Update on Wal-Mart, YWCA projects

Waukesha Director of Development Steve Crandell reports that the new Wal-Mart proposed from West Ave. and Highway 164 has applied for city permits, a sign the much awaited development is moving forward.

Crandell made his report Monday to the City of Waukesha Redevelopment Committee.

He also reported on the planned demolition and redevelopment of the old YWCA on West Ave.

The cost of knocking down the large building with two pools came in at about $75,000, he said.

The site has been environmentally evaluated and some asbestos removal will need to be done. The soil is clean, he said.

Site plans call for 7 lots to be developed along West, 1 on Dunbar and 3 on Bethesda.

An offer to purchase has been extended to the owners – Waukesha State Bank – which foreclosed on the property five years ago.

Crandell said he hopes to hear back from the bank by Oct. 9. If plans proceed as expected, work on putting single- and two-family homes on the lots should begin mid next year.

The city and Waukesha county have entered into a partnership to pursue state grants to tear down the old structure and find  a developer to convert the site into a livable neighborhood.

Crandell also reported that he and Karen Richards, director of the BID, will speak at the Recapturing Your Downtown Conference in Wausau on Oct. 22.

The two will speak about the redevelopment of downtown Waukesha. Their presentation will be named afte the movie title “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” he said.

As visitors enter the presentation room, the movie’s theme song will be played as background music, he said.