AHMC project gains Plan Commission approval

The City of Menomonie Plan Commission this week recommended that the Menomonie City Council approve an estimated $18 million to $20 million student housing and retail project being proposed by Eau Claire-based AHMC Asset Management.

The two-acre parcel to be developed is located at 503 S. Broadway, the site of the former Leever's Super Market. The building has been vacant for about the past seven years.

AHMC's proposal calls for developing about 55,700 square feet in two, four-story buildings. The former grocery store facility would be demolished. About 32,000 square feet will be dedicated for retail development.

"I really don't have any comment at this time," said AHMC Asset Management President and CEO Cary Osborn, who added that a public hearing takes place before the city council on June 7th.

The two-phase project would include the Menomonie Market Food Co-op on the first floor of one of the buildings with 62 apartment units developed above. The second phase of the project would include more retail on the first floor and another three floors of upscale student housing. The complex would also include 216 underground parking spaces.

If approved, John Hamilton of Minneapolis-based UrbanWorks, who is designing the project, stated that the first phase of the development would be scheduled for completion in August, 2011. The second phase would occur two years later. TBL