The former Drew's Variety Store building in Wauwatosa's Village could become home to a sustainable design business.
Go Green Design Center has requested $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to help acquire the building at 7503 and 7509 Harwood Ave. and make façade improvements.
The building would provide a showroom with eco-friendly products for homeowners, contractors and designers. Plans also call for a second business, Building Energy Solutions, and commercial space for lease to take up the remainder of the building, which has been vacant since January 2008.
Wauwatosa Economic Development Corporation will discuss the request Friday. However, the city has less than $216,000 in grant funds available for economic development projects.
Another high-profile property vying for $71,000 in grant dollars is the building at 6502 W. North Ave., which was damaged in a fire 10 years ago. The vacant and blighted building has been an eyesore for neighbors ever since.