Wausau economic development committee approves property actions, moves forward with 3‑bed modular home and discusses disposition policy

The Wausau Economic Development Committee on Aug. 5 approved several property actions intended to clear title issues, advance affordable‑housing construction and return city land to private use while discussing a broader revision to the city's property disposition policy.

The committee voted to accept a quitclaim deed from Wisconsin Central Limited covering a former railroad parcel at 15 Fulton Street (also described as 920 North First Street), approved the sale of 1609 East Boss Creek Drive to Habitat for $1,000, and voted to move forward with development of a three‑bedroom modular home at 1019 West Bridge Street. Committee members heard a staff presentation on a draft rewrite of the property disposition policy but took no action on that item.

The actions clear immediate obstacles to proposed projects and set the next steps for staff and prospective developers. Committee members said the measures are part of ongoing efforts to promote development and affordable housing on smaller infill lots and within the city's business campus.

Andrew Lynch, economic development manager, described the quitclaim as a "cleanup" matter arising during due diligence for a site under development. "Our attorney Jacobson was able to get ahold of the railroad in a very timely manner and get them to agree to a quick claim on this," Lynch said. The committee approved the quitclaim by motion and voice vote.

Tammy Strats, an economic development staff member, described the sale to Habitat for Humanity at 1609 East Boss Creek Drive and confirmed the organization submitted an offer of $1,000. "They put in an offer for a thousand dollars," Strats said. The committee approved that sale by motion and voice vote.

On 1019 West Bridge Street, staff said Solutions for Affordable Homes (the only respondent to a request for qualifications) proposed two floorplans, both priced at about $240,000. Staff recommended proceeding with the three‑bedroom, two‑bath design because it fits the narrow (approximately 60‑foot wide) lot and provides more long‑term housing stability. Staff also recommended a 10% construction contingency, which would yield a contract ceiling of about $264,000.

"We wouldn't even be touching the ARPA funds yet," Strats said, noting the city would use program‑income funds first and preserve American Rescue Plan Act funds for other properties. Staff described an anticipated resale price range of roughly $140,000 to $175,000 with a second, silent mortgage held by the city and forgiven on a 20‑year schedule so proceeds return to the city's affordable‑housing fund.

Alder Killian said he agreed with staff that a three‑bedroom unit is usually a stronger resale proposition than a two‑bedroom. "In the real estate business, a three bedroom is a far better proposition than a two bedroom. They sell much, much more quickly," Killian said. The committee approved moving forward with the three‑bedroom proposal by motion and voice vote.

On the disposition policy, staff presented a draft reorganization of the existing policy and an accompanying memo. The draft would broaden the document's scope to cover both acquisition and disposition, clarify categories for industrial park, large development parcels, single‑residential infill and remnant parcels, and incorporate guidance on handling federally restricted funds. Staff said they will return a revised draft for the committee's September meeting.

Committee members requested redlined edits that highlight additions, deletions and the likely effects of any changes on committee processes, fiscal impacts and which committee (for example, infrastructure) should be consulted for larger lots. Staff said the draft has not yet been routed to the city attorney for formal review and that they plan to incorporate attorney comments before returning the proposed policy.

In brief updates, staff said Westside Commons is on track for an October completion; 700 Grand Ave. Apartments had recent excavation and a formal groundbreaking is scheduled for Aug. 27; and the Thomas Street infill project has an executed contract and environmental testing by Ramble underway.

The committee also approved the minutes of its July 1 and July 22, 2025 meetings by motion and voice vote and adjourned after closing business.