The Leader

With the help of her family and friends, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee junior Tessa Banks moved into her first home away from home, the newly renovated Kenilworth Square Apartments, which are located between Prospect Avenue and Farwell Avenue.

“I like it,” Banks said. “I think they made it look very modern.”

Banks, who transferred from UW-Baraboo, was one of about 285 residents to move into Kenilworth since it opened on Sunday, Aug. 20. That day marks about a year and a half since construction began.

About one-third of Kenilworth’s residents are UWM graduate students, two-thirds are juniors and seniors, and the rest are visiting faculty and students 22-years-old and older.

“It’s difficult to open a building like this and have full occupancy,” said Scott Peak, director of University Housing. “We’re striving to get 80 percent occupancy [296 residents], and we’re getting real close.”

The Kenilworth building is a “mixed-use development,” combining retail space, parking, housing and classrooms. UWM worked closely with local architecture firm Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) to help keep some of the historical features. In 1914, the Ford Motor Company used the building as a Model T warehouse. UWM and HGA tried to keep some of that warehouse feel alive by highlighting certain features of the building.

For instance, the building is supported by tall mushroom-shaped columns, and on the second floor, a large glass garage door can slide down from the ceiling to separate a study area from a lounge area.

“A group of young architects suggested it,” said Peak. “They were afraid I’d say no. It’s a unique way of showing off the warehouse look and separating the rooms.”

Two floors were also added to the former five-floor building, and every bedroom has a window. When students look out of their room, they can see a building not very far away, giving the apartments an urban look.

The second floor will have a fitness area that will open in mid-September. Laundry is also located on the second floor, and will soon be connected to the internet so students can check the status of their laundry and which machines are available, Peak said.

Wireless internet can be used on any floor, and a large seminar room can be rented for use on the second floor. Two floors of parking totaling about 200 spaces have also been added. The first floor is pay-station public parking, and the second is for secured resident parking.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the architects submitted this project for an award,” said Peak. “It’s a beautiful building with a vibrant community and in a fantastic location.”

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