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Editorial Learn schools' value to economy

TUE., SEP 2, 2008 - Today is one of the most important days of the year for Wisconsin's economy. It's the first day of the school year. The state's families and policymakers should take the opportunity to remind themselves of the link between education and economic success. Education and the economy have long been related...

Ken Notes: sorry for opening with an editorial, but this one is accurate. Madison, the region and the state benefit immensely from all levels of education. The UW alone will keep us on the map globally for many years to come. Education is a small investment when we take the returns into account... By the way I should use this opportunity to suggest that my “typos” are not a reflection of a poor educational system, but rather trying to put this newsletter out in six hours...

A special note: If you want to contact me, replying to this email has it's limitations. Your email gets lost among 100's of “out of office” auto replies and can be hard to find. Please use Ken@WisconsinDevelopment.com for better response time and less likelihood of getting lost...Thanks and I do appreciate the comments.

Wisconsin spends millions to bring new business here. Does it work?

The corporate press release made it sound like the business coup of the decade: "State Initiatives Yield Positive Results: Florida Pharmaceutical Company Moves to Wisconsin." But upon further review, it turned out that the Florida company has just one employee, no revenues and no product ready for market. Still, NanoMedex recently received $290,000 from the Department of Commerce under programs designed to grow the technology sector in Wisconsin. The funding is based on possible approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2010 of an anesthetic that dissolves in water, making it easier to administer to patients. "It's a project we're very excited about," said Tony Hozeny...

Ken Notes: For my two cents, Wisconsin needs to work more closely with communities who are often the first point of contact for businesses looking at an area. If a team approach were available to create an incentive package for new or expanding employers we would level the playing field and have less big winner big looser scenarios...

First Phase Of Data Center Is Completed

Thursday, August 28, 2008 - A new computer data center is opening in Fitchburg. Team Cos. of Cedar Falls, Iowa, built the 20,000-square-foot center at 5515 Nobel Drive in the Fitchburg Technology Campus. CDW Berbee is the main tenant. The center is the first of a three-phase project that is expected to be 60,000 square feet with a total cost of $40 million. No date has been announced for the start of the next phase. Ten jobs will be created with the opening of the first phase...

Lintons pledge $1 million for Fitchburg library

9/3/2008 Bill and Mary Linton have agreed to donate $1 million toward the construction of a new library in Fitchburg. Bill Linton founded Promega Corporation, a privately held biotechnology company that develops and manufactures biological reagents and systems. Linton founded the firm in Fitchburg in 1978. Promega's annual sales now exceed $200 million annually. He is also president of Fitchburg Center, which donated the land for City Hall and the Community Center. The new library will also be constructed on the same site if voters approve Nov. 4 refererndums authorizing constructionand operation of the library...

Ken Notes: As a former Mayor, I found that these types of contributions often go unrecognized by the public so do me a favor, drop Bill and Mary a note or email and say thanks. The email for customer services is custserv@promega.com.

Waupaca has a “Future”

It only took one email and a couple of phone calls for the Future Waupaca site to be up and running. The list of Future Communities now exceeds 30 with more on the way. Each Future website offers a “One Stop” resource for available commercial properties, access to community websites and Key contact information. If you need a “Future” or want to be a part of an existing community give us a call 608.334.2174 – It only takes one and it's free just ask April...

When will Whole Foods finish what it started at Hilldale?

9/03/2008 - It's anybody's guess when developers might start filling that big hole in the ground behind the Hilldale Shopping Center. Officials with Joseph Freed and Associates, the Chicago-based firm heading Hilldale's redevelopment, are meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3, with Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and staff about where to go next. "These things take a long time to work themselves through, but we hope to know more after we meet with the city," said Dennis Harder, vice president of development at Freed, in an interview last week. "Obviously there are a lot of implications." The initial plan was for Whole Foods to open a new, 65,000-square-foot store at Hilldale with structured parking. But earlier this summer, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey said the company was cutting back on the number of stores expected to open in 2009. Since then, everything has been up in the air...

Ken Notes: I believe the project will get done - but times are tough. In the meantime check out the Mecalfe's Sentry that is already there a great shopping experience, not to mention the less crowded farmers market, great restaurants and Sundance...

Madison Flights More Expensive

Saturday, August 30, 2008 - The Dane County Regional Airport isn't immune from airline industry trends of higher fares, more fees and fewer available seats. Fares are going up. Average fares at the Madison airport rose 7 percent to $454.91 during the first quarter of 2008 from the previous quarter, according to the federal Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The national average increase was 1.5 percent. In addition to higher industry fees for extra checked baggage and rescheduling flights, a new $15 fee by Northwest Airlines for a passenger's first checked bag took effect on Thursday. "Until the economy improves and oil prices go down, the airlines are going to continue to look for where they can find efficiencies," said airport spokeswoman Sharyn Wisniewski...

Ken Notes: We may want to look at securing a new regional carrier or becoming a hub for one of the expanding airlines. A marketing campaign, like Rockford's, would also help. Our new facility is “first class” but will only work for us if we have the connections...

New Commercial Listings from PropertyDrive

All Commercial Properties By Community (an interactive map)

Large Property Transactions

Building Permits

Property Transactions in Madison

Ken Notes: This searchable database includes property transfers that were recorded in Madison since June 2007. Search by month the transaction occurred, by street name or by price.

Dane County Foreclosures (WDN does not support or endorse this fee based website)

Cogdell Spencer touts 1st project stemming from Marshall Erdman merger

9/03/2008 - Cogdell Spencer Inc. on Tuesday announced its first project stemming from its merger in March with Madison-based Marshall Erdman and Associates. The Charlotte, N.C.-based real estate investment trust said in a news release that it has signed a definitive agreement to develop and manage a $22.4 million, 75,985-square-foot medical office building and outpatient treatment center in Pensacola, Fla. - a new market for the company. The project will include design/build (architectural, engineering and construction), development and property management services. The former Marshall Erdman and Associates -- now known as Erdman, a Cogdell Spencer Company -- specializes in health care facilities...

