The Milwaukee Post

that is commonly affixed to new large-scale develop- ments. It reflects a growing trend toward intermingling a variety of uses into high-den- sity sites. Apartments, office buildings and other accom- modations have joined tradi- tional retail buildings. Examples of the non-retail uses at 84South include a four-story, 360-unit apartment complex and Aurora HealthCare's recently announced ambulatory sur- gery center and office build- ing. "We're trying to proactive- ly look at the changing land- scape of retail and residential properties as we plan for the future," Neitzke said. "The city's survival depends on it." Since unveiling the plans, Cobalt Partners, the Milwaukee-based developer overseeing 84South, said the new project is designed to supplement, not supplant, nearby Southridge Mall. But 84South did score a coup earlier this year when Kohl's announced it will be leaving its longtime perch at the mall in 2018 and relocate to the new development. Kohl's executives cited heightened visibility and less square footage needs as rea- sons behind the move. Scott Satula is with Mid- America Real Estate- Wisconsin. Cobalt Partners has retained Mid-America to handle leasing at 84South. When asked why tenants have been signing on to take up residence within 84South, Satula said, "Simply put, market demand." "The Southridge retail corridor and trade area has been challenging for large- format and mix-box retailers to penetrate due to a lack of suitable options," Satula said. "That led to pent-up demand from retailers seeking to locate in the area." Neitzke said 84South began gaining traction in the planning stages when a key piece of data was revealed: 270,000 people live within a 3- mile circle of the 76th Street and Layton Avenue area. 84South and its mixed-use offerings have been replicat- ed elsewhere in the county. The Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek, for example, has become the linchpin in the city's effort to create a focal point in a community where city leaders said it was previ- ously lacking. Just before stepping down as mayor in February, Steve Scaffidi reflected on the many steps it took to bring Drexel Town Square to fruition. Scaffidi said relocating the city's dilapidated municipal building and placing it in the heart of Drexel Town Square was an important part of the project. "It became a centerpiece within the development" Scaffidi said. "It was the right call to make." Drexel Town Square also hosts a variety of retailers, eateries and multifamily resi- dential facilities. Scaffidi said the response to Drexel Town Square has surpassed the city's expecta- tions. April 28, 2017 • Milwaukee County Post • 11 Submitted photo The Oak Creek Civic Center clock is seen in the background on the right as part of the mixed-use developlent of Drexel Town Square. Dave Fidlin/Special to the Post Portillo's restaurant at 84South in Greenfield has opened while more businesses are expected to open in the summer. Retail: Listening to market demand continued from Page 1 Last in a series Last week's story focused on Southridge Mall in Greendale.

• Cover