Developer approaching final deal on 268-unit project in Green Bay

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — A project to turn a Green Bay parking lot into a mixed-use development is coming closer to fruition as Milwaukee-based New Land Enterprises and the city approach a final deal.

Green Bay’s Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday voted to extend planning negotiations between the city and New Land for another month, and developers said they felt like they were close to coming to a final agreement.

“Part of our ethos is we don’t just build to have a nice building,” said Joey Wisniewski, the senior development coordinator at New Land. “We build to have a community. That includes relationships with the built environment for our residents inside the building, but also the community around them,” he added. The developer presented new renderings at a meeting with the RDA.

New Land Enterprises wants to build a mixed-use development with around 268 apartments, including regular apartments, two-story town homes and penthouses, at 221 Cherry Street. The site is currently a surface parking lot owned by the RDA.

Wisniewski listed Milwaukee projects such as Nova and The Ascent for inspiration behind amenities for the Green Bay Proposals, including balconies, a swimming pool, fitness center and a community room. The project includes indoor parking and 5,000 square feet of retail space.

Since the Nova was completed in fall 2023, construction costs have gone up more than 25%, Wisniewski remarked. The developer had to redesign the building proposal to keep the project feasible and have the same value, he added. In January, New Land asked for an extension to its planning option.

Brian Johnson, the alderperson who represents Green Bay’s District 9, encouraged the RDA to approve the extension. Johnson isn’t a member of the RDA but sat in for the meeting.

“There’s a lot here to take in that’s very positive. Maybe this is just the first of many to come,” Johnson said.

New Land’s project team includes Korb + Associates Architects, JSD and Giles Engineering, Wisniewski said. Apartment construction will take 20 to 22 months after financing is in place, he added.