By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer

ASHWAUBENON – The village’s Plan Review Committee and Plan Commission discussed earlier this month a revised site plan of a second Bohemian Park apartment building, which includes one less floor than originally planned.

The second building, to be located at the southwest corner of Holmgren Way and Morris Avenue as part of The Bohemian Park apartment complex, received village approval in March to be constructed as a five-story, 69-unit building.

However, Community Development Director Aaron Schuette said Engberg Anderson Architects, as the applicant for the owner, Wewerka Group, requested the revision to reduce the building to four stories and 52 units because of an increase in building material costs and other factors.

Schuette said the second building will be similar in color and design to the first four-story building.

“From a design standpoint, you won’t really notice anything different, except for the one floor being out,” he said.

Schuette said the building will be approximately 54 feet in height and include apartment units, underground parking for the tenants and a 1,780-square-foot retail space on the north end of the building, as well as an outdoor common area for residents, customers and the public.

“Everything still remains the same as it was originally approved,” he said. “It’s just, instead of a five-story building, it is now a four-story building.”

Mariana Arena, an architectural designer with Engberg Anderson Architects, said it would cost around $21 million to construct a five-story building with a basement, and lowering it to four stories would reduce the cost by about $4 million.

Trustee Gary Paul said he is disappointed the second building is being reduced by one floor, “but I guess we do have to accept the circumstances that we do have at this time and cost of the material.”

“I hope it keeps that view that the five-story would have had for the four-story people,” he said. “Other than that, what can we say about it? It’s the same as, other than one floor down.”

Village President Mary Kardoskee said it is unfortunate, “but is understandable in this day and age with the building costs.”

“It still is a beautiful building,” she said.

Because the property is located within the Sports & Entertainment zoning district, the site plan requires final approval by the village board Aug. 24.