Famous Footwear HQ exit from Madison hits Brown Shoe earnings

8/28/2008 - St. Louis-based Brown Shoe Co. on Wednesday reported a 77.4 percent drop in its second-quarter profits due primarily to the cost of moving Famous Footwear's headquarters from Madison to St. Louis. Brown Shoe reported a second-quarter profit of $2.2 million, or five cents a share, down from a profit of $9.8 million, 22 cents a share, a year ago. Brown Shoes said its second quarter sales fell 1.3 percent to $569.2 million from $576.6 million a year ago. This year's second-quarter results included costs of $6.2 million, or 15 cents per share, for relocating the Famous Footwear headquarters. The move, which will eliminate nearly 300 jobs here, is scheduled to be completed by the end of the third quarter, and is expected to result in charges totaling nine cents per share after the gain from selling its real estate in Madison...

Ken Notes: We need a great new company to fill this space so call your friends from points elsewhere and invite them to a Badgers Game, drive by the place and tell the tail of Famous Footwear. Also lets get the new owner to replant the willows...

Northeast Neighborhood plan finally addresses a new issue

9/3/2008 - After several months, the Northeast Neighborhood Land Use Committee has moved on to a different topic, having spent several months on two of the seven topics it is supposed to address. The committee rejected a proposal by Ald. Bill Horns to define exactly what a neighborhood plan entailed. Ald. Jay Allen said the Plan Commission had clearly indicated it wanted a completed plan, based on "understood criteria," and without any specific deadlines except to keep working until "the vast majority of issues are resolved." City planner Tom Hovel agreed. "The Plan Commission really wants a document that provides solutions to the issues it identified," he said...

Still Living 'the Good Life' 60 Years Later

Sunday, August 31, 2008 - It was the magazine issue that launched a hundred others. Sixty years ago Saturday, on Sept. 6, 1948, Life magazine - arguably the most visible media outlet in the world at the time - published a cover story in which the editors sought to find the best place to live in the United States. "If a group of Americans were asked," the Life story began, "to define the kind of city they would like to live in, they might mention some such qualities as these: scenic beauty, nice homes, good job opportunities, a wide variety of healthful recreation near at hand, first-rate schools, good hospitals and plenty of cultural activities." The story continued: "Recently some of Life's editors set out to determine what American city comes closest to this ideal. After considering many candidates, they came up, somewhat brashly, with an answer: Madison, Wisconsin."...

Ken Notes: 60 years later we are still often found at or near the “Top of the List” and we should be. We are arguably one of the most well rounded places to live in the country, and the contributions of surrounding communities offer great lifestyle options...

Feingold will work to renew innovation funds

WED., SEP 3, 2008 - Two programs that since 1983 have provided millions of dollars and helped create hundreds of jobs for Wisconsin companies are scheduled to end later this month but could be reinstated. Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat, said Wednesday he will introduce legislation next week to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs, established to promote small business innovation and commercialization...

Common Council Approves Land Swap With Porchlight

MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison Common Council on Tuesday night approved a plan to give Porchlight city land on the far East Side to build transitional housing. The approval means the city will likely get land where the Truman Olson Army Reserve Center sits on Park Street after it closes in 2011. Porchlight, a group that helps the homeless, will now base its operations out of a now-vacant lot on Nakoosa Trail by the East Side Wal-Mart. However, if there are any problems or additional costs, the Common Council would have to approve them first. Additionally, if any larger problems develop with the site, the project could revert back to the Park Street location and the city would keep the East Side land. Porchlight said it hopes plans keep moving forward. "Probably the major reason why we're interested in engaging...

A major setback?

A new water body management project being pursued by Dane County has local officials concerned that proposed building setbacks will hinder economic development and are superfluous to conservation programs already in place at the city level. Representatives for the county say the plan is still being shaped and will be malleable enough to alleviate concerns once complete. The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission is putting together the Dane County Shoreline and Riparian Management Plan, a comprehensive document intended to protect water and wetlands across the region. The plan's primary goal, according to Brian Standing, a senior planner for the county, is to protect three things: water quality, habitat and natural scenic beauty...

Ken Notes: This, like the sewer extensions that came before it, could have a major impact on both the development of the region and the message we sent to firms looking to locate here. Wisconsin is upset about loosing paper industry jobs yet it is a sin to mention the 500 million dollars the state charged the industry to clean up the Fox River. Lets not make the same mistakes in Dane County and then lament the loss of jobs and new business because of concerns over conforming to bureaucratic mandates. Lets get businesses to the table then work with them to create environmentally sensitive projects that benefit everyone...

T. Wall asks to revise plans

Developer: Kohl’s wanted new setup on West End site. The dirt that's been shuffled to and fro at the West End finally is finally taking the form shown on its plans, but those plans could be in for some significant changes soon. T. Wall Properties has submitted a revision for review at next week's Plan Commission meeting that would, among other things, turn the large anchor stores sideways, combine the two hotels into one and phase in the big-ticket items in the public "Storybook Commons" area. The Middleton developer this month sent a public relations brochure about the changes to the 62-acre development on West Verona Avenue to some city officials and Verona Area Chamber of Commerce members. It indicated that the "improvements" stemmed directly from discussions with anchor retailers, and project manager Sean Robbins confirmed that last week. He acknowledged what had been one of the worst-kept secrets in Verona over the past year, that Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's has been a prime target, just as it has been for proposals on the opposite end of the city. The Kohl's building would have a footprint of 87,000 square feet...

10 Local Firms On List Of Fastest Growing

Thursday, August 28, 2008 - Eighty-five Wisconsin companies - including 10 from the Madison area - are on the Inc.com 2008 list of the 5,000 fastest growing privately owned companies in the U.S. The rankings measure revenue growth from 2004 through 2007, with a starting point of at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004. New Glarus Brewing is the highest ranking local company, at No. 2017. Other area businesses on the list are Cascade Asset Management, Madison, No. 2809; Hartung Brothers, Madison, No. 3294; Dane Manufacturing, Dane, No. 4266; Tri-North Builders, Fitchburg, No. 4580; Freedom Personal Development, Madison, No. 4633; HospiceCare, Madison, No. 4763; Wisconsin Built, Deerfield, No. 4801; Edgerton Gear, Edgerton, No. 4803; and Natural Resources Consulting, Cottage Grove, No. 4922...

