Lagina Will Renovate Historic Building

to Accommodate Expanding Plumbing Business

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 4, 2006 -- Lagina Plumbing will move into a historic building on Milwaukee’s near south side to accommodate continued growth of the business. The 12,000-square-foot building is in Milwaukee’s Silver City neighborhood will become the new home of Lagina Plumbing after a renovation project restores the nearly 80-year-old structure to its original condition.

Lagina Plumbing, formerly known as Louis Schmitt Plumbing, will move from West Milwaukee to the two-story brick building at 3618 W. Pierce St. in the spring, after extensive renovation work.

“We’re excited about the opportunities this building offers our commercial plumbing business as it continues to expand,” said Jim Lagina, who recently acquired full ownership of the plumbing company from the Schmitt family. “We’re also excited about being part of the vibrant Silver City neighborhood as that area of Milwaukee continues its renaissance.”

The Pierce Street building, constructed in 1928 for General Hardware, a manufacturer, was in use for manufacturing as recently as the spring of 2006.

Based on architectural work of Eppstein Uhen Architects and build-out services of Building Service, Inc., the building’s interior will be restored. Façade work will also be undertaken, respecting the historic nature of the building and the neighborhood, known as Silver City.

“Pat Pendergast and Jennifer Herr of Eppstein Uhen Architects have done a fantastic job for us on the building design and architecture,” Lagina said. “They have come up with a simple, yet dramatic design. Through their creativity, we can breathe new life into this building. In addition, they have been a great help in ensuring that we comply with the Americans with Disability Act and with local and state building codes - issues that can curtail a project of this type.”

The interior plans call for removal of studded walls added after original construction, restoration of the original brick interior walls, and restoration of the original window openings. Two monitors, which provide sunlight through the roof, also will be restored.

Plans call for a prefabrication and prep area, reception area and conference room on the first floor. The second floor will be used for offices, a kitchen and a larger conference room.

Since Jim Lagina joined Louis Schmitt Plumbing in 2001 as a minority shareholder, business has seen dramatic growth. The company now employs 30 people and has a fleet of 16 trucks. It does a considerable amount of prefabrication work in-house. The Pierce Street building will better accommodate that work and other needs of the growing company. "Our prefabrication center allows us to work on solutions for our clients ahead of schedule, helping us to reach deadlines," Lagina said.

The business is currently in leased space at the Stadium Business Center, 1600 Miller Park Way. The new facility will provide triple the space. The company traces its history to 1895 when Louis Schmitt established his plumbing business on Milwaukee’s east side.

The new location is amid a revitalized area of the city and adjacent to the massive P&H Mining Equipment plant. Sara Puls, a commercial district specialist with the Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, called it “one of Milwaukee's most exciting neighborhoods.” 

“The Silver City neighborhood's up-and-coming momentum and its proximity to downtown, Miller Park, and the Menomonee Valley make this a perfect match,” Puls said. “Lagina Plumbing will add to the economic vitality of the Silver City Main Street district on National Avenue and to the surrounding neighborhood. Members of the Layton Boulevard West Neighbors are thrilled to welcome this community-minded company to the neighborhood.”

Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan, who represents the area, also praised the move.

“I am excited about Lagina Plumbing coming to the area,” Donovan said. “Lagina Plumbing will be a great addition to the community and will make the neighborhood even stronger. I look forward to working with Mr. Lagina and welcome him to the 8th District.”

The area was not the original focus when Lagina was considering a move. But real estate broker Robert Conklin, of Conklin Real Estate Services, urged Lagina to expand his focus.

“We tried to broaden the scope of the properties and the geographic area for the building search,” Conklin said.

With that wider view, the nearby 3618 W. Pierce St. building owned by the WHM Co. came into the picture.

“It turned out to be a real positive, since the neighborhood is so good and the building is so close to the company’s current location,” Conklin said. “And the City of Milwaukee was just great to work with, helping make this an easy process.”

While Conklin represented Lagina, Paul McBride of RFP Commercial, Inc. represented the WHM Co. in the sale.

Lagina crews were involved in the redevelopment of the Bay Shore Mall in Glendale and have worked on other key projects in the area, including the Milwaukee Public Market, St. Joseph’s Outpatient Center in Wauwatosa, the 875 East office tower in downtown Milwaukee, Ace Precision Machining in Oconomowoc, the 75,000-square-foot American Family Insurance office building in Pewaukee, and others.

Along with Eppstein Uhen Architects and Building Service, Inc., both of Milwaukee, contractors on the Pierce Street building project are Glass, Inc., Sussex, for new windows and doors, W.H. Jacklin, Inc., Milwaukee, for the HVAC system, Good Electric, Inc., Milwaukee for electricity, and Stuck Wood Works, Milwaukee, for cabinetry and millwork. Furnishing is through M&M Office Furniture.

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