Elm Grove's School Sisters of Notre Dame historic church and convent to be converted into apartments

A historic Elm Grove church and convent is being sold to a local development firm that plans to convert much of that space to apartments. 

Mandel Group Inc. has agreed to buy the School Sisters of Notre Dame complex, it was announced Monday. The 30-acre property is at 13105 Watertown Plank Road.

Mandel has done some preliminary work on plans to redevelop the site, but hasn't yet determined how many apartments could be built there, said Dan Romnek, a development associate at the firm.

The development would likely blend preserved buildings with new construction, he said.

The two main buildings, Notre Dame Hall and Maria Hall, are to be preserved, Romnek said.

Mandel is considering plans for the property's other buildings, some of which could be demolished, he said.

A detailed proposal is to be filed with Elm Grove officials this summer for a Plan Commission and Village Board review, Romnek said. Mandel plans to talk to neighbors before submitting those plans.

Mandel's projects include The Watermark Condominiums, and the preserved Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located directly across Watertown Plank Road from the School Sisters campus.

The Notre Dame property was listed for sale after the School Sisters decided to relocate to new housing that is planned for vacant land at Milwaukee's Mount Mary University. That move is to occur in November 2021.

Maria Hall and Notre Dame Hall "appear to be well-suited for conversion to housing and associated amenities while providing distinct apartments in the marketplace,” said Phillip Aiello, Mandel senior vice president of development.

“The walkability to the charm and convenience of downtown Elm Grove, as well as quick access to downtown Milwaukee, make it an ideal location for an apartment community,” said Aiello, in a statement.

The Mount Mary development would provide 90 two-bedroom independent living units for the sisters, and for other seniors. 

It also would include 52 assisted living units. Those apartments could eventually be converted into student housing.

Finally, Mount Mary plans to develop 16 to 24 dormitory units for single mothers who are Mount Mary students, and their children.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.