The closed University Club on downtown’s east side is being sold to a Northwestern Mutual affiliate.
The company isn’t yet disclosing specific plans for the six-story, 58,125-square-foot building, 924 E. Wells St., which was constructed in 1926.
“As an active real estate investor, Northwestern Mutual is a steward of our downtown Milwaukee campus and neighboring area and the opportunity to invest in the University Club property allows us to ensure the building continues to serve as a prominent, thriving downtown hub for the Milwaukee community,” said a company statement issued Monday.
“We plan to share Northwestern Mutual’s intended use for the building in the near future,” added Julia Fennelly, senior director of strategic communications and corporate reputation.
Terms of the pending sale, first reported by Urban Milwaukee, weren’t disclosed. The property’s assessed value is $2.7 million, according to city records.
University Club in December closed its downtown operations due to declining membership, maintenance issues and growing restaurant competition.
University Club continues to operate its golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool at 7401 N. 43rd St., Brown Deer.
The club’s downtown property is just northeast of where Northwestern Mutual is redeveloping an 18-story office building, 818 E. Mason St., to help house around 2,000 employees relocating from the company’s Franklin operations. That project is to be completed in early 2027.
Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook.
St. Bernard Parish, a Catholic church on the edge of Wauwatosa’s downtown village area, will close and the property will be sold to a developer, its pastor said in a letter to parishioners on Sunday.
Church operations will merge with its sister parish, Christ King, said the Rev. Phillip Bogacki, pastor of both St. Bernard and Christ King. The merged parish will move entirely to the Christ King campus, and use its name, Bogacki said.
The closure of St. Bernard, at 1500 N. Wauwatosa Ave., follows the shuttering at the end of the last school year of the adjoining Wauwatosa Catholic School because of a financial deficit and low student enrollment.
Beyond that, the move reflects what is happening to scores of houses of worship nationwide facing existential threats such as declining membership, aging congregations and an unwinnable financial situation.
Bogacki called attention in his letter to changes in demographics and churchgoing habits in Wauwatosa, a city of about 48,000 people with five Catholic parishes and six more nearby. As is the story elsewhere in the country, Catholic institutions were at their peak in the 1950s and 60s, and a downturn began in the 1970s. People began to have fewer children, and the high concentration of Catholic churches and schools in the area no longer fits the needs of residents.
“Our area parishes — as a group — have been operating far below their intended capacity for several decades,” he said. “The moment to choose to change our trajectory is now.”
Other local Catholic churches have closed, merged
Parish leaders have chosen a developer to whom they will sell the St. Bernard property, and proceeds of the sale will serve as an infusion of cash to carry the newly merged parish forward, Bogacki said.
The St. Bernard campus will continue to be used while the new developer, who was not named in Bogacki’s letter, seeks approval for its plans from the city. That could take six to nine months, he said.
“I am confident about our future. I challenge us to become larger and more robust than our two parishes within the next few years,” Bogacki said. “God placed us in this moment to create something new and exciting.”
St. Bernard joins other local Catholic parishes that have merged with neighboring churches. Last year St. Florian Parish in West Milwaukee shut down and merged with Holy Assumption Parish in West Milwaukee. In 2021, the Catholic parish in Riverwest, Our Lady of Divine Providence, decommissioned its Our Lady of Czestochowa location after it sat unused for years.
When St. Bernard Parish held its first Mass in 1911, it became the first Catholic church in Wauwatosa. Construction on the current parish complex began in 1962.
Wauwatosa Catholic School, the elementary school on the grounds, was operated jointly by St. Bernard and St. Pius X parishes beginning in 2011.
Milwaukee, WI, is a vibrant Midwestern city with a rich history, quaint neighborhoods, and views of Lake Michigan. Residents are drawn to the city for its thriving arts scene, delicious food, and friendly Midwestern charm. The median home sale price in Milwaukee is $175,500, while the average rent is $1,174.
So, if you’re considering a move to Milwaukee, Redfin has you covered. We’ve got a list of 18 popular Milwaukee neighborhoods to explore this year. From the charming Bay View neighborhood to the bustling Brady Street, there is something for everyone, whether you’re buying a home or renting an apartment in Milwaukee.
1. Bay View
Bay View is located in the southeastern part of Milwaukee. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and venues. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Humboldt Park and South Shore Park, which offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Bay View is rich in history, with many historic buildings and landmarks scattered throughout the area. Whether you’re looking for a charming historic home or a sleek modern apartment, Bay View has options to suit every taste and budget.