Need a Speaker

Ken Harwood is available to speak to your group on a variety of Economic Development topics. He is a strong advocate for planned development in the Greater Madison Area. He may be reached at Editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com Or (608) 334-2174. He also juggles...

Apartment development swells in Third Ward

Construction began this week for one apartment development project in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, and construction of another apartment complex in the neighborhood is expected to break ground next month. Site work began this week for developer Robert Joseph's Jackson Square project, an 81-unit apartment building with 9,000 square feet of retail space, which is being built at the...

Ken Notes: This may be proof that if you create a great place to live and work people will want to live and work there... go figure...

High-Tech Industry Booming In Western Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- The Chippewa Valley area of western Wisconsin is experiencing something of a high-tech economic boom and support of that industry for some companies is a swing issue this election season. Some people call Eau Claire and nearby Chippewa Falls is some call it the "Silicon Valley" of the Midwest. The picturesque landscape of the Chippewa Valley leaves you with the feeling it would be a good place to grow crops or a family but instead, they grow supercomputers. "Cray is known as the supercomputer company. We build very high performance computers to solve challenging national security, environmental, science manufacturing sorts of problems," said Steve Scott, chief technical officer of Cray Inc. Cray Incorporated traces its roots back to Cray Research founded in the 1970's by Chippewa Falls resident Semour Cray. The company now makes computers for NASA...

Land Intended For Water Ski Complex For Sale

September 3, 2008 - VILLAGE OF PLOVER, Wis. -- Central Wisconsin land intended for a world-class water ski complex will be sold to the highest bidder next month. Centre Lakes AquaPlex was to be developed on nearly 450 acres in the village of Plover. But managing partner Scott Neale of H2O Development never secured all the funding necessary for the project. H2O Development owes about $3.6 million to Kennedy Funding of Hackensack, N.J., as well as more than $150,000 in back property taxes to Portage County. Neale made only a few payments on his loan from Kennedy before the property went into foreclosure. The village paid H2O a $1 million developer's incentive for preliminary work done on the site. Village Administrator Dan Mahoney said the community will recover that payment from future developers. An auction on the property is scheduled Oct. 13...

Marquette’s business college to house real estate center

September 04, 2008 - Marquette University has approved a new Center for Real Estate to be housed in the College of Business Administration, officials announced Wednesday...

Does Pabst Farms road plan violate civil rights?

September 04, 2008 - A federal complaint filed against the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission states the commission has discriminated against minorities in the Milwaukee area by continually pushing aside public transit projects that extend out of the city...

Brookfield Input on 2035 plan needed

September 04, 2008 - Input on 2035 plan needed. A task force updating the city’s master plan will have an opportunity to get feedback from residents in the coming weeks...

Going gangbusters in tough economy

Going gangbusters in tough economy. Newcomers to list of state’s biggest private companies take different tacks but buck trend. Slowdown? What slowdown? Softness in the economy isn’t stopping some of the state’s largest privately held companies from continuing to expand...

The Iron Horse Hotel's 'Rev it Up' Rate Jump Starts Milwaukee's Newest Hotel

September 03, 2008 8/30/2008 MILWAUKEE -- The industry's first modern boutique hotel geared toward business travelers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike is offering a special "Rev It Up" rate. Guests can test drive Milwaukee's first true boutique hotel at a special introductory rate from October 1 through October 31, 2008. Each guest room in The Iron Horse Hotel has luxurious bedding and linens, custom furnishings with a generously scaled desk and a lavishly stocked Perlick beverage refrigerator with 750ml wine bottles. Rooms are equipped with a 42" LG(R) LCD flat screen TV with on-demand movies, wireless and hard-wired Internet and feature remarkable artwork and decor. The Iron Horse Hotel is offering its Custom Deluxe rooms, which are suite size by industry standards at 450 square feet...

Ken Notes: Guys I usually don't run this type of release but the hotel sounds way cool. In fact if you put me up for a night or two I'll review it...

Hampton Inn & Suites planned in Sheboygan

Published September 3, 2008 - DeForest-based Main Street Builders Inc. plans to build an 81-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel in Sheboygan. The four-story, 16,300-square-foot building would be constructed on a vacant site on the east side of Taylor Drive, just north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The site is on the south side of Sheboygan, near the city's south side industrial park and I-43. "It's a nice site," said Steve Sokolowski, manger of planning and zoning for the city. "It's going to be very visible from I-43." There are about 1,500 Hampton Inn locations. The hotel chain is part of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Hilton Hotels Corp...

TAPCO to move to Brown Deer

Published September 4, 2008 - Traffic & Parking Control Co. Inc. (TAPCO) has outgrown its plant in Elm Grove and plans to move its headquarters to Brown Deer. The company will receive a $5.1 million Industrial Revenue Bond allocation from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to acquire and equip an existing 128,000-square-foot production facility at 5100 W. Brown Deer Road. With the move, the company will double its square footage, create 15 new jobs and invest more than $1 million to upgrade the site. TAPCO manufactures and distributes...

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UW-MADISON MOVES UP IN LATEST RANKINGS

8/22/2008 - MADISON - The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranked seventh among public institutions in the 2009 edition of America's Best Colleges, produced by U.S. News and World Report. UW-Madison also tied for 35th among 262 national doctoral universities. Last year, the university ranked eighth among public universities and 38th out of 258 doctoral institutions. The Wisconsin School of Business tied for 13th, with specialty rankings for insurance/risk management (third) and real estate (second)...

Ken Notes: If we are looking for an economic engine for Greater Madison, I think we may have found it. Keep reading...

UW-Madison to select scientists for the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery through a competition

WED., AUG 27, 2008 - Let the bio-nano-info-tech contest begin. UW-Madison on Wednesday launched a competition to select scientists for the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the public part of a $150 million public-private research building going up on the 1300 block of University Avenue. Campus leaders have picked three research themes for the institute: biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technology...

Ken Notes: This project will keep the UW on the world's research map for some time to come. We should applaud the efforts of outgoing Chancellor Wiley for securing this project and continuing to keep the UW in the Top Five universities receiving research grants during his tenure. This is not good for Madison development - this is Fantastic for Madison development. In case you missed it John's Madison Magazine article on development is HERE. I have often suggested we need a cheerleader for Wisconsin business and this week I cast a vote for the outgoing Chancellor. On Wisconsin...

