An urban farm planned for Milwaukee's south side would feature fish, shrimp, and vegetables − and serve as a model for similar developments in other states.
Beyond Organic Corp. is proposing the five-story, 85,000-square-foot (7900m2) building at 716 W. Windlake Ave., just south of West Historic Mitchell Street. The Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee on Tuesday endorsed a proposal to grant Beyond Organic an exclusive right to negotiate a possible purchase of the city-owned parking lot.
That right would run through Nov. 30, with a three-month extension option, if approved by the council at its Feb. 7 meeting. That would give time for Beyond Organic, a nonprofit group, to approach foundations in Milwaukee and across the nation to fund the development, said Jason Korb, the project architect.
Korb spoke with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after the zoning committee vote. He's been working with Beyond Organic, which is led by Laura Michele, for about 18 months. The urban farm would use a recirculating aquaponic system.
Beyond Organic's farm would produce fish, shrimp, and vegetables, Korb said. The plans also call for retail, dining, and event space as well as classrooms.
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