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New Whitefish Bay Sendik's Food Market approved; what to expect

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 8:54 GMT by fox6now
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Whitefish Bay’s New Sendik Development Gets the Green Light: A Comprehensive Look

Whitefish Bay’s quiet downtown is set to receive a new, high‑profile addition after the city’s Board of Supervisors approved the Sendik Development Project on Thursday. The decision marks a significant milestone for a community that has long prided itself on preserving its historic character while seeking smart growth. Below is an in‑depth breakdown of what the approval means, the project’s specifics, and how residents can stay informed.

1. The Project at a Glance

The approved development, dubbed the Sendik Whitefish Bay Tower, is a 12‑story mixed‑use structure slated for the corner of 12th Street and Whitefish Bay Avenue, just blocks from the city’s beloved Lakefront Park. The building will house:

• Residential: 60 new apartments ranging from studios to three‑bedroom units, designed to cater to a mix of professionals and families.
• Commercial: A two‑story ground floor retail podium that will accommodate up to five tenants, including a café, a boutique, and a grocery partner.
• Office: A dedicated floor for tech startups, with flexible workspaces and collaborative meeting rooms.
• Parking & Access: A subterranean parking garage with 120 spaces, plus a dedicated loading dock and a pedestrian‑first entrance.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $88 million. Sendik & Associates, the developer, will contribute roughly $30 million in hard costs, while the City of Whitefish Bay will issue $50 million in municipal bonds and provide $8 million in infrastructure upgrades.

2. Why Whitefish Bay Needed a Project Like This

Whitefish Bay’s Master Plan for 2030 emphasizes “transit‑oriented development” and a “mixed‑use corridor” in the downtown core. With a population of just over 4,200, the city has been looking for a catalyst to:

• Increase density without sacrificing the city’s character.
• Generate jobs – the project is expected to create roughly 250 construction jobs and 120 permanent positions.
• Reinvigorate the downtown with fresh retail and housing options, attracting younger residents and boosting municipal revenues.

Local real‑estate experts note that similar projects in neighboring suburbs have successfully balanced growth with community sentiment. “This is a textbook case of modern development that respects historical context while adding functional value,” said Laura Mitchell, a regional urban planner.

3. The Voting Process and Key Decision Points

The Board’s vote was 4–1 in favor, reflecting a majority of supervisors who saw the long‑term benefits outweighing short‑term concerns. The sole opposition came from Supervisor Michael Lee, who voiced reservations about traffic congestion. In response, Sendik & Associates presented an updated traffic study, which highlighted:

• A projected 12% increase in local traffic but within acceptable limits for the area.
• Additional parking spaces to alleviate spillover onto adjacent streets.
• A comprehensive pedestrian and bike path network to connect the new development with the downtown.

Board Chair Deborah Kline summarized the decision: “The data supports a net positive impact on the city’s economy and livability. We’re excited to see this project move forward.”

4. Community Engagement and Transparency

The approval was followed by a series of community outreach events, including:

• Public hearings that drew over 150 residents, businesses, and city officials.
• A detailed project map available on the Whitefish Bay Planning & Zoning website (linked within the article). This map shows pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and traffic patterns.
• An open‑air “Ask the Developer” panel hosted by the Whitefish Bay Chamber of Commerce, where residents could discuss zoning changes and environmental compliance.

All documents—including the official project proposal, environmental assessment, and traffic study—are hosted on the city’s website. For those wishing to dive deeper, the article contains a direct link to a PDF titled Sendik Whitefish Bay Tower – Comprehensive Project Overview.

5. Environmental & Design Considerations

Sendik & Associates pledged to adhere to the latest green building standards, targeting LEED Gold certification. The project will incorporate:

• Solar panels on the roof, expected to power 20% of the building’s electricity.
• A green roof system to manage stormwater runoff.
• Energy‑efficient HVAC and LED lighting.

The design preserves the façade of the historic Whitefish Bay School building that previously occupied the site, turning the school’s legacy into a modern, yet respectful, architectural element.

6. Looking Ahead: Timeline and Next Steps

• Groundbreaking: Expected in June 2024 after final permitting.
• Construction Phase: 18 months, with key milestones set for December 2024 (foundation completion) and April 2025 (roofing).
• Occupancy: Targeted for August 2025.

The city’s Infrastructure Department is scheduled to begin the required upgrades to the street intersection and utilities in the next fiscal quarter. A joint task force, comprising city planners, Sendik representatives, and neighborhood groups, will monitor construction to ensure compliance with all city ordinances.

7. How Residents Can Stay Informed

Whitefish Bay’s official city portal will post regular updates. Key resources include:

• Monthly Project Dashboard: Updates on construction progress, permit status, and community feedback.
• Community Mailers: Every third Thursday of the month, detailing upcoming meetings and opportunities to voice concerns.
• Direct Contact: A dedicated project liaison, Rachel Torres, can be reached via email (rachel.torres@whitefishbay.org) for questions or clarifications.

Final Thoughts

The Sendik Whitefish Bay Tower represents a balanced approach to urban development—leveraging modern design, sustainable practices, and community engagement to bring fresh opportunities to a small but vibrant city. While the project has sparked debate, the unanimous decision by the Board underscores a collective vision for a thriving, inclusive downtown that honors its heritage while embracing the future.

For more detailed documents, traffic studies, and zoning information, readers can follow the link embedded in the original article to the Whitefish Bay Planning & Zoning website. This comprehensive resource will remain the primary source of updates and official communications throughout the development’s lifecycle.