Buyer Found For Former Fire Station

2509 W. Capitol Dr. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Tiffany Hawthorne believes she has found the perfect building to grow her real estate firm: a former Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) station.

Hawthorne would purchase the vacant building at 2509 W. Capitol Dr. and renovate the property as a base for her property management company, Phases Unlimited.

Constructed in 1927, the structure was the last of five bungalow-style fire stations built for MFD. The building’s residential appearance yields curb appeal, but its small size makes it ill-suited for larger modern firefighting equipment. MFD closed the Capitol Drive station in 1990, and the city sold it in 2000. However, a subsequent owner lost the building in property tax foreclosure in 2019, and the city has worked to sell it again since 2022.

Phases Unlimited would consolidate its different operational locations, including an office in Hawthorne’s home, into the 4,600-square-foot building. The former garage would become a secured storage area for equipment and the interior would become Hawthorne’s office space.

Hawthorne told the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Tuesday that the company currently owns nine properties. The holdings include properties held as long-term rentals and “fix and flip” projects.

Hawthorne said she has pursued real estate full-time since ending a 22-year career with We Energies, but previously operated the business on the side. “I did buy my first house when I was about 25 years old and bought my first rental property from my grandfather,” said Hawthorne. She said her grandfather was also a landlord and taught her how to take care of properties and develop ties to your community.

“Along with being a homeowner and also being a rental property owner, I’ve been an advocate for homeownership for my tenants as well,” she said. “Trying to show them the importance of investing in their community and also getting the buy-in from them as well to take pride with where you live at.”

“It seems like this space is going to accommodate your journey really nicely,” said committee chair and Common Council President José G. Pérez.

The Capitol Drive station is located in Franklin Heights, just east of Century City. It’s in a commercial corridor but backs up to blocks of private residences.

A 2022 request for proposals (RFP) drew two bidders, but neither was advanced for Common Council approval. A $40,000 asking price was included. Following the RFP failure, the property was listed for sale on an ongoing basis. Hawthorne would pay $20,000 and is expected to invest $140,000 in a renovation. She would be allowed to apply for a storefront activation grant from the city.

A rendering submitted to the city indicates Hawthorne is working with Galbraith Carnahan Architects on the renovation.

The committee unanimously endorsed the sale, which will be reviewed by the Common Council next week.

Two of the four other bungalow-style firehouses have found new life as public-facing buildings. The westernmost bungalow station, Story Hill Firehouse, 407 N. Hawley Rd., is now an event venue that opened in 2019. The Milwaukee Fire Education Center & Museum occupies the southside bungalow at 1615 W. Oklahoma Ave.

One of the bungalow-style stations, 2669 N. 47th St., is now a private residence. The station at 2901 N. 30th St. remains in use as a fire station, but was substantially expanded.

All five were designed by architect Charles Malig. The Historic Preservation Commission once considered all five for historic designation, but ultimately exempted the Capitol Drive and 47th Street firehouses.

Photos and Conceptual Rendering

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