Whitney School lofts in Green Bay gives life to historical building

The historical Whitney School near downtown Green Bay will soon come back to life, keeping its old charm and character. Tuesday morning the city unveiled plans for the 23 to be built inside the 38,000 square-foot building.

It's on North Webster Ave. just off Main Street and near Whitney Park. The building is over 100 years old and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Whitney School building was built in 1918 and was named after one of Green Bay's founding fathers, Daniel Whitney. In the early century the new school was a shining light for Green Bay children who were still reeling from a global flu pandemic and the Great War in Europe.

“We think that historic buildings have so much character, than the new buildings, so we're thrilled to find a jewel like this that's available to buy,” said Lindsey Bovinet, Milwaukee View Managing Partner.

The developer, Milwaukee View, plans to have 23 one and two bedroom lofts done by the end of the year. Rent would range from $1,000 to $1,800. There will also be a community room -- and the original school gym on the third floor will be converted into a fitness center.

“This project here, Whitney School, is something that we always knew could be renovated into something that the city could be very proud of, and would help us with our goals of retaining talent and attracting talent,” said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.

Milwaukee View LLC said it will add special features to keep an old-school charm. Features include limestone accents, subway tile, and school lockers for shelving.

“This is a beautiful building. Yu cannot build this building today and afford to rent it out for apartments, it wouldn't work. It would be so expensive to build so a brick building with a high ceiling -- some of the apartments have 12-foot high ceilings,” said Bovinet.

In the spring, phase 2 will break ground adding 12 owner-occupied town homes to the school property.