Median Sale Price: $295,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,050 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,535
Homes for Sale in Bay View | Apartments for Rent in Bay View
2. Brady Street
Brady Street is located in the heart of Lower East Side. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of restaurants, bars, and shops along Brady Street. The neighborhood offers a mix of housing options, including apartments and townhouses.
Median Sale Price: $388,000
Homes for Sale in Brady Street | Apartments for Rent in Brady Street
3. Brewer’s Hill
Brewer’s Hill is north of downtown Milwaukee. It’s named after the historic breweries that once operated in the area. Today, the neighborhood is known for its mix of historic homes, modern developments, and stunning views of the city skyline. Brewer’s Hill offers a variety of housing options, including historic Victorian homes, contemporary townhouses, and modern apartments.
Median Sale Price: $352,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,085 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,360
Homes for Sale in Brewer’s Hill | Apartments for Rent in Brewer’s Hill
4. Historic Third Ward
Historic Third Ward is along the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s known for its historic charm, with many well-preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century. The neighborhood has numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. The Historic Third Ward is also home to the Milwaukee Public Market, a popular destination for food lovers.
Historic Third Ward offers many housing options, including loft-style apartments, condos, and townhouses—the architectural styles range from historic warehouses converted into modern lofts to contemporary new developments.
Median Sale Price: $468,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,795 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,800
Homes for Sale in Historic Third Ward | Apartments for Rent in Historic Third Ward
5. Jackson Park
Jackson Park is located in the southwestern part of Milwaukee and is a residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes. This suburban neighborhood is home to Kinnickinnic River Parkway and Jackson Park is a large green space with walking trails, sports fields, and a golf course. Jackson Park primarily consists of single-family homes with a mix of architectural styles, including ranch, colonial, and Cape Cod.
Median Sale Price: $250,000
Homes for Sale in Jackson Park | Apartments for Rent in Jackson Park
6. Juneau Town
Juneau Town, also called East Town, is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues like the Rotary Amphitheater and the Marcus Performing Arts Center. The neighborhood also has several historic landmarks, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee City Hall, and the Pabst Theater. Juneau Town offers easy access to the city’s cultural attractions and business district.
Juneau Town features a mix of housing options, including high-rise apartments, condos, and historic townhouses. The architectural styles in the neighborhood range from modern and contemporary to historic and Victorian.
Median Sale Price: $363,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,385 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,195
Homes for Sale in Juneau Town | Apartments for Rent in Juneau Town
7. King Park
King Park is a residential area outside of downtown. The neighborhood is centered around the beautiful King Park, which offers green spaces and recreational facilities. The architectural styles in King Park vary, with influences from Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival designs. Whether you’re looking for a charming historic home or a contemporary living space, King Park has something to offer.
Median Sale Price: $400,000
Homes for Sale in King Park | Apartments for Rent in King Park
8. Lincoln Village
Lincoln Village is located in northern Milwaukee. The neighborhood has several parks, including Lincoln Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, picturesque trails along the Milwaukee River, and picnic areas. Whether you’re looking for a spacious home or a cozy apartment, Lincoln Village has options to suit different preferences.
Median Sale Price: $127,000
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $775
Homes for Sale in Lincoln Village | Apartments for Rent in Lincoln Village
9. Lower East Side
Lower East Side is a vibrant neighborhood with a lively atmosphere. The neighborhood is situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering beautiful views and access to the lakefront. Lower East Side is home to the famous Brady Street, with plenty of local shops and restaurants. The neighborhood features a combination of historic buildings and modern developments—architectural styles in Lower East Side range from Victorian-era homes to contemporary high-rise apartments.
Median Sale Price: $276,250
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,655 Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,427
Homes for Sale in Lower East Side | Apartments for Rent in Lower East Side
10. Merrill Park
Merrill Park is a charming residential neighborhood known for green spaces. The neighborhood is home to Merrill Park, a popular recreational area with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. Whether you’re looking for a cozy home or a modern apartment, Merrill Park has options to suit different preferences.
Median Sale Price: $37,800
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $645 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,400
Homes for Sale in Merrill Park | Apartments for Rent in Merrill Park
11. Midtown
Midtown is a centrally located neighborhood known for its residential areas and easy access to downtown. In this area, you can find the Charles Abresch House, a historic landmark, and Tiefenthaler Park, a popular green space to enjoy picnics. The neighborhood features a combination of historic homes and modern developments. Architectural styles in Midtown range from Victorian-era houses to contemporary townhouses.
