High Marks and High Hopes for New Retail Center

There weren't too many things to add to the discussion as plans for a new retail building at a key location in Muskego were introduced to the Plan Commission Tuesday night.

City Planner Jeff Muenkel had noted few questions were left unanswered as a "wealth of information and detail on the design and particularly of the landscaping" were provided for the 8,526-square-foot development. 

"I think they did a tremendous job on the architecture and adopting the style we're looking for in the Moorland Commerce design plans," added Commissioner Mark Noah.

The city's design guides have required prairie-style architecture for retail development in the area, reflected in businesses like and the opening later this year.

The area has been a key focus in Muskego economic development since Moorland Road was completed, and a confirmed its role in bringing in new businesses to the city, so the new proposal was more cause for optimism.

Briohn Builders, which hopes to build the retail center on the northeast corner of Moorland and Janesville Roads, indicated there will be spaces for outdoor seating, which could attract restaurants to the building. However, no further information on tenants was available.

The development will also depend on closing a deal with Waukesha County to add 0.3 acres on the west side of the parcel, which comes before the County Board at the end of the month. Developers feel confident in the deal as it had been county owned only for the purpose of widening Janesville Road, and their need of the land was temporary.

The commission approved the plans, along with a request to make sure a stand of trees is also removed from key site lines for traffic safety. The approval of the building, site and operation plan will be forwarded on to the Common Council as early as next Tuesday.