Lack of affordable housing is an obstacle for many college students. The cost of housing compounded by the cost of tuition can lead to students living in less than desirable conditions due to inadequate financial resources, rental and credit history, and so on. These factors can negatively impact a student’s ability to succeed in school and decrease the likelihood that he or she will graduate.
Observing that many of their students combat housing insecurity, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) partnered with J. Jeffers & Co., the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and the City of Milwaukee to develop affordable housing for its students.
On August 17, 2021, MATC, J. Jeffers & Co. and local officials celebrated the opening of Westown Green Apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Former home of the historic Milwaukee Journal Sentinel property, the $29.1 million affordable housing project provides 83 apartments ranging from studios to four-bedrooms and will house 195 students.
Located at 925 North Old World Third Street in Downtown Milwaukee, within walking distance of MATC, resident students will have easy access to class and work. This affordable housing option will provide students with the stability to concentrate on their studies, graduate, and pursue career goals.
Following the ribbon cutting, guests were provided tours of the five-story, innovative development which includes amenities such as study lounges, a computer lab, club room, fitness studio, underground parking and more.
CG Schmidt was the project’s construction manager, with Eppstein Uhen Architects serving as project architect.