A well-rounded University Square -- almost

8/27/2008 - Greg Rice is scurrying about like the owner of a brand-new home, checking all the details and looking for any signs of shoddy workmanship. "I wonder what happened here?" asked Rice, noting a small chip in the corner of a concrete planter on the massive, fourth-floor rain garden that captures stormwater from the new University Square. Rice is curious about an Encompassing 3.4 acres of land bordered by University Avenue, Lake Street, West Johnson Street and the newly created East Campus Mall, University Square is a $190 million development with a combined 1.1 million square feet of office, commercial and residential space...

Ken Notes: This is a great project, I hope the students take care of it, the community supports it and retailers return to it. If Madison wants mixed use high density livable projects, University Square, Hilldale, and Sequoya Commons are clearly leading the way in challenging economic times...

Economic development all about IT, UW prof says

8/27/2008 - When it comes to economic development in Wisconsin, biotechnology has been grabbing all the headlines. That's understandable in one sense because the state largely missed out on the silicon revolution of the 1980s and has been a Midwest leader in the life sciences. Yet when it comes to actual job creation and income generation, computers still rule, says a top University of Wisconsin-Madison professor. "Epic Systems hires more people every month than all the biotech companies in Wisconsin combined," said Guri Sohi, past chairman of the UW-Madison computer science department...

Ken notes: While not as credentialed, I too have been suggesting that we broaden both our horizons and our footprint when seeking new projects. In addition to IT, watch for companies like Duluth Trading Company in Belleville to grow exponentially. And From the Journal...

Madison looks primed for IT boom

August 26, 2008 - Madison looks primed for IT boom. More information technology companies could be joining Google and Microsoft in opening offices in Madison...

Future Future's Are On a Roll

The Future Wisconsin Project continues to create “one stop” economic development websites for Wisconsin communities. A single source for everything you need to develop or grow a business in Wisconsin's diverse communities...

Allied Drive Project Architect Dropped

Friday, August 22, 2008 - Madison officials on Thursday decided to drop the architectural firm on a high-profile, publicly backed redevelopment project in the once troubled Allied Drive neighborhood after the firm was not able to lower its bid enough to meet budget. The Community Development Authority loves the design Eppstein Uhen Architects helped create for the 48 low-income apartments on Madison's South Side, CDA Chairman Stuart Levitan said, but its proposed fee for creating the various documents that would guide construction was too high. City Planning and Community and Economic Development Director Mark Olinger said the CDA has budgeted $179,000 for design and other related work on the $9.2 million project - the first phase of a two-phase redevelopment of the neighborhood. Eppstein Uhen initially bid $900,000 but dropped that to $375,000, Levitan said. "It's not the ideal situation," he said of the need to switch firms. "But the budget is the budget."...

Ken Notes: This is a HUGE issue, creative functional design comes from creative firms willing to try new ideas. This costs a little more (for the record sub 4.5% is not bad). Public projects have tight budgets and architecture is seen as a frill so we go back to cinder block squares and lower costs. 10 years from now we have Allied Drive phase III where we again have issues with rapidly deteriorating buildings and more problems. Personally I like the public private partnerships that can overcome some of these hurdles...

Home prices drop by record amount in 2nd quarter

8/26/2008 NEW YORK -- A widely watched housing index released Tuesday showed home prices dropping by the sharpest rate ever in the second quarter. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index tumbled a record 15.4 percent during the quarter from the same period a year ago. The monthly indices also clocked in record declines. The 20-city index fell by 15.9 percent in June compared with a year ago, the largest drop since its inception in 2000...

Ken Notes: This is a national story and Madison is slightly protected from the double digit declines, but without new business growth we are not far behind. We need to make it clear to companies far and wide that Greater Madison is a great place to do business. The UW has produced more large company CEO's than most universities, lets use the six degrees of separation to bring some of them home...

New Commercial Listings from PropertyDrive

All Commercial Properties By Community (an interactive map)

Future Wisconsin Communities

Building Permits

Property Transactions in Madison

Ken Notes: This searchable database includes property transfers that were recorded in Madison since June 2007. Search by month the transaction occurred, by street name or by price.

Dane County Foreclosures (WDN does not support or endorse this fee based website)

Elderly Housing Project

Tuesday, August 26, 2008Construction is expected to begin next month on Heritage of Monona, a 232-unit elderly housing development near Owen Road west of Monona Drive in Monona. The $11.5 million development by MSP Real Estate of St. Louis Park, Minn., will include independent-living units as well as assisted-living and memory-care housing. The project's first phase includes a four-story building of 88 independent-living apartments and a two-story, 72-unit assisted-living and memory-care community. Completion is expected by November 2009, said Monona City Administrator Patrick Marsh. Heritage of Monona will include market-rate and income-restricted units as well as 60 underground parking spaces. Construction of the second phase will be determined by the market...

Stoughton Youth center beginning to take shape

Plans are moving along nicely at the future Stoughton Area Youth Center, located in a former tobacco warehouse currently undergoing renovations. A new roof has been installed, old, decrepit floorboards are being torn up, mold has been eradicated, and more work is being done each day; although the Friends of the SAYC are always looking for more volunteers. Sonny Swangstu, member of the FSAYC board and the FSAYC construction committee, recently took the Hub on a tour of the building to review work that has been done to date...

Shelter Plan Moving Ahead

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - A plan to put a homeless shelter on the Far East Side rather than at a surplus U.S. Army property on the South Side that the city wants to redevelop for a different use has taken another step forward. On Monday, Madison's Board of Estimates approved submitting the city's proposal for the Truman Olson Army Reserve Center on Park Street and other needed documents to the federal government. Board members also heard from Porchlight officials, who said they supported the plan and would be satisfied with the alternate site on Nakoosa Trail for their homeless shelter...

