2017 Focus on Stoughton by Woodward Community Media

8 Stoughton Focus - June 29, 2017

Photo by Amber Levenhagen

Construction continues around Wal-Mart at Kettle Park West.

Wal-Mart opens as KPW keeps growing BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group

With the March 2017 opening of the Wal-Mart Supercenter, the Kettle Park West development has its key building in place to anchor a 35-acre commercial/retail area. Improvements to nearby streets and roads were completed last fall, work began on other buildings in the commercial center, and plans were introduced and approved for more buildings in the project’s second phase. In addition to Wal-Mart, the commercial area of the development – known as Phase 1 – will include a Kwik Trip gas station/ convenience store and McFarland State Bank. Construction began on the

Kwik Trip in late March. In a separate project nearby, an Aldi grocery store is under construction. Plans to construct several other buildings in Phase 1 are pending, including McFarland State Bank and three multi-tenant buildings. A third building that’s planned to go on Lot 4 in the commercial center is on hold, Forward Development Group manager Dennis Steinkraus told the Hub. Steinkraus said he expects construction to begin on two more buildings in the commercial center this summer. “ T h e y ’v e g o t p l a n s out for bid and will start building this summer,” he said. “Those will start about mid-July.” Roads serving the project also got big improvements. A roundabout at the intersection of Kettle Park Way and State Hwy. 138

was completed in October following two months of work. In mid-June, traffic signals went live at the intersection of Jackson Street and U.S. Hwy. 51. In the 90-acre Phase 2 area of KPW, the city has approved the construction of a four-story Tru by Hilton hotel and a 10,700 square-foot conference center, along with a three-story, 100unit senior assisted living facility. Steinkraus said he expects construction to b eg i n o n t h e h o t e l i n August and the senior complex the following month. The 93-room hotel and conference center would be built on the north side of Jackson Street in an ex t e n s i o n o f t h e fi r s t phase commercial center. The hotel, approved last August, would bring 35 full- and part-time jobs to the city. The 51,500 square-foot

senior living facility at 2600 Jackson St. would include 21 units of memory care and employ about 30 people. The council approved a conditional use permit for it in May. The council put all further work in Phase 2 on hold until the develope r r e c e ive s Wi s c o n s i n Department of Transportation approval for a connection from the Phase 2 area to State Hwy. 138. The developer and city officials have had discussions with the DOT about a proposed entrance at Oak Opening Drive, but Steinkraus is not expecting an approval anytime soon. “The reality is I don’t see it being built for seven to 15 to maybe 20 years,” he told the Hub last week. “It’s not warranted.” Contact Bill Livick at bill. livick@wcinet.com

With land acquired, developer takes ideas from community planning exercise BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group

Plans to transform an abandoned industrial area into a new residential development have gotten much more tangible in the past year after negotiating several hurdles. The city’s Redevelopment Authority controls about 10 acres between the Yahara River and East South

Street and has been looking for years to use its location between the river and downtown as a community asset. Late last year, it acquired a key piece of property in that area – the 6-acre MillFab site – at a cost of $750,000 after negotiating with the receiver in charge of the company’s bankruptcy. It then selected a master developer to lead the effort and in June held a three-day design event with the public to gather ideas about what to include in the riverfront redevelopment area.

Turn to RDA/Page 13

Inside Housing construction Page 9 New public works building, message from the chamber

Council and School Board discuss growth Page 11 New business questionnaires

Page 10

Page 12

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Streets near the development are also improved

Riverfront plans begin to take shape

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Nordic Ridge begins next phase Will feature new park, splash pad AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group

After being approved by the city several years ago, Nordic Ridge got back on track last year with a groundbreaking of the new neighborhood. The development, located on the city’s west side near West Milwaukee Street and Hoel Avenue, recently moved into the next phase of construction, which will feature a new city park and a splash pad. “ I t ’s s o m e t h i n g t h a t most of the people coming through have been very excited about,” Tom Matson, president of Matson and Associates, told the Hub. Matson and Associates manages marketing and sales for the development. The first phase of development created 40 singleand multi-family lots, 27 of which are spoken for so far. Homes range in value from $330,000 to $500,000. Phase two, expected to be available in September, will add another 32 single-family homes. Phase two lots range in value from $80,000 to $90,000, with one lot already purchased. The development will have 170 lots in total, Matson said. “It’s going fantastic so far,”

Once completed, Nordic Ridge will offer 170 lots for new homes. he said. “It’s good and fun to see new growth in the city, because for a while it was stagnant with not a lot of new construction going on.” Stoughton was added to the Parade of Homes for the first time this year, with Nordic Ridge among the list of neighborhoods from DeForest, Waunakee, Oregon and Windsor. More than 3,000 people visited the up-and-coming subdivision, Matson said. “We experienced an influx of people visiting our community, and I think overall it’s a wonderful thing for the community,” he said. For more information on the Nordic Ridge development, visit nordicridgehomes.com.

Photo by Amber Levenhagen

New home values Category 2015 2016 2017 Average $152,000 $158,000 $286,000 Low $100,000 $150,000 $165,000 High $210,000 $190,000 $550,000 Reflects estimated cost of construction submitted on building permits, rather than actual value.

