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Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit in the Midtown Mixed Use (MID-MIX) district at 2289 Ludington Avenue to establish a wine bar, Tim Walsh, applicant
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Submitted by:
Art Piñon
Department:
Development
A. Background/Options
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an existing wine and art instruction facility, known as The Local Makery, located at 2289 Ludington Avenue within the Midtown-Mixed Use (MID-MIX) zoning district, to operate as a wine bar during non-instruction hours. Currently, the facility is licensed to serve alcohol during scheduled wine and art instruction sessions. While art instruction facilities are a permitted use within the MID-MIX district, operating as a wine bar requires a Conditional Use Permit.
The proposed hours of wine bar operation are Monday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, outside of scheduled instruction activities. The floor plan includes a workshop area, wine bar and service counter, back office, and a front-facing outdoor patio area adjacent to Ludington Avenue.
The required public hearing was held at the September 30, 2025 Common Council meeting with no one appearing to speak in favor or opposition. The Council meeting video is attached.
B. Staff Comments
Planning/Zoning Division
The minimum required parking requirement for a drinking establishment is 8 paces per 1,000 square feet and no onsite parking spaces are provided. In accordance with WMC 24.11.010.B.4.b <https://wauwatosa.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances>, staff believes a parking reduction is warranted due to:
• Proximity of Public Transit: Currently there are two (2) Milwaukee County Transit (MCTS) stops located within 150 feet of the project site (North Avenue).
• On-Street Parking: On-street parking is available on Ludington Avenue adjacent to the project site.
• Bike & Pedestrian Facilities: All surrounding streets contain sidewalks on both sides of the street and there is a crosswalk adjacent to the project site. North Avenue contains bicycle lanes on both sides of the street and the project is conditioned to include both short term and long-term bike parking.
• Neighborhood Compatibility: The project site is surrounded on all sides by residential development of various types and densities allowing patrons who reside within the neighborhood to comfortably walk or bike to the site.
Building Division
Plan review and applicable building permits are required. Depending on the scope of work, DSPS approvals may also be necessary. Any exterior changes must go through Design Review. A final occupancy inspection and approval are required before the space can be occupied.
City Assessor’s Office
No comments.
City Clerk’s Office
No comments.
Engineering Division
Site plans are subject to approval by the Engineering Division.
City records show that this building is served by an existing 3/4-inch lead water lateral from the building to the water valve near the Ludington Avenue sidewalk. The lateral is located under the proposed outdoor patio. Staff strongly recommends that this lead piping is replaced.
Fire Department
Proposed development must comply with all applicable fire codes and regulations.
Health Department
No comments.
Police Department
No comments.
C. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval subject to:
1. Establishing hours of operation.
2. Short- and long-term bike parking must be provided in compliance with WMC 24.11.080.
3. Address all comments from the Engineering Division as stated in the comments section of this report.
4. Per WMC 24.12.040.A.3, refuse/recycling containers must be screened from view of streets and all abutting lots with a solid wall or decorative (metal or wood) opaque fence at least 6 feet in height on all sides, with a secured or lockable gate extending to ground level. Refuse/recycling containers may not be located in front or street side setbacks. See 24.12.040.A.3 for additional requirements.
5. Providing detailed costs of any alterations and/or new construction, as well as income & expense as requested by the Assessor's office.
6. Under WMC 24.16.040I., a Conditional Use will lapse and have no further effect one year after it is approved by the Common Council, unless a building permit has been issued (if required); the use or structure has been lawfully established; or unless a different lapse of approval period or point of expiration has been expressly established by the Common Council.
7. Obtaining other required licenses, permits, and approvals. This includes but is not limited to Design Review Board approval, plan review, site plan approval, building permits and DSPS plan approvals, and Final Occupancy inspection and approval.