Aperture Apartments at the North End

Living, shopping, and rec all in one

The site for this mixed-use, multi-family project spans an entire block along the Milwaukee River. Both the client and HGA saw this as an opportunity to provide a connection with the waterway: roughly one-quarter of the units have views to the river, and a 420-foot public walkway along the river was constructed as part of the development.

The six-story building’s main façade curves along North Water Street, an important downtown thoroughfare. To take advantage of commercial opportunities, a 29,500-SF market was integrated into the building. The remainder of the building contains 168 luxury apartments that feature loft-style interiors and finishes as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. Tenants have access to such amenities as a fitness center, a clubroom, a pet-wash room, a bicycle repair shop, and a car wash studio. Visitors are impressed by the light-filled, two-story lobby, accented by a wood paneled fireplace, wood ceilings, colorful pendent lighting, and a live-wall sculpture.

Physical connections to the city were a main exterior design element and also became a driver within the interior design. The courtyard creates a respite from the city for the residents.

Public spaces were created around the idea of intentional and accidental interactions. The building’s leasing group organizes parties, bocce ball competitions, and cook-outs in the courtyard to promote social interaction.

HGA’s responsive and beautiful design helps maintain Aperture Apartment’s marketability in a competitive rental market while the structure’s vertical design and below-grade parking dovetail with the look of the neighborhood.