Median Sale Price: $104,000
Homes for Sale in Midtown | Apartments for Rent in Midtown
12. Riverwest
Riverwest is known for its artistic community and eclectic atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, music venues, and locally-owned shops. Major attractions in the area include the Kilbourn Reservoir Park, where you can see the city’s skyline, and Gordon Park, which offers green spaces and a playground. Riverwest features a combination of historic homes and modern apartments.
Median Sale Price: $275,000
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,075
Homes for Sale in Riverwest | Apartments for Rent in Riverwest
13. Sherman Park
Sherman Park is a residential neighborhood with a community feeling. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Sherman Park, which offers green spaces, sports fields, and a swimming pool. Sherman Park offers a variety of single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments.
Median Sale Price: $85,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $650 Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $750
Homes for Sale in Sherman Park | Apartments for Rent in Sherman Park
14. Story Hill
Story Hill is a picturesque neighborhood in western Milwaukee. It’s known for its hilly terrain and scenic views of the city. The neighborhood has several parks, including Mitchell Boulevard Park and Doyne Park, which offer green spaces and walking trails. You can also find American Family Field in Story Hill, home to the Milwaukee Brewers team.
Story Hill features a mix of housing types and architectural styles. The neighborhood offers a range of options, from historic Victorian homes to modern townhouses. Architectural styles in Story Hill vary, with influences from Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival designs.
Median Sale Price: $379,750
Homes for Sale in Story Hill | Apartments for Rent in Story Hill
15. Walker’s Point
Walker’s Point is known for its colorful atmosphere and historic charm. This neighborhood is home to a variety of attractions, including trendy restaurants, art galleries, and breweries. Residents can enjoy beautiful parks and historic places, such as The Laughing Tap and the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum.
Walker’s Point offers a mix of housing types and architectural styles. There is something for everyone, from historic Victorian homes to modern loft apartments. The neighborhood’s unique blend of old and new creates a diverse and eclectic community.
Median Sale Price: $90,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,650 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,875
Homes for Sale in Walker’s Point | Apartments for Rent in Walker’s Point
16. Washington Heights
Washington Heights is charming, with tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and historic homes. It’s a residential neighborhood, but some restaurants are along West North Avenue. The area is also home to the William S. Harley Mansion, home to one of the Harley-Davidson founders. Washington Heights features a variety of housing types, including Tudor-style homes, bungalows, and craftsman houses. The architectural styles in this neighborhood reflect its rich history and offer a unique living experience.
Median Sale Price: $306,500
Homes for Sale in Washington Heights | Apartments for Rent in Washington Heights
17. Washington Park
Washington Park is just east of Washington Heights. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Residents can enjoy the lush green spaces of Washington Park, which features a lagoon, tennis courts, and a bandshell for outdoor concerts. From cozy bungalows to historic brick homes, there is a wide range of choices for residents looking to call this neighborhood home.
Median Sale Price: $86,000
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $835
Homes for Sale in Washington Park | Apartments for Rent in Washington Park
18. Westown
Westown is a bustling neighborhood located in the heart of Milwaukee. It’s known for its vibrant entertainment district, which includes The Riverside Theater, the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Miller High Life Theatre, and the Milwaukee Riverwalk. Residents can also enjoy the beautiful parks, such as Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square. Westown offers many housing options, including modern high-rise apartments and historic loft conversions.
Median Sale Price: $212,000
Homes for Sale in Westown | Apartments for Rent in Westown
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during November 2023.
With the scenic beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the charming towns in Door County, and vibrant cities like Milwaukee, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Wisconsin. If you’ve been considering moving to Wisconsin or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. As of July, the median home sale price in Wisconsin is $344,900.
Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of 10 of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Racine
Median home price: $185,000
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $840
Median household income: $44,346
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (30 miles)
Racine, WI homes for sale
Racine, WI apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $185,000, Racine takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Wisconsin. About 30 miles away from Milwaukee, the nearest metro, Racine is home to roughly 77,800 people. Living in Racine, you can take in the views of Lake Michigan from the Racine Overlook or Racine Breakwater Lighthouse. You can also spend a beach day at Racine North Beach, and check out the shops, museums, and restaurants in downtown Racine.
