By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater officials have praised a revised set of plans associated with the planned overhaul of the American Legion building.
Developer Mike Kachel of DLK Enterprises went before the city’s Plan and Architectural Review Commission on March 9 with a revised set of plans for the proposed conversion of the Legion’s Post 173 banquet hall and restaurant, 292 Wisconsin St., into a 10-unit senior development.
In November, Kachel provided commissioners with a rough sketch of his plans for the site. At the time, concerns were raised about a perceived lack of specificity in how some of the refinements would take shape.
When commissioners first combed through Kachel’s plans last fall, a conditional-use permit was granted with the understanding more details would be furnished at a later date.
When he returned earlier this month, Kachel provided the appointed body with a number of additional details, including building materials, landscaping plans and the specific location of parking accommodations. Commissioners approved all of those elements at the most recent meeting.
Kachel’s latest sets of plans call for parking spaces to be placed at the front of the building, which resulted in commentary during the recent reviews.
“I’d rather see the parking spaces in the back of the building and the greenery in front,” commissioner Sherry Stanek said.
By retrofitting the existing building, City Planner Chris Munz-Pritchard said having the parking spaces at the front, rather than the back, of the building is likely the most prudent move.
“I’m not disagreeing with you,” Munz-Pritchard said to Stanek’s comment, “but that might not be possible, given the slope of the building.”
During the comb-through of plans, Stanek also praised the incorporation of vegetation at different portions of the site.
“From an urban forestry perspective, the number of native plans you’ve included is phenomenal,” Stanek said. “I really appreciate that.”
Greg Meyer, who chairs the Plan and Architectural Review Commission, also praised the revised plans Kachel presented city officials.
“My thanks for bringing this back,” Meyer said. “It looks really good. I think you did a really good job.”
During a public comment portion of the meeting, several residents weighed in on the plans and asked that care be put into the plans, given the property’s high-profile location and proximity to the downtown area.
“I want to make sure there’s a lot more thought put into it,” resident Brienne Diebolt-Brown said.
Although a firm timetable on the conversion project is not set in stone, Kachel said his goal is to begin the project in the near future.
“The Legion would like (the transaction) to close soon,” he said.
Kachel has overseen other residential housing projects in Whitewater. Previous developments under his purview also have had a senior housing component, including the Blackhawk Manor site within the city.
Under this new set of plans, was there any mention of the building also being used for veterans as previously stated on social media by Mr. Kachel?