occupancy planned for Fall 2026.

Plans were revised, decreasing the number of apartments to 132 and changing the Corporate Building to a school, for Guidance Academy Elementary, currently in the city. Some of the apartment homes will be designated for households earning 60% or less of the county's median income ($42,900 - $61,260) or 80% of the county's median income ($57,200 - $81,680).  Affordable Housing: Myths vs. Facts provides an insight to different housing types. 

July 23, 2024 plan commission materials

10/10/2024 & submission to Council 11/7/24  site plan submissions #3

2/25/2025 plan commission materials for project revisions

3/4/2025 revised project description and site plan

100 15the Ave

The previous medical clinic has been vacant since 2018. Plans and a zoning amendment for repurposing the building to 20 apartment homes was approved in 2023 by the council. Construction started late 2025. All units are market rate.

Approved site plans

2318 10th Ave 

A vacant city-owned property for sale at 10th & Marquette Ave: 30,600 SF located in South Milwaukee's Downtown District. Commercial or Mixed-Use preferred development opportunity.

The city has an agreement with A.K. Development for a 64-unit five-story mixed use development facing 10th Avenue with rear parking.  The developer has started the due diligence phase.

Current Site Plans Canal Transit Lofts

1214 Milwaukee Avenue

A vacant city-owned lot for sale, previous site of the city water tower. Lot size 16,662 SF, adjacent to potential redevelopment opportunities.  Privately owned properties 1208 - 1210 Milwaukee are scheduled for demolition, completed in 2026.  

Site Information

315 Marion Ave- Former Everbrite Site

A 30-acre privately owned site along Lake Michigan is available, ideal for diverse housing types, supporting over 600 units and convenience and destination uses. 

Site Information and Comprehensive Plan Site Development Illustration

A developer presented a 384-unit apartment home community with varying housing types to the Plan Commission September 23, 2025.