Monona council approves development agreement for 48-unit Monona Pines project after closed session

The City of Monona Finance and Personnel Committee approved Resolution 25-5-2806 on May 2025, authorizing a development agreement between the City, the Monona Community Development Authority (CDA) and Monona Pines 2 LLC for a proposed 48-unit market-rate apartment building on Monona Drive.

Director Plowman and staff introduced the project before the committee entered a closed session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) for deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties, investing public funds, or conducting specified public business when competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Developers provided an overview prior to closed session and returned for the public vote. City documents in the packet show the site had been rezoned from retail business to a community design district and had been recommended unanimously by the Planning Commission in October 2024. The project is within an existing tax-increment (TIF) district and redevelopment area.

Randy Christiansen of Walter Wayne Development (the development team lead) told the committee the development team has worked with staff and the CDA since late 2022 and that “this project doesn’t work if we don’t have the TIF assistance.” He introduced Mark Ott of JLA Architects and Robert Proctor, the managing member of Monona Pines 2 LLC, who said the owners currently intend to hold the project but noted there are several members and investors involved. Proctor identified a management company, Dacis, and mentioned investor Bruce Bosman in the context of project management and investment.

Architect Mark Ott described the design details presented in the packet: a four-story building with two levels of parking (including a lower level with 34 spaces), a rooftop club room with outdoor occupiable roof area overlooking the golf course, private balconies, terraces with green roofs, a dog run, and a fitness room engaging the street. Ott explained the stormwater approach uses “blue-green” tray systems under planted roof areas to retain and slowly release water. Staff noted the project includes underground parking that meets parking requirements and community-room amenities.

The committee moved and seconded approval of Resolution 25-5-2806; the motion carried by roll call. The development agreement authorizes TIF and city involvement as outlined in the packet and allows the CDA and staff to finalize negotiated terms and proceed toward construction. Developers told the committee they expected to begin early site work within a week or two and that some site fencing is already in place.