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Plan Commission approves Lauren and Rose mercantile store, approves exterior work subject to ARC
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit for Lauren and Rose LLC to open a high-end home-goods store at 5966 N. Santa Monica, approving an exterior expansion and noting architectural review and parking considerations; the applicants anticipate 13 employees and aim to open the first-floor retail area in October next year.
The Whitefish Bay Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit for Lauren and Rose LLC to occupy and expand the storefront at 5966 North Santa Monica.
Staff described the proposal as an exterior addition converting an existing roughly 920-square-foot building to about 2,900 square feet, with a new second-floor office level (which staff said does not require a separate permit in the district). The applicant anticipates 13 employees (nine full-time, four part-time) and proposed hours Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Staff noted the code’s retail parking ratio would yield seven required stalls for the specified square footage, and that the plan commission can waive parking requirements when on-street parking is available.
Commissioners asked about prior permitting issues for the building, how outstanding matters would be resolved through architectural review (ARC) and permitting, and whether the code’s parking ratios reflect actual need given staffing and customer volumes. Applicants Ally Burke and Sydney Bringle, who identified themselves as owners and affiliated with existing local design/retail operations, said most deliveries will come to the front door, the store will operate largely by appointment for certain services, and that much of their clientele is local. “We’re really excited to bring something here,” one of the applicants said.
Commissioners also discussed on-street parking availability and a nearby block that staff estimated can accommodate about 20 cars, plus a few additional spaces where an old bus stop was removed. After discussion, a motion to approve the conditional use as presented in the staff memo was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners welcomed the reuse of a long-vacant storefront and invited the applicants to a future grand opening.
The applicant said they aim to open the first floor in October next year, subject to ARC approval and finishing construction. Exterior facade changes will proceed through architectural review and required permits.
