West Allis commission approves small-church conditional use permit and Corvino Wine façade changes

The West Allis Plan Commission approved two land-use items at its meeting: a conditional use permit and design review for the First Spiritualist Church’s storefront tenancy, and site/architectural amendments for Corvino Wine Company’s Lincoln Avenue storefront.

Emma, a city staff presenter, described the First Spiritualist Church application as a request for a religious institution conditional use in a C-2 zoned, mixed-use building. Staff said the tenancy (Unit B) occupies just under 3,000 square feet within a roughly 12,000-square-foot building. Planned weekday activity is primarily office work by trustees and small educational classes, while regular worship services were described as Wednesday evenings from 6–7 p.m. Emma said the congregation is very small—about 10 people—and staff did not expect major neighborhood impacts from regular meetings. Staff noted a building-permit package had been submitted and that Shelly in building inspection requested a disproportionality form and indicated sprinkling is required for the assembly area; staff stated the plan includes adding a 5-inch structural element to facilitate the sprinkler system.

Commissioners asked whether egress and sprinkling were addressed; staff replied the plans are under review and the sprinkling requirement applies to the assembly space. Following discussion, a motion to approve the conditional use permit passed by voice vote.

On the Corvino Wine Company item, staff described minor façade and landscaping amendments at 6038 W. Lincoln Ave that would be completed in spring 2026. Changes include replacement awnings, updated storefront windows and doors, tuckpointing, gooseneck lighting, a mural on the west façade, and about nine planter boxes in the city right-of-way. Staff recommended approval with conditions on planter placement in the right-of-way, awning materials and color, and mural dimensions. Commissioners approved the amendments by voice vote; staff noted the owner, Joe, was unable to attend the meeting.

Both approvals were recorded by voice vote; the commission did not record roll-call tallies in the transcript. Staff will follow up on building-permit requirements and signage permits for the church and will coordinate any right-of-way approvals and material submissions for Corvino.