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Wauwatosa planning commission approves conditional use for event facility at 7487 Harwood Avenue
Summary
The City of Wauwatosa Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to convert a derelict property at 7487 Harwood Avenue into a boutique event center with an outdoor deck; staff said the project will be completed in two phases.
The City of Wauwatosa Planning Commission on Sept. 8 unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow an event facility and outdoor seating at 7487 Harwood Avenue.
Planning staff described the proposal as a two‑phase project that will demolish an existing residence and renovate an on‑site chapel into two boutique event spaces designed for weddings and other small‑scale gatherings. “This is request to establish an event center and outdoor patio area at 7487 7487 Harwood Avenue,” City planner Mr. Pinon told the commission during his overview.
The petition required a public hearing, which staff said occurred July 22; no members of the public spoke for or against the request at that hearing. At the Sept. 8 meeting, no applicant representative appeared to give a presentation, and the commission’s discussion focused on neighborhood need and building activation. “I’m very excited about this. We were looking ourselves for an event space for this size,” Alder First said, adding that reactivation of the property will “activate the corner and make it a special place for Wauwatosa.”
Alder First moved to approve the conditional use permit with the staff recommendations; Commissioner Cornyn seconded. The chair called the question and the motion passed unanimously; the chair cast an affirmative vote and announced the matter will proceed to the Common Council as required by city procedures.
Why it matters: The property at 7487 Harwood has been vacant for years and is reportedly one of the oldest in the city; supporters on the commission said converting it to event space would reuse a derelict site, add small‑venue options in the metro area, and activate a commercial corner. The staff overview noted the proposal includes outdoor gatherings on a deck area once renovation is complete.
Next steps: The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action under the city’s approval process.
Provenance: Transcript statements introducing the item and staff overview are recorded in the meeting transcript beginning with the staff summary (“This is request to establish an event center...”) and the vote is recorded with the chair saying the measure “passes unanimously.”
