Plan Commission reviews concept for four 24‑unit apartment buildings at 550 McMillan Street

The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on March 24 reviewed a non-action concept plan from Premier Real Estate Management LLC for four multifamily buildings at 550 McMillan Street that would yield 96 apartments with underground and surface parking.

City staff said the site was originally contemplated for medical uses but that changes in Fort Healthcare ownership and city planning have opened the area to mixed-use residential development. Staff noted the proposal includes a new street and cul-de-sac, existing stormwater ponds that may need expansion, and unit sizes that range from about 780 to 1,164 square feet.

A commissioner who reviewed the plan after meeting with the applicant’s representative, identified in the record as "Jed," urged the commission to consider realigning Handley side as a city street to improve circulation and to reorient the central buildings toward that hypothetical street. The commissioner also suggested reducing visible surface parking by using available underground parking and routing some parking behind the buildings to provide screening.

Several commissioners and Council Representative Schultz praised the architectural approach and density, and noted the site’s proximity to Fort Healthcare could reduce vehicle trip generation if employees walk to work. Commissioners requested a traffic impact analysis, emphasized that the proposed development would be market-rate (not age-restricted), and were reminded that formal applications for a group development/CUP, certified survey map and zoning map amendment will be required for future action.

Because the submission was a concept review, the commission provided feedback but took no formal action.