Milwaukee Entrepreneur Purchased Building for Business Hub

Enrique Murguia Jr. bought a city-owned property in the Polonia neighborhood to expand his printing and barbershop operations.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Two-story red brick commercial building on a Milwaukee street corner with unfinished wooden boards over the ground-level windows. — Entrepreneur Enrique Murguia Jr. purchased a city-owned property at 2872 S. Eighth St. in Milwaukee to expand his printing and barbershop businesses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Enrique Murguia Jr. and his father finalized the $75,000 purchase of a 2,576-square-foot building at 2872 S. Eighth St. from the City of Milwaukee. The duo plans to renovate the site to house Milwaukee OATS Screen Printing and Boomin' Barbershop.

Why it matters

By transitioning from a tenant to a property owner, Murguia aims to secure a permanent location for his businesses. The move also allows him to establish a significant presence in the neighborhood where he grew up.

The building was purchased for $75,000 following approval from the Milwaukee Common Council. Estimated renovation costs for the two-story structure are projected to reach $190,000.

The players

Enrique Murguia Jr.

He is the founder of Milwaukee OATS who has operated his businesses in the city since 2014.

Milwaukee Common Council

This is the primary legislative body of the City of Milwaukee that governs land sales and municipal approvals.

The details

Renovations at the site will include structural repairs, building system upgrades, and aesthetic improvements like larger first-floor windows. Murguia also plans to move into the upper-level apartment while designing the printing layout to be visible to barbershop patrons.

2014: Murguia launched Milwaukee OATS.
Sept. 15, 2026: A city committee held a hearing on the building sale.
Sept. 22, 2026: The Common Council approved the sale of the property.
Sept. 29, 2026: The sale of the property officially closed.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of small business owners reclaiming city-owned properties previously acquired through the City of Milwaukee tax foreclosure process. It positions Murguia as a developer within his own neighborhood, contrasting with traditional commercial leasing models.

Local customers can expect Murguia's services, including his work for clients like the Milwaukee Brewers, to consolidate at the new Polonia location. This investment stabilizes the businesses within the neighborhood, offering long-term reliability for local shoppers.

The takeaway

Property ownership offers business owners a path to long-term stability and increased community influence. Entrepreneurs looking to expand should prioritize neighborhoods where they have personal ties to ensure sustainable local impact.