Village of Oregon approves assisted living facility proposal

8/27/2008 - First phase of residential care apartment complex to provide living quarters for 50 at former site of Methodist Church. In what one of the principal investors characterized as "kind of a marathon," the Church Hill Group LLC finally won Oregon Village Board approval last week to build a three-story assisted living facility at the former site of the People's United Methodist Church on North Main Street. The Church Hill Group purchased the 2.7-acre site, which includes the abandoned church and school, about four years ago for roughly $675,000. The group is planning a three-phase residential-care apartment complex, with the first phase calling for a 50,000-square-foot building of 50 dwelling units - 35 one bedroom apartments and 15 two bedroom units, along with common and dining areas. Another 46 units in a "community-based residential facility" that would include 16 "memory care" units are planned for a 42,000-square-foot addition, which would be built in the second and possibly third phase of the project, according to Robert Simonson, CEO of Apex Management, whose company will run the facility...

Second Meeting On Olbrich Plan Tuesday Night

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - The revamping of Olbrich Park and surrounding open space could include expansion of the botanical gardens, improving bike and pedestrian trails and possibly siting a dog park in the area -- ideas that will be discussed Tuesday night along with many others at a second public meeting looking at the master plan for the park and environs. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Evjue Commons at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. The master plan includes the park and contiguous lands including Starkweather Creek and O.B. Sherry Park and other open spaces in the area, including the undeveloped Garver area, boat landings, the beach and parking lots. Major public support was shown at the first public meeting in July for a variety of changes and improvements...

10 Madison-area firms on list of fastest growing

WED., AUG 27, 2008 - Eighty-five Wisconsin companies — including 10 from the Madison area — are on the Inc.com 2008 list of the 5,000 fastest growing privately owned companies in the U.S. The rankings measure revenue growth from 2004 through 2007, with a starting point of at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004...

30 Wisconsin banks reporting losses

WED., AUG 27, 2008 - Led by Marshall & Ilsley M&I Bank of Milwaukee, 30 Wisconsin banks reported losses during the second quarter ending June 30, up from 18 during the first quarter, according to financial information reported to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)...

Bikers marking Harley's anniversary a boon for business

WED., AUG 27, 2008 - TOWN OF BLOOMING GROVE — Will Owens isn't sure how much he'll spend and he isn't worried about it. His four-week journey from Palmer, Alaska, and back on a black 2000 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic is the trip of a lifetime. The cost, while important, is not about to become front and center on his list of concerns. He's more interested in the scenery, meeting other riders and getting to Milwaukee to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the company that made his motorcycle...

Ken Notes: I'll be there although I'll be driving my car. I'm old - although not as old as Mr. Owens. Let me know if you are going I'll buy...

OPINION Let's Celebrate This Downtown Success

Friday, August 22, 2008 - There has been a lot of talk lately about "construction slowdown," "a slump in the market" and other descriptions that have some truth to them, but that also can be misleading. Our city is fortunate to have developers who continue to believe in and invest their own assets and expertise back into our community. This needs to be celebrated. A good example is the new University Square project that just reached completion. It is bounded by University Avenue, West Johnson Street, North Lake Street and UW-Madison's Vilas Hall. This project not only took financial commitment, it also took expertise, patience and good partnerships...

Ken Notes: Hear hear!...

Bank With Personal Appeal

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - Ken Thompson Stresses Customer Service And Responsibility As Keys To Capitol Bank's Success. Capitol Bank of Madison, which reached $200 million in assets last month, was founded in 1995 to counter what organizers said then was a trend of bank ownership by large out-of-town corporations. The bank's founders pledged to provide good service at a fair price, keep fees low and emphasize human interaction instead of automatic teller banking. Among Capitol Bank's original board members were president James Dolister and Al Toon Jr., former UW-Madison and New York Jets football star. Ken Thompson, who had worked with Dolister at M&I Bank of Hilldale, came to Capitol Bank as vice president of lending in 1996...

TIF: An indispensable tool or an Epic waste?

Eighteen million dollars. That's almost three years' worth of property taxes in the City of Verona. It's as much as the city has ever spent on every municipal building put together. And it's how much of a rebate Epic Systems Corporation has requested for its new 2,000-stall underground parking garage. The actual number won't be determined until the Common Council approves it - a vote is expected in September, and it likely will have dropped - but there's no doubt it will be a staggering figure that's hard for the average taxpayer to grasp...

Ken Notes: I vote on the tools side here, and in this case I have a vote. If anyone cares I believe a TIF or TID is like a boat there are two great days in the life of either - the day you buy or start and the day you sell or close. I have always been an advocate for rapidly and aggressively reducing TID debt and closing the district well ahead of schedule, and in the case of EPIC they are on board...

Need a Speaker

Ken Harwood is available to speak to your group on a variety of Economic Development topics. He is a strong advocate for planned development in the Greater Madison Area. He may be reached at Editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com Or (608) 334-2174. He also juggles...

$630,000 for MPP Group, LLC

8/27/2008 MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced he is providing MPP Group, LLC, with a $250,000 loan and $380,000 in grants for assistance over three years in starting a pharmaceutical development company. The Department of Commerce has also certified the company as a Qualified New Business Venture eligible for investor tax credits under the Angel Investor and Venture Fund Tax Credit programs...

Region's office vacancies continue to rise

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 - The Milwaukee area's office space vacancy rate rose to 14.7 percent during the second quarter, up from a 14.3 percent vacancy rate during the first quarter, according to new data from New York-based Reis Inc., which provides commercial real estate market information. The Milwaukee area's office space vacancy rate is at its highest level since the third quarter of 2006 and is up from the 13.2 percent vacancy rate of one year ago. The local vacancy rate is lower than the Midwest average of 16.5 percent, but it exceeds the U.S. average of 13.0 percent, according to Reis...

Software-maker RedPrairie considers Lake Country sites

August 26, 2008 - Software-maker RedPrairie is considering three new locations to move the company's global headquarters, two of which are in Lake Country.. Software-maker RedPrairie is considering three new locations to move the company’s global headquarters, two of...

Franklin not ready to cross that interchange bridge

August 28, 2008 - Oak Creek’s Drexel partnership proposal still in doubt. Franklin has a message for Oak Creek officials concerning a possible partnership to help pay for a Drexel Avenue/Interstate 94 interchange: Not yet...

