by Tess Reiss
Attention local entrepreneurs, techies, foodies, artists, hair stylists, professionals, and shopkeepers of all stripes: If you’ve got a business idea or are ready to expand your existing business, here’s a list of some of the currently available commercial spaces in Riverwest. A few spaces are good to go: roll in the furniture, hook up your computer, hang out a sign, and you’re open for business. Other spaces, though, make take a little more creativity and effort to spruce up. If you have more talent than cash on hand, some landlords are willing to exchange sweat equity for reduced rent. Some spaces include living quarters, while a few others are for sale. Of note is a cluster of vacant shops around Holton and Center, just ripe for a group of edgy entrepreneurs to pluck. BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: For information or assistance with starting up or expanding a business, contact Don Sargent, our friendly neighborhood business support specialist at Riverworks at 414/906-9650 or e-mail dons@nmidc.org. NOTE: Assessed values (for tax year 2003) and tax arrears are from the city’s web site, www.milwaukee.gov. The city does not guarantee the accuracy of the info. FOR LEASE 1932 N. Holton (& Glover) Space: 1773 square feet on the 1st floor. Features: Prime corner location at north end of bridge with sweeping views of downtown skyline. Requires build out; includes two restrooms, one is ADA. Terms: Asking approximately $1290/month foot plus utilities, with 5-year lease; terms negotiable based on capitol improvements. Built in 1904 and assessed at $131,700. Contact: Ian Elfner at Polacheck, 414/274-1657. 
2443-45 N. Holton (between Wright & Meinecke) Space: 1290 square feet on 1st floor of newly renovated, three-story building. Features: Brand new commercial space on Holton Street with cream city brick interior walls and floor to ceiling windows. Terms: Approximately $1100/month; terms negotiable based on build out requirements. Built in 1900 and assessed at $8,000 (2003 assessment does not reflect recent completion of total building renovation). Contact: Scott at Team Management, 414/273-8326. 
2670-78 N. Holton (& Center) Three spaces available on highly visible corner. Ideal for gallery, studio, or tech use. Built in 1923 and assessed at $79,700. Contact: Essential Redevelopment, 414/431-0031. 2678: Approximately 1200 square feet at corner location. Terms: $750/month with minimum two-year lease, plus utilities. Features: Storefront with factory area including showroom, bakery counter, and large display windows with forced air, circuit breakers, all new copper plumbing, and one restroom. 2670: 1500 square feet, available May 1. Terms: $750/month with minimum one-year lease, plus utilities. Features: Large display windows, terrazzo floor, and 10-foot ceilings with forced air, circuit breakers, all new copper plumbing, and one restroom. 2676: 400 square feet, available December 1. Terms: $450/month with minimum one-year lease, plus utilities. Features: Large display windows, two rooms, marble floors, and 10’8 ceilings with forced air, circuit breakers, all new copper plumbing, and one restroom. 514 E. Center (& Holton) Space: Approximately 800 square feet, available July or August 1. Features: Remodeled, open space ready for any potential use with tile floor and two restrooms. New front door and windows will be installed this spring. Terms: $700/month. Built in 1915 and assessed at $76,100. Contact: Ken Larsen, 414/963-4644. 2974 N. Fratney (& Chambers) Space: 1200 square feet of 1st floor commercial space. Features: Adjacent two-bedroom apartment with large yard and off-street parking; newly insulated building. Terms: Approximately $1000/month with minimum one-year lease, plus utilities. Built in 1910 and assessed at $135,800. Contact: Shawn Smart, 414/372-3111. FOR SALE 2100 N. Holton (& Lloyd) Space: 403 square feet, one-story commercial building on 8966 square foot lot. Features: Corner location with large, fenced parking area. Asking Price: Unavailable at press time. Built in 1954 and assessed at $21,600. Tax Arrears: $4,413.26 for tax years 2001, 2002, 2003. Contact: 414/651-2024. 3279 N. Holton (& Concordia) Space: 3043 square feet, one-story mixed-use brick building on 4400 square foot lot. Features: Includes storefront plus updated three-bedroom unit and one-car garage. Store has two baths, plenty of storage. Asking Price: $149,000. Built in 1915 and assessed at $22,500. Contact: 414/423-1500, www.shorewest.com. 
3274 N. Holton (& Concordia) Space: 5611 square feet, two-story, mixed use brick building on 3780 square foot lot. Over 3000 square feet of storefront space on 1st floor with two one-bedroom units on 2nd floor. Features: Great opportunity for storefront business with large display windows, 12-foot ceilings, attached two-car garage, loading area, and basement storage. First floor gutted out to studs ready for any potential use. Asking Price: $250,000 Built in 1926 and assessed at $92,000. Contact: Terapak Realty, 414/273-2363, www.terapakrealty.com FOR SALE OR LEASE 518-20 E. Center (& Holton) Space: 2500 square feet of retail space on 1st floor, 3-bedroom apartment on 2nd. Mixed use, two-story brick building with 5200 total square feet on 4000 square foot lot. Terms: Lease for $1750/month, plus taxes, utilities, and insurance; terms negotiable based on capitol improvements. Or for sale for $189,000. Features: Great space for coffee shop, restaurant, retail, or other use with living quarters on 2nd floor for owner/manager. Large display windows, walk-in cooler, display cases, and shelving. Built in 1928 and assessed at $70,900. Contact: Olson Management Group, 414/263-4011. 2431-37 N. Holton (between Wright & Meinecke) Space: 12,480 square feet in two-story, brick commercial building. Terms: Approximately 6000 square feet available for lease at $1500-2000/month, plus heat, with warehouse, some office space, and restroom. Or entire building for sale, with loading dock and garages on 7800 square foot lot, for $250,000. Built in 1949 and assessed at $114,000. Contact: Ken Larsen, 414/963-4644