Construction, apartment lease reservations begin at Echelon Apartments

Construction began Oct. 27 on the Echelon apartments at Innovation Campus.

Construction began Oct. 27 on the Echelon apartments at Innovation Campus.

Oct. 29, 2014

Preparing for an opening next summer or fall, the Mandel Group has started construction on its Echelon Apartments while still looking for uses for the Eschweiler buildings on Innovation Campus.

A Mandel Group affiliate recently purchased the 8.5 acres of land from an affiliate of the UWM Real Estate Foundation for $4 million, according to state records dated Oct. 23.

Mandel started construction Oct. 27 on the Echelon Apartments, which will include 188 units in six three-story buildings. Mandel Group Senior Development Manager Phil Aiello said they are already accepting reservations for apartments, although they haven't booked any yet.

Included in the land purchase were historic buildings designed by Alexander Eschweiler in the early 20th century for an agricultural school. Mandel plans to restore the main administration building for a leasing office and other amenities for its residents.

The other Eschweiler buildings hang in the balance as Mandel seeks other uses for them. Although they were originally planned to be used for the University Laboratory School, the plan was not realized because the charter school failed to reach a required agreement with the Wauwatosa School District.

After reaching out to individuals and entities who might be interested in the buildings, Aiello said a team is working on a plan that would restore all three Eschweiler buildings, in addition to the administration building. He could not say what the plan was.

"It's in early development," Aiello said. "We're uncertain if it will come to fruition but it's a plan we feel is worthy of pursuing."

The plan has a deadline of 90 days to show promise. If it falls through, Aiello said the group will put out a request for proposals to find other ideas, with oversight from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

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