Neighbors support Percheron Square development

August 28, 2008 - Council approves tweaked plans to Ruby Farms plan. While Brookfield’s Common Council on Aug. 19 approved a general plan for the Percheron Square development on the former Ruby Farms site, the project also received the support of an equally important...

Bluemound has distinct blueprint

August 28, 2008 - Brookfield residents and motorists on Bluemound Road have gotten used to seeing construction equipment and backed-up traffic along the three-mile stretch between Moorland and Barker roads this summer...

Brew pub design plays off city’s religious imagery

August 28, 2008 - Microbrewery/restaurant now under construction. A cheerful Franciscan monk holds a dark glass of beer in the logo for the soon-to-be St. Francis Brewery and Restaurant...

Developer asks for more time to consider zoning

August 28, 2008 - Board prefers classification requiring stricter guidelines. In an effort to control a proposed subdivision development near Christman and Maple roads, the Menomonee Falls Village Board is favoring a planned-residential development district...

Neighbors reluctant to give facility stamp of approval

August 28, 2008 - City defends efforts to keep residents informed. Their concerns include aesthetics, traffic and noise, but Oak Creek residents against the proposed U.S. Postal Service development have one problem that overshadows the others — a lack of information about...

Goodbye ducks, hello aspirations

August 27, 2008 What do you call it when a Racine County duck farm gets sold and a third of the land is bought by people who plan to build homes? A good start. Most of the land got snapped up at a Yorkville auction this month by farmers enjoying the government-induced...

Harken jumps ship from village to city

August 26, 2008 - Harken Inc. plans to break ground soon on its new headquarters building at N15 W24881 Bluemound Road, on the former Groh property, a 28-acre parcel at the south end of Bluemound Road.. Harken Inc. plans to break ground soon on its new headquarters building...

Ken Notes: Well shiver me timbers - I have sailed for years and never knew that Harken was a Wisconsin company. By the way I will crew for food...

Luxury hotel developer wants $2 million from city

August 22, 2008 - In return, employees should get good health benefits, union backers says. A developer that wants to build a luxury hotel in downtown Milwaukee’s Park East area hopes to get $2 million in city financial help, according to a group of labor union supporters...

Ken Notes: Don't we all. I'm off to Milwaukee to play Harley guy don't tell anyone I ride a Honda...

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High bids force Dane County to scale back plans for nursing home

MON., AUG 18, 2008 - Dane County is scaling back designs for the $21 million Badger Prairie Health Care Center in the town of Verona after initial construction bids came in over budget. Changes include installing steel siding instead of a brick veneer on the outside of the center, removing a stage from the auditorium and...

Ken Notes: This could be the perfect opportunity for a public private partnership! The Appleton / Outagamie facility is state of the art for example. There is plenty of land and it is perfectly located, Dean has expansion plans in the works and Meriter's newest facility is blocks away. I also no an alderman in the area. Call me...

County seeks new bids for Badger Prairie health center

8/19/2008 - Higher costs for construction materials and fuel are forcing Dane County to go through a second round of bids for the new Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona because the first set of bids from a half-dozen contractors all came in over budget, which is projected to be close to $21 million...

Costco sneak preview was the big event in Middleton

8/20/2008 - MIDDLETON -- Apparently, VIP status isn't so exclusive these days. Although the new Costco Wholesale warehouse on the western edge of Middleton allegedly invited select people to its VIP preview night on Tuesday, so many showed up that the Middleton Police Department was forced to direct traffic for several hours on Deming Way. The giant parking lot was jam-packed, so many of those eager to get their only membership-free chance to peek inside the store were forced to park on nearby streets...

Ken Notes: Farm and Fleet, COSTCO, can an IKEA be far behind. I have a space if you know someone...

Appleton and Green Bay Have a “Future”

The Future Wisconsin Project has developed its first two websites outside the Madison Area. Www.FutureAppleton.com and www.FutureGreenBay.com are now serving site selectors, developers, and businesses seeking a one stop shop for economic development data and property listings for these communities. The www.FutureWisconsin.com project hopes to add all of the major Wisconsin communities as soon as sponsors are found...

Ken Notes: a special thanks to Ralph Kamps of CIREX and FoodFight for early support proving once again that I will code for food...

Hello, Biddy! UW-Madison's new chancellor arrives on campus

8/21/2008 - Incoming UW-Madison Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin moved to town on Friday -- and her belongings finally arrived at Olin House, the official residence of the chancellor, on Monday. "I've started the process of unpacking and moving in," said Martin. "It's a lot of work but I've cleared a path from my bedroom to the coffee maker, and I thought maybe that would do for now." Martin spent the previous 20-plus years at Cornell...

Ken Notes: Welcome! and the coffee at Sundance is pretty good not to mention the beer on the roof. Good insight in this article...

St. Mary's to build emergency center in Sun Prairie

AUG 16, 2008 - SSM Health Care is scheduled soon to begin construction on its St. Mary's Emergency Center in Sun Prairie. A groundbreaking celebration is scheduled for Aug. 28 at Highway 151 and Reiner Road. The $6 million, 13,500-square-foot facility will be about half the size of St. Mary's emergency room in Madison and is scheduled to open in March, said spokesman Steve Van Dinter. It will include 10 treatment bays, a CT scanner, X-ray imaging, a lab and an ambulance garage. The health system last year bought 17 acres from the city of Sun Prairie for $4.2 million and said it eventually plans a "health-care campus" at the site...

Study ranks Meriter among best performing hospitals in U.S.

SAT., AUG 16, 2008 - Meriter Hospital has been named one of the top performing hospitals in the country. The 448-bed, nonprofit community hospital, the fifth largest hospital in the state, is included in the Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: Performance Improvement Leaders study for having demonstrated the fastest, most consistent improvement over five consecutive years. The study examined 2,867 hospitals...

Construction update 2008

SAT., AUG 16, 2008 - Building jitters: Developers say business uncertainty appears to have depressed large projects. Except for projects related to the health-care industry and UW-Madison, local commercial construction starts over the past 12 months have lagged behind the past few years, according to figures from local municipalities and perceptions of several developers and contractors. Three UW-Madison buildings alone -- the Interdisciplinary Research Complex, the Microbial Sciences Building and the Biochemistry II building -- account for a total construction cost of nearly $400 million. Also in the campus area, the $190 million University Square development in the 700 block of University Avenue, with student apartments, UW-Madison offices and retail space, is one of Dane County's biggest projects this year. Other major projects in progress are at St. Mary's and Meriter hospitals and Epic Systems, an electronic medical records company in Verona. "It's really weird right now. It's not good," said developer John K. Livesey. No one is calling it a slump in nonresidential building, but "it's certainly much, much slower than it's been...

