Commission approves improvements to North Pillar Brewing

North Pillar Brewing will occupy the historic building at 212 E. North St. near downtown Waukesha.

WAUKESHA – On Wednesday, the Waukesha Plan Commission approved North Pillar Brewing's plans to improve the facade of the historic building at 212 E. North St. By a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner John Schmitz abstaining, North Pillar Brewing will now be able to make some minor adjustments to the facade, including a new entrance, new awnings and windows, and an ADA-compliant ramp for easier access to the building. A memo from Principal City Planner Doug Koehler states that "staff would like to see [green space] and landscaping added in front of the building as well for a more aesthetic street presence along North Street."

District 6 Alderman Jack Wells is looking forward to the building returning to its roots as a brewery and thinks that some plant life is necessary, but is hesitant to make it look residential.

"I think it's great to see this building returning to its original and highest use. It's a great looking building. I do think the front concrete needs some work," Wells said. "When I look at that building, it's impressive with all that stone. ... It's very attractive. It's distinctive. If it's a blank slate for landscaping, I think it could use some height in the front, but I don't think we want to suburbanize it with lots of grass and low shrubs." A number of other commissioners voiced their enthusiasm for the business, but wanted to ensure that the brewery's patrons were safe from traffic while dining outside. Mayor Shawn Reilly is looking forward to having a new business on North Street, so long as the proper precautions are taken.

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"I’m very excited to see a brewery going here. I think it will be a great step in having this street revitalized," Reilly said. "If you’re going to have outdoor liquor [service], you’re going to have to have some type of separation. So, usually a wall or gating."

After extensive discussion, the commission decided to continue the conversation surrounding North Pillar Brewing's unused drive approach at the front of the building, potential outdoor seating area, and dumpster location at its next meeting. Berg Management representative Mark Rollinger acknowledged the commission's questions and noted that the property owners will return to the next commission meeting with the proper plans to address the remaining concerns.

Badgerland Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. was also discussed at the meeting. According to another memo from Koehler, the company was seeking "approval for alterations which have been made to the rear storage yard at 1217 S. Grandview over the past several years, as well as additional work to reduce stormwater runoff onto neighboring properties. The initial Site Plan for the property was approved in 2016, with several conditions. The alterations began in 2016 and the city's code enforcement efforts began in 2018 when city staff discovered changes were not consistent with previous approvals. The unapproved alterations to the property are currently the subject of a lawsuit, and this application is intended to bring the property into compliance."

So far, the landscaping company has already created two dry wells to collect stormwater and has constructed multiple berms to help mitigate run off.

The commission unanimously approved these changes and is now requiring the company to restore the berms with topsoil to prevent erosion as well as pave the rear storage yard or cover it with a dustless surface. The dustless surface was a requirement imposed by the commission in 2016, but was never completed.

Also on Wednesday, the commission unanimously approved changes being made to the future home of industrial work platform manufacturer Wildeck, Inc. at 1900 E. North St. The company submitted a certified survey map to the city that highlights the property lines. According to another memo from Koehler, "[t]he purpose of the CSM is to clean up the property line along E. North Street and to officially dedicate the west side of E. North Street to the city of Waukesha."

A three-story office building and other improvements will also be made to the site, including demolition of existing buildings, adding more parking spaces, adding new landscaping, reducing impervious surfaces, and improving utilities.

The Plan Commission will meet again on June 28 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall at 201 Delafield St.

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