LENA, Wis. — Framing on a new apartment complex in Lena got underway just before Thanksgiving. It’s called The Urban Loft, and it’s being developed by Rival Properties.
“We saw there was a housing shortage based off housing studies,” said Matt Kozlowski, a partner at Rival Properties. “There’s always a solution to every problem, so why not try to help out?”
The development will bring 80 apartments to the small town, which is home to only about 500 people. For Rival Properties, the location is a big draw.
“Lena is the center point between Green Bay and Marinette,” Kozlowski said. “I’ve already had plenty of phone calls from people up in Marinette and people in Green Bay. We’re right off the highway, so it saves 20 minutes. It could be 25 minutes to Marinette or 25 minutes to Green Bay. and we’re also right between Shawano.”
To keep up with population growth over the next few years, Oconto County needs to come up with thousands of new housing options of all kinds. That’s according to a 2023 study by TEDCOR.
“Our housing study has gotten a lot of attention, so that’s gotten developers up here to find parcels and put together plans for future housing needs,” said Jayme Sellen, TEDCOR’s Executive Director. “Right now, a lot of that is looking at apartments. In the future, we’re hoping to make the case for single-family homes.”
Sellen said housing is a top priority for companies in Oconto County, and throughout Wisconsin.
“Our employers are in need of housing,” she said. “We talk with Saputo in the Village of Lena, where the Urban Loft is going in. They need to hire 100 people. They have employees who are driving long distances — from Iron Mountain, Mich. — to work every day. Those employers would like to be a little closer, but there isn’t an option for them.”
Construction on The Urban Loft complex is not expected to be complete until 2027, but the first apartments could be ready for move-in this summer if weather cooperates.
“The business is there,” Kozlowski said. “We’ve already had some inquiries and interest about renting, so that’s intriguing considering we’re only framed right now.”