(Waukesha, WI)- On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Waukesha County Board approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of the UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha campus, located at 1500 N. University Drive clearing the way for mixed residential redevelopment to address housing needs and boost the tax base.
Developed by Milwaukee-based real estate and investment firm, F Street, with Waukesha County and the City of Waukesha, the proposal includes roughly 70 single-family homes and about 600 market-rate multifamily units in phases. Multifamily buildings would include two-story garden-style and three to four-story apartments.
“Waukesha County carefully evaluated a plan that prioritized land compatibility, mixed residential use, neighborhood feedback, open space and connectivity to ensure a high-quality fit with surrounding areas,” Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Director Dale Shaver said.
The master plan, by Milwaukee-based architecture firm RINKA, weaves green space, trails, and open areas throughout the site, leveraging natural features to maintain buffers, improve connectivity, and ease transitions to adjacent neighborhoods.
Since UW–Milwaukee announced the campus closure in 2024, County officials have worked closely with City partners and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to support the redevelopment of the closed campus, accelerating project readiness and community benefits.
“By adding a balanced mix of single family, and multifamily units, this proposal meets documented housing demand and fits the character of surrounding neighborhoods,” Waukesha Community Development Director Jennifer Andrews said.
The project will move to the City of Waukesha Plan Commission and, ultimately, the city’s Common Council. Pending approvals, demolition of the former campus could begin in early 2027, with initial housing phases starting late 2027.
