Mark Hammond is departing his role as Wauwatosa’s development director to join a Wisconsin nonprofit, leaving behind a legacy of major retail and land development projects.
Mark Hammond is stepping down from his role as Wauwatosa development director, marking the end of a brief but consequential tenure for the city’s economic growth strategy.. Having served for less than two years, Hammond confirmed his departure is slated for May 15 as he moves into a new chapter focused on regional housing advocacy.
He will transition to the Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corporation, where he is set to serve as senior vice president of development, construction, and acquisition.. This shift reflects a move back toward the specialized housing sector, a field where Hammond held significant experience before entering municipal government.. Reflecting on his time in office, Hammond noted the balance of professional challenge and personal connection, expressing pride in the collaborative efforts his team maintained during his tenure.
A Legacy of Targeted Development
Hammond’s time in office was characterized by a push toward modernizing key commercial corridors and resolving long-standing property hurdles.. Perhaps the most notable achievement under his guidance was the advancement of the land transfer agreement for the former Boston Store site at Mayfair Mall.. This complex deal, finalized with Brookfield Properties, paved the way for the arrival of a major Scheels sporting goods retailer, which is currently projected to open its doors by 2027.. By securing this anchor tenant, the city aims to breathe new life into one of its most vital economic zones, ensuring the site remains a competitive destination for regional shoppers.
Beyond retail, Hammond emphasized the importance of the joint master planning efforts surrounding the Milwaukee County Research Park.. Partnering with the developer Irgens, his department sought to harmonize long-term zoning needs with the evolving demands of the technology and medical corridors in the area.. These efforts were designed to position Wauwatosa as a hub for sustainable growth, bridging the gap between aging infrastructure and the modern requirements of 21st-century business tenants.. Even as he prepares to exit, Hammond has indicated that several other significant property acquisitions are in the pipeline, with official announcements expected to surface in the coming days.
The Future of Municipal Leadership
The departure of a development director often signals a pivot point for a city’s long-term planning vision.. As the city prepares to launch a search for his replacement, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the next leader will maintain the current focus on large-scale retail acquisitions or shift toward the more aggressive affordable housing models that Hammond himself is now pursuing.. Recruitment for the position is already underway, with the city aiming to have a new director in place by late summer.
This transition arrives at a time when Wisconsin municipalities are grappling with the dual pressures of rising construction costs and a persistent shortage of quality workforce housing.. Hammond’s move to a nonprofit specifically dedicated to housing preservation suggests a broader industry realization: the private sector and municipal government must align more closely to stabilize the housing market.. His experience navigating the bureaucratic complexities of Wauwatosa will likely provide him with a unique vantage point in his new role, potentially bridging the gap between city planning departments and non-profit development goals.