Spark Development proposes 125 apartments on downtown Green Bay waterfront site

Green Bay's Board of Appeals convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss a significant multifamily housing development proposal that could reshape the downtown area. The project, proposed by Spark Development, aims to construct a four-story apartment complex on a 2.396-acre site at the corner of Mason and Adams streets. The development seeks to include 125 units, exceeding the city’s zoning requirement of 104 units for the property.

The proposal has sparked discussions due to its implications for local housing needs and urban development. The site, previously occupied by a one-story metal storage building, has been the subject of ongoing conversations between city officials and property owners regarding potential land swaps for development. The new apartment complex is designed to enhance the area, featuring a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, catering to the demand from young professionals and downsizers.

During the meeting, it was noted that the project aligns with the city’s zoning code in terms of setbacks, impervious surface limitations, and parking requirements. However, the request for additional units necessitates a conditional use permit, which received unanimous support from the planning commission prior to the Board of Appeals meeting. The developers emphasized that the project would not increase the building's height beyond the 45-foot maximum allowed in the downtown district.

Derek Liebhauser, representing Spark Development, highlighted the challenges posed by the site’s physical limitations, including the need to accommodate a public trail that runs adjacent to the property. He explained that if the trail area were included in the calculations, the project would meet the zoning requirements without needing additional units. The developers are committed to providing ample parking, aiming for a ratio of 1.5 parking stalls per unit to alleviate potential congestion in the surrounding area.

The Board of Appeals is expected to make a decision on the conditional use permit in the coming days, which will determine the future of this ambitious project. If approved, the development could significantly contribute to the housing stock in Green Bay, addressing the growing demand for multifamily living options in the downtown area.