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Mandel holds working sessions for new dorms
Next step is public approval process
By Kevin Lessmiller
“We’ve already had an unprecedented amount of public feedback” – 3rd District Alderman Nik Kovac
The first two of four neighborhood working sessions regarding a new University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee residence hall focused on environmental initiatives and neighborhood safety and security.
The meetings are organized by the Mandel Group, Inc., UWM, and the UWM Real Estate Foundation (UWMREF). The Mandel Group won UWMREF’s bid for a new residence hall facility.
The first meeting, held Oct. 23 at RiverView residence hall, attempted to focus on environmental initiatives in terms of the development of the structure. However, despite efforts by the Mandel Group to stay “on task”, many residents in attendance wanted to talk about other issues.
“I don’t want to hear about the building anymore,” said one neighbor. Traffic and density were main concerns among attendees. Most seemed pleased with the building and its eco-friendly components.
The Mandel Group is following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines for “green” development. Density guidelines put forth by LEED recommend 192,000 sq. ft. of building space on the 3.2 acres of the “Hometown” site. Mandel Group has said the building will have 220,000 sq. ft.
Another environmental focus was storm water runoff. Jim Shields of Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) spoke on pervious asphalt that allows water to seep into the ground. Shields said 91% of impervious asphalt on the current site will be converted to pervious material. Also, two “green roofs” will absorb storm water.
The second working session, held Oct. 29 at Kenilworth Square’s Peck School of the Arts, focused on neighborhood safety and security. A very small turnout of residents, easily less than 10, prevented distractions like the ones observed at the Oct. 23 meeting.
Introduced by Bob Monnat of the Mandel Group, UWM’s University Housing Director Scott Peak lead the first part of the Oct. 29 presentation.
“Our mission is to create a community [in residence halls],” said Peak. He spoke on strategies employed by UWM in student housing, like guest passes, a 24-hour staffed front desk, and expectations of student behavior.
After a presentation by UWM Police, UWM Vice Chancellor for University Relations Tom Luljak and Dean of Students Jim Hill addressed Chapter 17 changes. Proposed changes would affect the university’s disciplinary jurisdiction regarding off-campus student behavior.
“It’s our hope that the [UW System] Board of Regents will formally adopt those changes,” said Luljak.
The working sessions precede the public approval process for the new residence hall facility.
“We’ve already had an unprecedented amount of public feedback,” said 3rd District Alderman Nik Kovac at the Oct. 23 meeting.
The next two meetings will deal with traffic, transit, and parking, to be held Nov. 6, and building design, scheduled for Nov. 12.
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