Site, Landscaping, and Architectural Design Review for First Spiritualist Church of West Allis, a proposed Religious Institution Use, at 8603 W. Greenfield Ave. (Tax Key No. 451-0021-000)

The West Allis Plan Commission is reviewing a proposal for the First Spiritualist Church of West Allis to establish a religious institution at 8603 W. Greenfield Ave. The property is zoned C-2, and the proposed use is classified as Conditional in the RB district, requiring both a Conditional Use Permit and a Site, Landscaping, and Architectural Design Review.

Current Use: The existing two-story, 7,700 sq. ft. building, constructed in 1927, currently houses two mercantile uses and two residential apartments on the first floor, with four residential apartments on the second floor. The church plans to occupy Retail Unit B on the first floor, a 530 sq. ft. space.

Proposed Operations: The church will operate Monday-Friday from 9 am to 6 pm for office work, meetings, and classes. Services are planned for Wednesday evenings (6 pm-7 pm), with monthly events on weekends. The congregation is small, with under 5 staff and approximately 10 congregants.

Building Modifications: Interior changes include constructing a new drywall partition to block an existing doorway, removing and replacing the existing drop ceiling with a single layer of 5/8-inch drywall for fire separation, and updating lighting to energy-efficient LEDs. The exterior and façade will remain unchanged.

Parking and Site: The church members will park on the street along S. 86th St. or S. 87th St. The single existing parking space is used by a residential tenant. The site has limited landscaping opportunities due to setbacks. The unscreened dumpster is noted but consistent with other commercial receptacles in the alley.

Recommendation: The staff recommends approving the Conditional Use Permit and Site, Landscaping, and Architectural Design Review, subject to Common Council consideration on January 20, 2026, and submission of a signage and lighting plan if applicable.