Historic Colby-Abbot Building Renovation is Underway
Renovation of Colby-Abbot Building
Construction has begun on the long anticipated renovation of the 134-year old, 6-story, Colby-Abbot Building, located at 759 N. Milwaukee St. The $250,000 project, which has been in the works for a couple of years, is being made with the assistance of a facade grant from the City of Milwaukee.
The project will renovate the first floor facade for much of the building, with the exceptions of the Karl Ratzch’s and Tempt locations. Architectural details long hidden, such as the archways, are being exposed once again, and the result of the project will allow for better access and visibility for what will be four retail units. Each retail unit would be approximately 1,000 square feet of space. The renovation is being done in advance of Business Improvement District 21’s Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Retail Emporium. The building’s ownership is currently in negotiation with four potential tenants for the retail emporium with the possibility of becoming long term tenants.
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- Renovation of Colby-Abbott Building
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- The Colby-Abbot building before facade work
Great to see this happening. Four new retail tenants in revived storefronts will really add to the fine-grained human scale of Milwaukee Street. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
The facade grant is the subject of a front page story in today’s Journal Sentinel. Alas, the building will not be truly restored until that dreadful pebble-cement coating is stripped from the upper floors’ masonry.
Judge Chuck Kahn and his wife Patricia Keating Kahn have much more to do there.
@Michael Yeah I saw the story… and yes nobody loves the sprayed on rock, but bringing the first floor back to life is a big first step.
@Chris, Yup.. Here’s hoping they land a few of them.
Anyone know if they are preserving the archway details that were uncovered? Would be great if they could. I guess we will find out soon enough…
@Jeremy It is my understanding that the archway details will be preserved. I believe glassed in but preserved.