Kelly Construction & Design served as the general contractor for W Point Lofts, a 19,757-square-foot adaptive reuse project that transformed the historic “Borger Building” into boutique residential apartments in Milwaukee. Originally constructed in the 1850s by owner and merchant John Borger for his general merchandise store, the building has served a variety of commercial purposes over the last century and a half. When construction began, much of the original structure remained intact — presenting both an opportunity for preservation and a complex structural challenge.
The project was completed under Historic Tax Credit guidelines administered by the National Park Service, requiring strict adherence to preservation standards throughout the construction process. Every phase of work — from structural stabilization to finish restoration — was carefully executed to maintain the building’s historic integrity while integrating modern systems and residential functionality.
Originally comprised of two attached structures that functioned independently, the building required significant structural intervention to unify and stabilize the property. Kelly Construction & Design led the restoration effort, including installation of a new rear foundation, construction of two new stair towers, and selective rebuilding of roof and floor sections that had deteriorated due to a prior fire and long-term roof failure. These structural upgrades were critical to ensuring long-term performance while preserving as much of the original building fabric as possible.
A small addition was constructed to house new stair and elevator access, providing modern life-safety compliance and accessibility while remaining architecturally sensitive to the historic structure. Throughout the process, KCD coordinated closely with Dan Beyer Architects and preservation consultants to meet tax credit requirements and inspection benchmarks.
The completed redevelopment features 12 one-bedroom apartments, each designed to highlight the building’s industrial heritage. Original exposed brick walls, timber ceilings, and structural wood beams were preserved and restored, creating authentic loft-style interiors. In a unique nod to the building’s past, existing historic fire doors were repurposed as sliding barn doors for the bedroom units — blending sustainability with character-driven design.
Each residence was constructed with open-concept kitchen and living areas, hardwood flooring, in-unit washer and dryer, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems integrated within the historic shell. The basement was converted into dedicated storage units for tenants, adding practical functionality without compromising the historic aesthetic. Off-street parking was also incorporated to meet modern residential needs.
W Point Lofts stands as a testament to Kelly Construction & Design’s expertise in historic preservation, structural stabilization, and adaptive reuse construction. Through disciplined project management, detailed craftsmanship, and strict compliance with National Park Service standards, the Borger Building has been reimagined as a distinctive boutique apartment community — honoring Milwaukee’s architectural past while delivering modern urban living.
