Wisconsin's Largest Affordable Housing Development

The Corliss
Affordable Housing

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In partnership with Bear Development, Kahler Slater designed The Corliss a transformative new affordable-housing community in Milwaukee’s Harbor District. Recognized as the largest affordable housing development in the State, The Corliss offers 576 units across eight thoughtfully designed buildings. Named in honor of the historic Corliss engine that once powered the area, this development brings together a mix of households by targeting income levels of 40–80% of the area median income, with 144 units dedicated specifically for seniors.

More than just a place to live, The Corliss is built for connection: residents will enjoy multiple community rooms, fitness centers, outdoor courtyards, a dog park, and pedestrian pathways. The developer preserved a sense of place by repurposing reclaimed Cream City brick and lumber, linking the buildings to the site’s industrial past. Through inclusive design, income-restricted housing, and engagement with the surrounding neighborhood, The Corliss reflects a vision for sustainable growth and belonging in the Harbor District.