#2: Milwaukee
Median home price: $206,000
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,480
Median household income: $43,125
Milwaukee, WI homes for sale
Milwaukee, WI apartments for rent
Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Wisconsin is Milwaukee. When living in this city of 577,200 people, you can spend time outside exploring Mitchell Park Domes, Lincoln Park, and Havenwoods State Forest, or enjoy the day at McKinley Beach. Make sure to check out the Milwaukee Riverwalk District, and visit museums like the Milwaukee Art Museum if you move to Milwaukee.
#3: Oshkosh
Median home price: $222,000
Average sale price per square foot: $137
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $899
Median household income: $51,282
Nearest major metro: Green Bay (50 miles)
Oshkosh, WI homes for sale
Oshkosh, WI apartments for rent
Third is Oshkosh where about 66,800 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $222,000 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in Wisconsin. Make sure to visit Asylum Point Lighthouse overlooking Lake Winnebago, grab a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and visit one of the museums like Paine Art Center and Gardens or Oshkosh Public Museum if you move to the third most affordable city.
#4: La Crosse
Median home price: $232,500
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $849
Median household income: $43,125
Nearest major metro: Madison (140 miles)
La Crosse, WI homes for sale
La Crosse, WI apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Oshkosh is the city of La Crosse. There are several top attractions you may want to see in La Crosse. Make sure to check out Riverside Park located along the Mississippi River, visit the iconic Grandad Bluff Park offering panoramic views of La Crosse, and explore museums like the Dahl Auto Museum or the World’s Largest Six-Pack landmark.
#5: West Allis
Median home price: $245,000
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $43,125
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (7 miles)
West Allis, WI homes for sale
West Allis, WI apartments for rent
Another great affordable city to consider moving to is West Allis. With 60,300 residents, moving to this affordable place gives you the perks of city-life without living in a major metropolitan area. Living in West Allis, you can visit McCarty Park where you’ll find McCarty Pond, check out the events at Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, and visit the Milwaukee County Zoo just over in Milwaukee.
#6: Kenosha
Median home price: $246,500
Average sale price per square foot: $161
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,044
Median household income: $56,113
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (40 miles)
Kenosha, WI homes for sale
Kenosha, WI apartments for rent
Another noteworthy city on our list is Kenosha, where you’ll find the home prices are about $100K less than the state’s average. Kenosha has about 99,900 residents and is a great city to consider living in this year. There are lots of activities to do in this city such as exploring the Kenosha Sand Dunes where you’ll find trails and views of Lake Michigan or spending the day at Simmons Island Beach. You can also check out one of the museums like Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, or the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, among many other local favorites.
#7: Appleton
Median home price: $258,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,325
Median household income: $61,475
Nearest major metro: Green Bay (32 miles)
Appleton, WI homes for sale
Appleton, WI apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable places to live in Wisconsin is Appleton. With a population of close to 75,600, Appleton is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as the major metropolitan cities in Wisconsin. If you find yourself moving to this city make sure to check out museums like the Hearthstone Historic House Museum and The History Museum at the Castle, visit Sunset Park, and explore the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve.
#8: Janesville
Median home price: $259,000
Average sale price per square foot: $159
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,034
Median household income: $55,914
Nearest major metro: Madison (40 miles)
Janesville, WI homes for sale
Janesville, WI apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Wisconsin for some time, you may know our eighth city – Janesville. About 65,600 people live in Janesville, located in southern Wisconsin about 40 miles south of Madison. Be sure to visit the Rotary Botanical Gardens with over 20-acres of paths and gardens, visit the downtown Janesville area, and hike the Ice Age Trail once living in Janesville.
#9: Green Bay
Median home price: $287,450
Average sale price per square foot: $147
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $899
Median household income: $52,214
Nearest major metro: Milwaukee (117 miles)
Green Bay, WI homes for sale
Green Bay, WI apartments for rent
With a population of about 107,400, Green Bay is a great place to consider moving to in Wisconsin. Popular things to do in Green Bay include watching a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, visiting outdoor spots like the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center, and exploring the riverfront restaurants, shops, and museums.
#10: Eau Claire
Median home price: $300,000
Average sale price per square foot: $161
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $795
Median household income: $59,705
Nearest major metro: Minneapolis (95 miles)
Eau Claire, WI homes for sale
Eau Claire, WI apartments for rent
The final city to make our list is Eau Claire. This city has a population of 69,400 and you can visit the lakeside Carson Park where you can find trails and local history museums, stroll through downtown Eau Claire, and check out the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire campus. There’s always something to check out while living in Eau Claire.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Wisconsin. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.