ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Developers want to bring more affordable housing to the Green Bay area and an old assisted living facility in Ashwaubenon could soon help fill the void.
San Luis Manor, just off Cormier Road, has sat empty for a year. It could soon become “The Gridiron,” an affordable living option for people who want to call Ashwaubenon home.
St. John’s Homeless Shelter executive director, Alexia Wood, is helping bring the project to life.
“It’s right in the heart of the Greater Green Bay Area and so households or couples or singles who are just starting out or raising their family can be right in the midst of it.”
The proposed facility would offer rent at market rates, but not be income restricted. Wood tells FOX 11 it’s exactly what the area needs.
“What we found is just families and individuals are the working class here in our community and often times they struggle to find housing that fits their household budget.”
Developers say “The Gridiron” will also be unique with tenants trading some of their square footage for larger community spaces.
Wood said, “with the community gardens, or fitness area, over sized living rooms, dining hall is its really offering that opportunity for people to get outside of their apartments and engage with neighbors again.”
Units will each have their own kitchenette and bathroom. Sizes will range from studios to 4-bedroom units.
Wood says it’s the shared space that makes this project different.
“You are welcome to cook your meal in your apartment each night but there’s also this community gathering space, this dining area, where you can share your meal with your neighbors and be able to create that organic relationship through a conversation over a shared meal.”
Some neighbors have their concerns with the proposal.
Charles Howes of Ashwaubenon said, “there are multiple uses in there that they did not detail for us.”
But many at Tuesday night’s neighborhood meeting support the plan.
Sandy Pomerening of Ashwaubenon said, “overall I am in favor of it and helping out other people.”
Carrie Arnold of Ashwaubenon said, “I just think that the time has come to really thinking about housing, affordable housing and caring for one another.”
The village’s planning commission is scheduled to debate “The Gridiron” on August 4th. The full village board is scheduled to vote on the development at the end of August.
Construction could start this year and be done by next, if it gets approved.
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