Third Ward redevelopment lands firm as anchor tenant

Marine Terminal

Posted: Nov. 17, 2004
A former industrial building being converted to condominiums and commercial space in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward has landed an anchor tenant.


The Marine Terminal Building, 120 N. Broadway, is leasing 30,000 square feet to architectural and engineering firm Hammel Green and Abrahamson Inc. The Minneapolis-based firm will move its Milwaukee office from the Germania Building, 135 W. Wells St., by spring.

HGA now has about 22,000 square feet at the Germania Building. The firm employs 113 people.

The relocation allows the firm to operate within a loft-style office setting, said Cherie Claussen, HGA regional director.

Claussen said Marine Terminal, which overlooks the Milwaukee River, provides a chance to create the type of work environment that design professionals seek.

That includes expansive space, huge windows with plenty of natural light, and an industrial character, Claussen said. Those features will help HGA retain and recruit employees, she said.

The building is being redeveloped by Mandel Group Inc. into 45,000 square feet of first-floor office and retail space, and 84 condos on the four upper levels.

Mandel Group plans to move its offices from Bank One Plaza, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., into 10,000 square feet at Marine Terminal, said Robert Monnat, chief operating officer.

Monnat said around 40% of Marine Terminal's condos have been reserved by prospective buyers since Mandel Group began marketing the units in June. Prices for its units start at $164,900.

The building's remodeling began in September.

The building, constructed in 1919, was built as a warehouse servicing Great Lakes freighters. It was later used by commercial printer Wetzel Bros. and industrial brake maker Stearns Co. Both businesses moved to Mitchell International Business Park in Cudahy.

By TOM DAYKIN