Historic Industrial Redevelopment into Mixed-Use Housing in Delavan
Brass Works is a 102,000-square-foot mixed-use redevelopment located at 820 E. Wisconsin Street in Delavan, Wisconsin. Completed in 2020, the project transformed the historic George W. Borg Corporation manufacturing facility into 73 affordable workforce apartments and 1,073 square feet of street-level commercial space. Originally constructed between 1943 and 1956, the former industrial building supported World War II manufacturing, producing ammunition components for the U.S. military. The redevelopment preserves this industrial heritage while introducing modern loft-style residences and commercial opportunities.
General Capital worked with the National Park Service to preserve the building's historic character through extensive brick restoration, historically accurate windows, and carefully integrated architectural improvements. The development also includes resident gathering spaces and flexible commercial space featuring exposed brick, glass garage doors, and indoor-outdoor access. Supported by affordable housing tax credits, historic preservation incentives, and City of Delavan tax increment financing (TIF), Brass Works demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve a community landmark while expanding housing and business opportunities.
Key Themes
- Historic industrial adaptive reuse transforming a WWII-era manufacturing facility.
- Architectural preservation restoring original brickwork, windows, and industrial character.
- Mixed-use redevelopment combining affordable workforce housing with commercial opportunities.
- Public-private financing leveraging housing credits, historic incentives, and municipal TIF.
- Community revitalization returning a historic industrial landmark to productive use.
Results
- 102,000 SF mixed-use redevelopment completed in 2020.
- 73 affordable workforce apartments created within the historic facility.
- 1,073 SF of commercial space delivered at street level.
- Historic brickwork and windows restored throughout the former manufacturing building.
- Loft-style residences and commercial storefronts integrated into the preserved structure.