Grafton Commons was selected by the Milwaukee Business Journal as the First Place winner in the 2009 Best New Retail Development Category. This 400,000 SF project is anchored by Costco and Kohl’s Department Stores. Other retailers include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, PetSmart, and Michael’s.
Grafton Commons was cited for its outstanding architectural design, visually attractive site design, and unique retail tenancy. Costco built its first store in the state. Dick’s built its first store in the Milwaukee metro area, and Kohl’s built the first of a new national prototype at this location. Continental not only preserved the wetlands at this site, but made it a focal point by creating an observation gazebo for pedestrians to enjoy.
The location of this project at Interstate 43 and Highway 60 allows it to draw from the wealthy north shore suburbs of Milwaukee to the City of Sheboygan. The village provided $3.8 million in tax incremental financing for public infrastructure for roads and utilities.
Grafton Commons was selected over a number of other retail projects including, most notably, the new retail concourse at Milwaukee Brewers’ Miller Park.