In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, there is an area known as Mount Tosa, which was formerly a landfill. An Elm Grove developer has expressed interest in purchasing the 18-acre site to potentially build an industrial building or a two-story driving range. Negotiations have been ongoing with Luther Group Acquisition, LLC since May, and the Community Development Authority will reconvene to discuss the offer further in October.
Another proposal for the site is Tosa Golf, a two-story driving range concept that would include dining, a bar, event space, and a pro shop. This proposal was put forward by Chris Trudeau, the owner of Walters’ on North. Trudeau plans to move forward with his project despite the negotiations between the city and Luther Group. He is considering incorporating pickleball into the plans and will be meeting with a landfill expert to explore the feasibility of the project.
This is not the first time Luther Group has submitted a proposal for the vacant land at Mount Tosa. In 2019, the development firm proposed plans for a warehouse, which was ultimately rejected by the CDA. The current proposal for a speculative industrial building is similar to the one submitted in 2019. Jason Luther, the founder of Luther Group, stated that vacancy rates for industrial space in the metro area are low, and there is often demand for such buildings by the time construction is complete.
Before going into closed session, Alderman Joseph Makhlouf raised concerns about Luther Group’s stalled housing project at Wauwatosa and North avenues. The Cornerstone Village Wauwatosa, a five-story apartment development for people with disabilities, was approved in 2022 but has faced delays. Luther attributed the delays to the economy and changes within the development team. He assured the CDA that updates on the project would be provided soon.
Overall, the proposals for Mount Tosa highlight the potential for revitalizing a previously unused area into a thriving space for industrial or recreational purposes. The negotiations between the city and Luther Group, as well as the interest from other developers like Chris Trudeau, indicate a positive outlook for the future of Mount Tosa. The decisions made by the CDA in the coming months will play a crucial role in determining the development of this site.
