SD Properties, a non-profit corporation that owns and manages properties that support the mission of the Social Development Commission (SDC), has purchased the property located at 1730 West North Avenue, Milwaukee. The main building, which is 32,400 square feet, will be leased to SDC for the operation of its social service programs. A 12,795 square foot warehouse will house program vehicles, equipment and provide storage. SDC will move operations in early February of 2016.
In excess of 100 parking spaces will be available to clients in three parking lots. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers service routes to the new site on North Avenue.
SDC’s new facility will feature two computer labs, two classrooms, a training room, programming and administrative office space and conference rooms. Constructed in 1919, the facility, last occupied five years ago, was previously occupied by the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and department store J.L. Marcus.
The interior is a combination of open concept office space and perimeter offices. Classrooms and training rooms will be constructed to adapt the space to meet the needs of programs offered by SDC. In the spring, there will be improvements to the fascia of the building including the addition of windows to increase natural light and the reconfiguration of the entrance. In addition, a new exterior façade will be designed to align with the improvements that have and continue to occur in the Walnut Way neighborhood.
For several months, SDC has been scouting for properties that better fit the needs of the agency. Gerard Randall, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, said, “The board is excited that this will allow the agency to better serve clients from a centralized, accessible location. Even more so, it will become an additional catalyst for economic development and residential transformation along the North Avenue corridor.”
“Our fiduciary responsibilities called for SDC to find a location that reduced property expenses to better align with the size of the agency,” stated SDC CEO George Hinton. “Our new location in Walnut Way allows us to do that while moving to a more central location that provides our clients better access to the services they need. We are excited to help contribute to the growth and revitalization of the Walnut Way neighborhood.”
Continuum Architects of Milwaukee are configuring the interior and exterior design and C.G. Schmidt is serving as the construction manager for the project.
For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the Community Action Agency for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency is an intergovernmental commission and is governed by a board of 18 citizens from Milwaukee County, each of whom hold the title of “Commissioner.”
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