Historic Convent Redevelopment into Affordable Housing in Milwaukee
Chapel Garden Apartments is a 63-unit affordable housing community located on the historic School Sisters of St. Francis campus along Layton Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Completed in 2023, the development represents the final phase of General Capital's longstanding redevelopment efforts on the campus, building upon its earlier renovation of Maria Linden, a residential care apartment complex (RCAC). The project transformed the oldest portion of the former convent into 59 affordable apartments while converting the historic carriage house into four townhome residences. The adaptive reuse preserves the architectural character and heritage of the original buildings while introducing modern living spaces that support the continued use of this significant Milwaukee property.
To ensure the redevelopment respected the historic character of the campus, General Capital worked closely with McQuillen Heritage Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the National Park Service throughout the design and preservation process. The project required a complex financing structure combining Housing Tax Credits, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, WHEDA Housing Trust Funds, City of Milwaukee tax increment financing (TIF), a seller note, and traditional bank financing. These resources made it possible to preserve and repurpose the historic structures while expanding access to affordable housing. Chapel Garden Apartments completes the long-term revitalization of the School Sisters of St. Francis campus, demonstrating General Capital's expertise in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and multifaceted affordable housing development.
Key Themes
- Historic adaptive reuse transforming a former convent into affordable housing.
- Architectural preservation protecting the heritage of a landmark Milwaukee campus.
- Complex financing strategy combining housing credits, historic credits, and public funding.
- Collaborative preservation process involving state and federal historic preservation agencies.
- Long-term campus revitalization completing General Capital's redevelopment of the historic property.
Results
- 63 affordable housing units delivered in 2023.
- 59 apartments created within the historic former convent building.
- Four townhomes developed through adaptive reuse of the carriage house.
- Six financing sources combined to support historic preservation and redevelopment.
- Final redevelopment phase completed on the School Sisters of St. Francis campus.