Challenge

Transforming the historic Nunn Bush Shoe Factory into a modern, mixed-use affordable housing and enterprise center required navigating a complex web of preservation mandates, funding sources, and community expectations. Retaining the building’s historic character while upgrading for code, accessibility, and energy efficiency demanded precise coordination among the architect, preservation agencies, and funding partners. Adding to the challenge, completing demolition, remediation, and full renovation through Milwaukee’s winter season left no room for schedule slack, Catalyst had to preserve masonry facades, expose timber ceilings, and integrate new systems without compromising historic integrity or delaying occupancy.

Solution

Catalyst Construction led as construction manager, executing a phased, tightly sequenced plan that connected preservation, pre-construction, and build. Our non-self-perform model delivered competitive subcontractor bids targeted to both historic restoration and modern systems. We closely coordinated with Continuum Architects to preserve iconic features, brick, high ceilings, and the U-shaped layout, while installing new infrastructure and coordinating selective demolition, including removing a mid-century addition to open a courtyard. Our pre-construction strategies aligned construction sequencing with funding milestones (historic tax credits, WHEDA, city grants), ensuring mobilization even through winter.

Impact

• 59 new loft apartments, blending market-rate and affordable units, delivered with ADA accessibility.
• 38,000 sq. ft. of enterprise and nonprofit office space, fueling economic development and supporting local organizations.
• Preserved historic character while achieving modern energy efficiency and code compliance.
• Community revitalization impact: transformed a long-vacant industrial site into a hub for housing, jobs, and innovation in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood.
• Recognized with the ABC Wisconsin Projects of Distinction Gold Award (2018) for restoration and renovation excellence.