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Oshkosh RDA reviews infill lots, Washington School redevelopment and multiple housing projects
Summary
RDA staff updated members on multiple infill and housing projects including a Washington School site conversion with Habitat for Humanity, Jackson Street infill, recent lot sales and downtown redevelopment activity.
RDA staff gave the Redevelopment Authority an update on infill lot activity and several city housing initiatives at the Sept. 18 meeting, detailing sites that are under construction, lots returning to inventory and early plans for city‑built homes.
Staff reported that Vianola Properties completed and sold a house on Jefferson Street and will start construction on West Ninth Avenue. Gallery Homes (Matousek) completed a project at 1014 Wisconsin Street and added an accessory dwelling unit; the developer will begin work this spring on a university‑area lot owned in part by the RDA.
The city is demolishing the former Washington School and preparing 18 new lots there. Habitat for Humanity will build nine homes on lots it acquires, and the city will build nine homes for eligible buyers as part of a multi‑year program. RDA staff said the council favors an income eligibility level based on the city’s median ($about 62,000) and that household size will be considered in eligibility, consistent with HUD practice. Staff estimated construction costs around $200 per square foot and roughly $260,000 per home for the city‑built units; the city will pay for site preparation and utilities.
Nut graf: The updates indicate an active pipeline of small infill projects and two city‑led efforts aimed at producing starter homes and increasing neighborhood stability. Staff said the programs are designed to spur a “domino effect” of occupied homes freeing up housing elsewhere in the market.
Other projects: the Jackson Street infill south of Snell Road and north of Logan Drive now includes 31 parcels after the city purchased a neighboring parcel; the city is using Community Development Block Grant funds for infrastructure on that site. Boatworks parcels were sold to private buyers for $1 and foundations are in place for spring construction. Staff also showed plans for the Sawyer‑Oshkosh Avenue intersection improvements — not a roundabout — designed to improve pedestrian safety and preserve park amenities. Work on the Terrence Wall (T Wall) project and a proposed rehabilitation and new construction project at 913 South Main Street were also reported.
Staff said the Stevens Park neighborhood will be a primary focus for the Washington School transition; Habitat plans to build two to three houses a year on its lots and the city will issue a master builder RFP to construct the nine city homes. Staff described required design features for the city homes, including detached garages and egress windows in basements, and said accessory dwelling units are allowed where appropriate.
Ending: RDA members heard the updates with no formal votes recorded on the projects during the meeting; staff will move forward with utility installation and design work where funding is in place and return to the RDA with contractual and program details as projects progress.
