Shorewood’s Next Step: Spoerl Commercial Proposes New Affordable Apartments

Post Image

We are pleased to announce that Spoerl Commercial has proposed a community-oriented affordable housing development in Shorewood. The plan calls for a three‑story, 19‑unit apartment building at 4450 North Oakland Avenue, the site of a village‑owned parking lot.

Filling a Critical Need

Recent village reports show that Shorewood has seen minimal multi-unit construction in recent years. The lack of new housing, especially for middle‑ and lower‑income households, has created growing demand . In response, the Village’s 2024 request for proposals prioritized parking lots for redevelopment into affordable housing. Our submission is currently the only proposal under active review.

Key Project Details

  • Location: 4450 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood
  • Structure: Three stories with 19 apartments, designed to fit the village’s pedestrian‑scale environment.
  • Affordability: Rents targeted to households earning 30 to 60 percent of the Milwaukee County median income.
  • Financing: Zoning has been approved. We are pursuing Tax Incremental Financing and state housing tax credits to support long‑term affordability

Aerial view of 4450 N Oakland Avenue in Shorewood, Wisconsin, the proposed site for Spoerl Commercial’s new 19-unit affordable housing development, transforming a village-owned parking lot into workforce housing.


Building on Proven Success

This Shorewood proposal follows a similar workforce‑housing project currently underway in Whitefish Bay, which also benefited from public funding. Our strategy continues to be local collaboration, effective financing, and community‑responsive design.

Why This Matters

  • Social Impact: Providing housing options for teachers, municipal employees, and other essential workers helps strengthen community fabric
  • Sustainable Land Use: Converting underused surface lots near transit and businesses supports smart density and sustainability
  • Local Economy: Increasing housing supply near employment centers encourages local commerce and supports village vitality

What Comes Next

  1. Village Board review of TIF assistance expected later this month.
  2. Parallel pursuit of tax‑credit funding to secure affordability
  3. Pending final approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with leasing starting in spring 2028.

Who This Matters To

  • Municipal Leaders and Planners
    This project illustrates how public land can be used to meet local housing goals through coordinated policy and funding.
  • Developers and Industry Professionals
    It showcases how proactive project planning, thoughtful design, and multi‑source financing lead to meaningful community impact.
  • Prospective Tenants
    The development offers a sign of hope: new rental opportunities in a walkable, amenity-rich village setting.

About Spoerl Commercial

Spoerl Commercial is a Milwaukee‑based developer specializing in mixed‑income and affordable housing. Our work emphasizes partnership with local governments, nonprofits, and funding agencies to deliver housing that supports vibrant, lasting communities.

For more details about this exciting project, visit JSonline.