Milwaukee Council Will Consider Building Sale Sept. 22

The city plans to sell a foreclosed property to a local business owner for a planned mixed-use project.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of a two-story brick building with a storefront, representing urban property development in Milwaukee. — The Milwaukee City Council will review the proposed sale of a city-owned property on South 8th Street for $75,000 on Sept. 22. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your city prioritize selling foreclosed buildings to small businesses to support local neighborhoods?

The Milwaukee city council will consider the sale of a 2,576-square-foot building at 2872 S. 8th St. on Sept. 22. The city acquired the property through foreclosure in 2024 and aims to sell it to Enrique Murguia for $75,000.

Why it matters

The sale would allow a local business owner to establish a permanent location and invest $190,000 into the Polonia neighborhood. It marks a transition for the entrepreneur, who has operated a screen printing business in the city since 2014.

The property measures 2,576 square feet and dates back to 1890. The buyer plans to commit $190,000 to renovate the space for his business and residence.

The players

Enrique Murguia

He is a local entrepreneur who has managed a screen printing business in Milwaukee since 2014.

Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee

This Milwaukee legislative body reviews and provides recommendations on property sales and development proposals.

The details

The project will house a barbershop and printing business on the first floor, with the owner residing on the second floor. The site is located approximately 1.5 miles from the business's current leased location on South Kinnickinnic Avenue.

The building was originally constructed in 1890.
The screen printing business began operations in 2014.
The city acquired the building through foreclosure in 2024.
The full city council will consider the sale on Sept. 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader trend of municipal efforts to stabilize neighborhoods by transitioning tax-foreclosed properties into owner-occupied, mixed-use commercial spaces. It positions the city as a facilitator of local economic growth by vetting private investment in historically neglected corridors.

The transition of this property from a vacant foreclosed unit to an active barbershop and printing facility aims to revitalize the immediate Polonia area. Residents and local customers can expect increased commercial activity once the renovations are complete and the business opens.

The takeaway

This project highlights the potential for small-scale entrepreneurs to drive neighborhood renewal through property acquisition. Investing in historic structures can preserve community character while providing a foundation for long-term business stability.