Great Dane 18: A dream golf course

8/21/2008 - The easiest conversations in the bar of the early 21st century -- known to golfers as the 19th hole -- typically involve a debate about superiority. Is Brett Favre the greatest quarterback? Is Whistling Straits the best golf course in Wisconsin, or has Erin Hills surpassed it? Are the new TaylorMade balls better than Titleist's Pro V1s? Here's another topic to discuss: Create the best possible standard 18-hole layout using holes on golf courses in Dane County...

Neighbors cry 'flip-flop' after panel OKs 2 Sequoya Commons entrances

8/19/2008 - Upon further review, the Madison Plan Commission has approved a dual-entrance plan for a new 100-unit apartment building at Sequoya Commons -- a move that earned west side Ald. Tim Gruber a rubber "flip-flop" sandal from an angry constituent. Two weeks ago, the panel had voted unanimously to put the entrance on busy Midvale Boulevard rather than on Caromar Drive, a narrow residential street. But Monday night, the panel changed its mind at the urging of Gruber and voted 4-3 for a dual plan favored by the developers. "I'm trying to look at the bigger picture and the fact I represent an area a lot bigger than just Westmorland," said Gruber, who went against the wishes of many in the neighborhood he represents...

Ken Notes: I hope amongst the controversy the rest of us realize how fantastic a project this is. I wonder if the neighbors are complaining about the Library in the facility. This also had little to do with Tim and a lot to do with traffic engineers. Thumbs up to Joe Krupp and Joe know that no good deed goes unpunished...

New Commercial Listings from PropertyDrive

All Commercial Properties By Community (an interactive map)

Property Transactions in Madison

Ken Notes: This searchable database includes property transfers that were recorded in Madison since June 2007. Search by month the transaction occurred, by street name or by price.

Dane County Foreclosures (WDN does not support or endorse this fee based website)

Expansion of Royle Printing in Sun Prairie

WED., AUG 20, 2008 - Royle Printing is expanding its building and adding a printing press in a $10 million project. The 57-year-old, family-owned, Sun Prairie printing business is adding 40,000 square feet of production space and will install a $7 million Goss Sunday 2000 web press this fall. The new press will speed up the printing process and reduce waste, said Royle owner and president Chris Carpenter...

Miller Park great, unfulfilling at same time

8/21/2008 - From its contentious battle over financing to the tragic construction accident to its squeaky roof, Miller Park has been the House that Controversy Built. To some people it stands as a monument to political power plays, as the state Legislature finagled $310 million in public funding to make the stadium happen. Others grumble that it wasn't built downtown, triggering urban redevelopment like new parks have done in Baltimore, Denver, San Francisco and numerous other cities...

Ken Notes: Ok I added this article so that I could once again hint that the Duck Pond could be added to the Central Park master plan stimulating development in the area. See Memphis Tennessee...

Campus Advantage Comes Home to Madison, Wis.

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 20 - World's Largest Privately-Held Student Housing Management Company Assumes Responsibility for Premier Student Housing Properties in Madison; Pledges Program of Capital Improvement and Renewed Focus on Customer Service. Campus Advantage, the world's largest privately-held student housing management company, today announced that it has been awarded management contracts for historic student properties, the Towers and Statesider, located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison."This win is of enormous significance to Campus Advantage as many of the company's earliest employees began their student housing careers in Madison...

Landowners' views of TDR colored by distrust and uncertainty

There's some confusion, considerable reluctance and a lot of distrust among Fitchburg's rural landowners toward a proposal to transfer or purchase development rights. Moreover, while farmers in other parts of the country often want to move away when they retire, most of Fitchburg's farmers apparently want to stay. Those factors affect the design and future success of any development rights program. "Almost universally, rural landowners told of their distrust of the city," said Lane Kendig, a consultant hired to examine the feasibility of such a program...

As Milwaukee goes, so goes Wisconsin

8/20/2008 - For Wisconsin's economy to stay viable, it needs a strong Milwaukee, and two developments last week suggest better times for the state's largest city. The first good news came from Johnson Controls, which announced it will research the commercial viability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under an $8.2 million federal grant. Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, have a battery that can be recharged overnight at home for short trips the next day. After the battery runs down, the regular gasoline engine kicks in. Chevrolet hopes to unveil its plug-in hybrid...

UW's Wiley Has Strong Words For State, Interest Group

August 21, 2008 - MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor John Wiley is stepping down in less than two weeks and he has a message for the state. He's taking lawmakers and the state's largest business organization to task for creating a political environment he calls toxic. Wiley lays out his arguments in an article in the September issue of Madison Magazine. The column is written to follow-up to one five years ago, which sounded the alarm about the state's economic health and its effect on education. He's ramping up that concern and taking a stand against what he said is bringing Wisconsin down, WISC-TV reported...

Ken Notes: I agree here. We need a cheerleader for Wisconsin business and an advocate not an adversary representing us...

Work Begins On House For Vet Injured In Afghanistan

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. -- Group Builds House At No Cost To Veteran. Work started Wednesday on a new home in Sun Prairie for a veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Charles Isaacson was severely injured when his helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on Feb. 18, 2007, leaving him a paraplegic from the chest down. Isaacson is the beneficiary of a new home thanks to an organization called "Homes for Our Troops." Wednesday morning, the project officially broke ground in the Town of Burke...

Madison North Side ice arena gets major upgrades

TUE., AUG 19, 2008 - One of Madison's three ice arenas is getting its first major renovation in more than 40 years. For many seasons, Hartmeyer Ice Arena on the city's North Side has been having problems with its ice sheet. The permafrost — the sand foundation the ice sheet rested on — was damaged and caused the ice to shift and bulge. Skating conditions were poor...

