An official groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 8 at the corner of Oakland Ave. and Kensington Blvd. when almost 50 people, including Village staff and trustees and business owners, gathered to learn more about The Cornerstone, Shorewood’s premier mixed-use development.

The Cornerstone will feature three and four stories with 25 luxury apartments, a dynamic courtyard and approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of first floor retail space. Anchored by Alterra Coffee and also including a bar/restaurant, wine retailer/wine bar and a woman’s clothing boutique, the vibrant retail space will act as a community gathering place. When completed, this development at Shorewood’s most northern border will literally provide “the cornerstone” for the gateway into Shorewood’s vibrant business district. Construction has already begun, with the retailers and first apartments anticipated to open in early fall 2010. The building will be completed in fall 2010.

The Cornerstone is being developed by WiRED Properties, a competition-winning development firm based in Milwaukee. According to WiRED owner Blair Williams, “Construction of The Cornerstone is an exceptional opportunity to create an innovative development that brings together upscale apartment living and retail space under one roof. Our passion for community allows us to introduce a unique property at the northern gateway to Shorewood - truly a cornerstone of fine living and shopping.”