WAUWATOSA, Wis. – A former landfill known as Mount Tosa is being considered for redevelopment as an industrial building or a two-story driving range by an Elm Grove developer interested in the 18-acre site.
Since late May, Wauwatosa officials have been in negotiations with Luther Group Acquisition, LLC, for the purchase of the lot. Discussions took place during a closed session of the Community Development Authority on Sept. 19, with no official decisions made. The group plans to reconvene on Oct. 24 for further discussion.
Another proposal for the site is Tosa Golf, a two-story driving range that would include dining, a bar, event space, and a pro shop.
During the CDA’s June 20 meeting, Chris Trudeau, the owner of Walters’ on North, presented the Tosa Golf idea. Trudeau intends to move forward with his plans for the project, even though he has not made an offer to purchase the site yet. He is considering incorporating pickleball into the plans and will be meeting with a landfill expert.
Despite ongoing negotiations with Luther Group, Trudeau is committed to refining his proposal for Tosa Golf and being prepared in case the other offer falls through.
This marks the second proposal Luther Group has submitted in the past five years for the vacant land.
Previously, in 2019, Luther Group proposed a warehouse development in response to a request for proposals by the CDA. However, the CDA ultimately rejected that proposal, as well as a separate proposal by Wangard Partners Inc. for an industrial project. The site is currently zoned as “Light Industrial.”
Luther Group’s latest proposal for a speculative industrial building mirrors their 2019 submission. Founder Jason Luther highlighted the low vacancy rates for industrial space in the metro area and the potential for securing tenants before construction is completed.
During the Sept. 19 meeting, Ald. Joseph Makhlouf expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns over Luther Group’s stalled housing project at Wauwatosa and North avenues.
In 2022, Luther Group received approval for the Cornerstone Village Wauwatosa, a five-story apartment development catering to people with disabilities. Delays in the project were attributed to economic factors and the withdrawal of their partner, Ablelight.
Jason Luther assured the CDA that updates on the housing project would be provided soon, acknowledging the frustrations with the lack of progress.
