Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/792807
22 I N D E V E L O P M E N T 2 0 1 7 The Bay Lofts Door County has always had a special place in the hearts of developers Chris Laurent and Jeff Gillis. Like many from the Badger State, they've been vacationing in the county for years. "Because of this," Laurent says, "it's a special treat to be able to develop The Bay Lofts here, to help set the course for the region through the next decades. It's a privilege to be part of what makes Northeast Wisconsin so unique." Gillis, who is president of FCM Construction, the contractor for the 37-unit mixed-use development, agrees: "The City of Sturgeon Bay has been incredibly welcoming. They have a vision, have showed leadership, and are a true partner all along the way." The development team is rounded out with father and son Mark and The Bay Lofts was designed to encourage connectivity within the apartment community and the Sturgeon Bay community. DOOR COUNTY Ryan Meester, who invested in Gillis and Laurent's first project together, Middleton Station Apartments, just east of the Capital Brewery in Middleton. Following its strong reception, the team set sights on development in Sturgeon Bay, a community with special appeal. "We were attracted to the area and the site because of its plan, and because we share the city's vision for development of the West Waterfront District," Laurent says. "Sturgeon Bay has so much to offer — a vibrant, walkable community, regional hospital, festivals, year- round appeal, and, of course, an unmatched waterfront." Located southwest of the bay, across the street from Sonny's Omro Industrial Park offers developed 1- and 2-acre parcels Planning to open, relocate or expand your business? Take a look at what the Omro area has to offer. Together, the Omro Area Development Corp., Future Omro Chamber-Main Street program, and the City of Omro are committed to economic development, engaging in ongoing development efforts to attract new businesses, creating jobs and assisting local businesses. Economic growth helps reduce the tax burden — thus, strengthening the workforce, school system, housing market and more. A better quality of life for all of us is the goal; we recognize economic development is the driving force to accomplish this. Delays cost money and time. In Omro, we strive to provide assistance and answers within a reasonable time frame. If the project fits our community, we'll work hard to minimize the time it takes to go from permits to turning dirt. There are a variety of sites and development incentives available for the right projects. Omro Industrial Park offers one- to two-acre parcels in its 25-acre addition. The light industrial-zoned lots are $10,000 per acre and have city utilities in place, no retaining ponds required, immediate highway access and access to high-speed cable. Loan programs with flexible terms are offered for qualifying projects in the industrial park. "It was more cost effective for me to build in the Omro Industrial Park than it was to buy an existing building," says Dave Kersztyn, president of Keenline Conveyor Systems. "Now I have a state-of-the art facility in a great location." Omro's historic downtown is situated next to the Fox River on a major thoroughfare, which attracts customers from surrounding rural communities and adjacent metro areas. Omro has identified retail opportunities and is looking for partners in the fields of clothing, Omro's historic downtown. OMRO