Abandoned Walmart in Milwaukee eyed for potential data center

The site of a former Walmart in Milwaukee, located near 60th and Capitol, is being considered for a new data processing center, according to a public hearing notice from the City of Milwaukee. The property, which includes a vacant 160,000 square foot building and surface parking, was purchased in 2022 by AFS Milwaukee LLC. Last month, the City Plan Commission approved a residential development plan for the northern portion of the parking lot. Now, plans are being proposed for the remaining 109,000 square-foot space at the rear of the building to be used as indoor self-service storage and a data processing/computer services/computer research facility. These proposed uses are not currently allowed under the existing zoning overlay. Community members are invited to provide testimony at a Plan Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 18 at 1:30 p.m. Those wishing to comment can do so in person or by emailing Planning staff prior to the meeting.