by Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel For two years, a state law forced Milwaukee officials to sell vacant public schools to other "educational operators" -- hampering possible commercial redevelopments. Now, a couple months after that law lapsed, plans are proceeding to convert one former Milwaukee Public Schools building into a high-end hotel, and developments are brewing at three other MPS buildings. Rick Wiegand plans to renovate the former Wisconsin Avenue School, 2708 W. Wisconsin Ave., into a 23-suite extended-stay hotel. Wiegand's $15 million project includes buying the school for $100,000 and doing a $500,000 environmental cleanup, according to the new proposal. It is scheduled for a Tuesday review by the Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee. Read more at Hotel Online News. |