CUNA Mutual takes in displaced child care nonprofit

8/19/2008 - Community Coordinated Child Care, burned out of its Odana Court home last week by a fire which caused an estimated $3 million in damage, has found new temporary quarters thanks to a longtime supporter. In a joint release Tuesday afternoon, 4-C and the CUNA Mutual Group announced that CUNA has provided space and supplies for the child care group. CUNA, which has been a longtime supporter of 4-C, has converted a meeting room and provided work stations, computers, printers, a fax machine and technology support to 4-C until it can find permanent office space. "We are extremely appreciative...

Retail spending still slow

TUE., AUG 19, 2008 - Target reports a 7.6 percent drop in profit. From affluent shoppers at Saks to bargain-hunters at Target, from Home Depot to office supplier Staples, consumers are pulling back and that's hurting retailers and raising more concerns about how they'll do the rest of the year. The latest second-quarter reports show more signs of financial stress on shoppers, as Target's customers stick to necessities and have trouble making their credit card payments...

New city hall getting ready for move-in

It's only fitting that the police will occupy their new building a couple of weeks before the rest of city personnel. The $7.5 million building was mostly designed with that growing staff in mind. With the one-year construction of the new, 43,000-square-foot city-police building entering its final weeks, Common Council members on Monday took a tour of the facility, which is still being painted, wired and cleaned up but is otherwise essentially finished. The police station was obviously closer to move-in ready - and is expected to be occupied the first week of September - but the City Hall was not far behind...

Need a Speaker

Ken Harwood is available to speak to your group on a variety of Economic Development topics. He is a strong advocate for planned development in the Greater Madison Area. He may be reached at Editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com Or (608) 334-2174. He also juggles...

SWIB announces $40 million in new investments

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board announced $40 million in new investments that will mean the entire $200 million allocated to the Wisconsin Venture Capital initiative will be fully committed. "We continue to believe that there are attractive venture capital investments here in Wisconsin and the Midwest and are very excited about the opportunities ahead," Chris Prestigiacomo, SWIB's portfolio manager, said in a statement. "The local venture capital environment continues to evolve with the quality of startups in Wisconsin and the Midwest being some of the best in United States."...

Real Estate Owner In Marinette Files For Chap. 11

MARINETTE, Wis. -- A company that owns significant rental property in downtown Marinette is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Warren Marcus LLC owns Dunlap Square, which consists of five residential and commercial leased properties. It has 65 residential and 15 commercial tenants. With a Chapter 11 filing a company can still run its business. The filing allows the company to restructure its business operations while preventing creditors from seizing the company's assets. According to court documents, Warren Marcus ran into cash-flow problems last year, in part because of rental issues and also because of higher energy costs. The corporation also owns properties in Brown and Oconto counties...

Ken Notes: I hate these stories...

County To Pay Business $200,000 In Sign Dispute

WAUSAU, Wis. -- A state appeals court said a jury properly ordered Burnett County to pay $200,000 to a business in a sign dispute that dates back to 2000. The 3rd District Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that the amount properly compensates store owners Joseph and JoAnne Yourchuck of Siren for their lost profits. The three-judge panel said the county violated the couple's constitutional due process rights when it enacted a sign ordinance that did not allow exceptions. Court records said the Yourchucks applied in 2000 for a county permit to construct a new sign advertising several businesses they own near Siren. The county denied the application, ruling the sign would be too big and too tall. The ordinance had no provisions for the couple to appeal the ruling, so they sued...

Ken Notes: and for the record these as well...

Kohl's names new CEO

8/21/2008 - NEW YORK -- Kohl's Corp. announced Thursday that Chairman Larry Montgomery has resigned as chief executive and will be replaced in that role by the retailer's president, Kevin Mansell. The changes come as the Menomonee Falls-based department store chain has been facing a sales slowdown amid a weakening economic environment. Montgomery, 59, will remain as chairman and will hold full-time management responsibilities for the company's strategic growth...

Marquette Interchange in Milwaukee reopens

8/19/2008 - The largest road construction project in Wisconsin history is ready for traffic. Gov. Jim Doyle cut the ribbon Tuesday morning for the opening of the new Marquette Interchange in downtown Milwaukee, a project that's been snarling traffic on two interstate highways since 2004, costing about $800 million. The interchange, just south of Wisconsin Avenue near Marquette University, connects I-43 with I-94 and branches out as I-794 to Lake Michigan a couple of miles to the east, parallel to the southern edge of Milwaukee's downtown...

Rezoning approval could be voided

August 21, 2008 - Board must amend ordinance by Dec. 31. A big-box store is a possibility in the southwest area of Menomonee Falls...

Allis doesn't live here anymore

August 21, 2008 - Allis doesn't live here anymore. But manufacturing remains part of city's economic landscape. For the last 50 years, Ken Reynolds has worked at the same place, a locale that even today is a recognizable icon to West Allis’ industrial heydays...

Developer lobbies for high-end hotels

August 21, 2008 - Planners intrigued by possible work at Layton, Hwy. 100. Greenfield could soon see a trucking terminal in one of its busiest commercial districts transformed into two high-end hotels...

Zoning issue causes council rift

August 21, 2008 - Mayor asks alderman to resign over letter. Mayor Thomas Taylor on Aug. 19 urged Alderman Lyle Sohns to resign his seat on the Franklin Common Council because of a letter he wrote criticizing the mayor...

Ken Notes: Jon I promise no letters...

Council OKs six-month Delphi moratorium

August 21, 2008 - City, company disagree on best way to attract developer. Oak Creek officials want to send a clear message that quality is their top priority when it comes to guiding development in the city, especially for a high-potential parcel such as the Delphi Automotive...

Proposed brew pub goes flat without TIF money

August 21, 2008 - Would-be owners give up on Cudahy, have interest elsewhere. The prospect of a brew pub opening in Cudahy has fizzled...

Intelligent design for a great city

August 17, 2008 - Pushing for vision, creativity and careful planning in Milwaukee. Great cities don’t just happen. They require planning, forethought and an insistence on good design...

Duck farm sells 570 acres

August 15, 2008 - Land near Racine brings $3.4 million. Land surrounding a former duck processing plant in the Racine area has been sold at auction for $3.4 million...

Hotels planned for Greenfield