Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs said she is pleased with Common Council action yesterday approving two projects that will help breathe new life into underused properties in the 6th Aldermanic District.

On Tuesday (February 27) the Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee to sell the former Milwaukee Public Schools building at 500 E. Center St. to RiverBee LLC for the Cream City Hostel, a 53-bed facility that will serve as the city’s first hostel. Customers will be able to rent beds at various lower-cost rates at the location, which formerly housed the Centro del Nino School.

“This property has been vacant for some time and the future hostel will serve as an active neighborhood hub at the crossroads of Harambee and Riverwest,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “I believe the new development will be a positive addition to the area and the city as a whole.”

The second project approved by the Council today involves the former tax deed city- owned property at 3514 N. Port Washington Ave. The Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee and sold the property to Fatima Laster as part of a City Art and Resource Community Hub (A.R.C.H.) loan.

Ms. Laster intends to restore the building as a mixed-use hub that will include an art gallery with flex work and event space for artists on the first floor and two apartments on the second floor.

“This future creative working space and mixed-used home for artists is much needed in the district and I believe it will offer an exceptional environment for inspiring art while also offering the neighborhood a positive and vibrant hub,” the Alderwoman said.

For more information about the A.R.C.H. Program please contact Rhonda Manuel at (414) 286-2037.