Three buildings proposed for an empty lot at the intersection of Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road, across the street from Lambeau Field. (Photo courtesy: City of Green Bay, Fox 11 Online)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Packers will be getting some new neighbors after the green light was given Tuesday night for development proposals across the street from 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
The corner of Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road has sat empty the past eight years, but that will be changing after three proposed buildings received approval from Green Bay’s city council for zoning changes.
The nearly three-acre site used to have single-family homes and an office building, but those were taken down in 2016.
Nearby neighbors are adamant they want the prime corner property to be developed — they just don’t want their neighborhood to lose its character.
“I just feel it could be done with a little bit of compassion for the existing neighborhood,” said John Cordry, who lives across the street from the site.
The developer is proposing a building with a maximum height of 64 feet along Lombardi Avenue that would include commercial, retail and office uses.
A four-story, 24-unit apartment building would go on the corner of Ridge Road and Thorndale. A four-story, 8-unit condo building would be built at Thorndale and Frank streets.
Tim Kuehn, owner of the nearby Margarita’s restaurant, owns most of the property and is behind two of the three proposed buildings — the one on Lombardi and at the corner of Ridge and Thorndale.
“You’ve promised your residents development,” Kuehn told the council during public comment. “That is part of your agreement with the Packers is you want economic development. I have a world class corner. I appreciate your vote for a new era of prosperity.”
Concerns from neighbors have also included increased traffic on residential streets, increased flooding potential and pedestrian safety. City staff members have maintained those concerns have been addressed, and city council members agree.
“Of the feedback I’ve gotten in person, calls, emails, Facebook — people are in favor of it,” said Alderperson Chris Wery, who represents the area. “A lot of people don’t want to speak out publicly, but they really want something to go here.”
Wery says city staff told him annual property tax collections from the property could go from about $50,000 to between $500,000 and $800,000 once the buildings are completed.
After unanimous council approval, Kuehn says work will begin on recruiting tenants for the building along Lombardi. He envisions a first floor with retail, like athletic apparel, and maybe a coffee shop. The upper floors, he sees businesses that want exposure.
“Gate sponsorship, like in front of Lambeau, but on our property,” said Kuehn. “It’s going to be right there and visible. It will create good brand awareness for companies on the second and third floor.”
Kuehn hopes to start construction as early as this fall.
The property owner is giving up some of the land to improve traffic on Ridge Road and the neighborhood streets.
The Packers have previously said they don’t have a stance on the proposed development.
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