GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – If Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt has his way, the city’s downtown could be getting taller.
“I think Green Bay needs to do that,” said Schmitt. “I think Green Bay deserves it. I think we can afford it and that is something I’d like to see done here.”
Out of three proposals, Schmitt tells FOX 11 he’s backing Base Companies and Barsan Construction’s $60.7 million plan to build 16 and 11 story buildings at the corner of Adams and Cherry Streets. The corner is currently a parking lot.
“I think once we break that, we’ll see even more skyline type development.”
Another proposal for the prominent corner is from Bond Realty. It wants to build a six-story, $17.7 million building.
The other proposal is from T.Wall Enterprises. It calls for four stories, in a trident shape, with about a $35 million price tag.
“The CityDeck is within easy walking distance, a lot of restaurants are nearby, we think there will be a lot of demand for residential potential here,” said Jeff Mirkes, the executive director of Downtown Green Bay, Inc.
The 16 and 11 story buildings call for 130 housing units. The six-story option has 112 units and the four-story building offers 250 units.
Specific rent prices were not included in the three proposals.
However, Base Companies and Basan Construction’s proposal says it will have “affordable options for business and residence.”
Bond Realty’s proposal says its housing will be market rate.
T. Wall Enterprises’ proposal says renters will likely have incomes ranging between $50,000 and $150,000 per year.
“Without a doubt, we know over a period of time, we’re at the belief the downtown needs 1,000 residential units.”
Mirkes tells FOX 11…
“We believe 100 units should be under construction at all times.”
The city’s Redevelopment Authority will be sifting through all three proposals.
It hopes to vote on one at its October 9th meeting.
