1311 S. Commercial St. concepts. Courtesy: Eminent Development Corporation
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Neenah is pursuing a 50-unit workforce housing development, located at 1311 S. Commercial Street and spanning two acres.
It would also include 2,100 square feet of commercial space.
A plan is in place with the Madison-based Eminent Development Corporation, but the deal isn’t done yet. It hinges on the development company’s ability to get state tax credits, which will be awarded in May.
Details on the proposal:
- Plan calls for 32 apartment units, 16 stacked flats and four townhomes
- Construction would begin in spring 2027 with completion in summer 2028, if all goes to plan
- $18 million project, all privately financed with the help of state tax credits
- Part of Neenah’s South Commercial Street plan
“Knowing that we had those needs, and knowing that on South Commercial Street we’ve done a corridor plan that shows that mixed-use would work well in that area, we wanted to attract a developer that would bring both of those components together,” said Kelly Nieforth, the city of Neenah’s community development director.
The city bought the plot in 2018 after Harn’s Furniture closed and plans to sell it to Eminent for $1 after not receiving higher bids, according to Nieforth.
“We’re working on revitalizing and working with the South Commercial corridor plan to reactivate some of that business district and business, the businesses in that area,” said Julian Walters, president of Eminent Development Corporation. “We want to make sure that we’re doing our part and reactivating under-utilized land.”
The development would add $8-10 million to the city’s tax base, according to Nieforth. Workforce housing serves residents who earn a higher income than for low-income housing.
One resident, who declined to be interviewed on camera, said he and some of his neighbors are against the project, but he didn’t share a specific reason why. The city said it hasn’t been met with much opposition, and multiple city council members expressed support for the project.
“I really do believe that this will be a catalyst in our city to hopefully spur additional development in our South Commercial Street corridor area and provide housing in our community that we desperately need,” said Nieforth.
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