Samapa Development Completes $23M Hotel Conversion in Metro Milwaukee

WAUWATOSA, WIS. — Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Samapa Development, has completed Waterfair Apartments in Wautosa. The 146-unit, eight-story project was formerly a 198-unit Sonesta Hotel with convention space. Kraus Anderson served as general contractor, and Continuum Architects + Planners was the architect. The Milwaukee Business Journal reports the development cost was approximately $23 million. While not a traditional affordable housing development backed by tax credits, Waterfair offers apartments that are 15 to 20 percent below area asking rents. Samapa says efficiencies gained from the existing concrete structure and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems created a pathway to delivering more affordable rents. Construction of the adaptive reuse project began in January of this year. The property is located in the Wauwatosa Research Park District at 10499 Innovation Drive. Amenities include a community room, fitness center, media room, coffee lounge conference rooms, a patio and commercial office space.