Building permits to date Type 2015 2016 2017 Residential zoning 37 43 31 Commercial zoning 27 31 49 Residential remodel/repair 168 169 171 Commercial remodel/repair 45 31 52 Residential new construction (other) 2 14 1 Residential new construction (dwellings) 8 8 14 Residential addition 11 11 9

Stoughton Focus

Message from the chamber

The return of growth is welcome When I moved to Stoughton in 1998, Stoughton had just been through a rapid swell in population. Almost 4,000 people moved here (or were born here) between 1990 and 2000. It was an exciting time in Stoughton. The newspaper was full of lively discussion about how Stoughton should grow. But for the most part, the city defeated significant new commercial development. Decisions from that time made a long-lasting impact. After that, the economy didn’t allow for any residential or business construction. So Stoughton hasn’t seen much development for a long time. Now, Stoughton has been facing decisions about how to grow again. The Kettle Park West development is bringing businesses: a hotel and homes. Construction has gotten the go-ahead. It is appropriate that we are again having lively discussions about what that means for our city. But I really believe, as renowned football coach Lou Holtz once put it, that “you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.” Let’s take a look at this point in time. Stoughton is

the 64th largest city in Wisconsin out of 777 cities. Plenty of other cities do not get to have the discussions about how to grow because they are not able to attract developers. We are not directly on the Interstate, and our closeness to Madison could negatively affect our attractiveness as a market. However, neither of those factors are deterring our development. Stoughton can boast that we provide jobs, services and goods right here at home. For a city of our size, we have much more to offer than many. There are 6,900 jobs here in Stoughton. Our emergency and utility services are handled here. The majority of our shopping needs are met without leaving Stoughton. Farming and agriculture is still a big part of our culture. We are far from being a bedroom community. So we are experiencing the expansion that the economy is enabling in attractive communities. And that brings out different opinions. Interestingly, I am not hearing many people say they wish we had no growth. I hear people say they wish we had a different store or restaurant than the ones

Turn to Chamber/ Page 13

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June 29, 2017

Stoughton Focus

www.connectstoughton.com

New public works building could start in 2018 Planning begins to replace aging, undersized facility BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group

Planning for a new public works facility made strides in the past year and could be under construction as early as 2018. The city has worked with Angus Young Associates since 2013 in preparation for the new facility, estimated to cost around $8 million, and this month the Common Council approved a $359,600 design and engineering contract with the company. A preliminary cost estimate in 2013 to build a new facility came in at $8.3 million. That year, the city bought 13.6 acres in 2013 on County Hwy. A, close to where Racetrack Road intersects the highway, for $227,500. Some alders have questioned whether the city can afford the project at the same time it’s working to redevelop about 10 acres along the Yahara River, a project that likely will require significant taxpayer assistance. But the majority have agreed with public works director

Brett Hebert and other city officials, who say the city can’t afford to wait for a new facility, given the antiquated building the city has been using. Angus Young will oversee design and construction of three new buildings at 2415 County Hwy. A on the city’s east side. It will assist the city in planning a 58,200 square-foot facility with an administrative office, vehicle maintenance area and storage space. The contract includes design and construction oversight of a 4,800 square-foot building for road salt storage, and the Rendering courtesy Angus Young vehicle fleet fueling station The city is in the early planning stages of building a new public works facility on County Hwy. A, near the intersection with and control system. The Racetrack Road. architect will also design a stormwater maintenance system and a public water main extension to the site. In February, the council approved funding that allowed the city to continue working with Angus Young, and earlier this month it approved the actual contract. Hebert said the city would try to incorporate environmental sustainability into the construction and operation of the new facility. Photo by Samantha Christian

Contact Bill Livick at bill. The current Public Works Department building is located at livick@wcinet.com 515 S. Fourth St.

Photo by Scott De Laruelle

The new public works building will be constructed at 2415 County Hwy. A.

Message from the mayor

Economic development is the key to Stoughton’s future Economic development is the key to Stoughton’s future. You have heard me make that statement many times. It is through retention of current business, helping them grow and be successful right here at home and work to bring new business, employers and families to Stoughton that will allow the city to continue to provide the same great quality services that we all desire. Providing jobs, goods and services continues to be a top priority. There have been some g r e a t n ew c h a n g e s i n Stoughton over the last year. Our community is excited to have new residential building with plans for more. Our first Parade of Homes took place within the first phase of the Nordic Ridge development. The Madison Area Builders Association Parade of Homes always brings folks to tour the sites as well as the community. The Art Walk was another first that took place on the same day as the opening of the Parade of Homes. It is estimated that 1,500 people participated in the Art Walk. This has been a great opportunity for Stoughton to showcase our community. We have also seen commercial building growth. N ew a d d i t i o n s / r e m o d el to Stoughton Hospital, Skaalen Retirement Services and the Stoughton Trailers Parts building are

just a few of our local businesses growing and expanding. New buildings to accommodate growth for North A m e r i c a n F u r, M c Fa rland State Bank, Kwik Trip, Wal-mart and Lotus Salon are also examples of great success stories of local business. We have also welcomed new business to Stoughton, such as Nauti Norske, Tru Hotel by Hilton, Iconica, Aldi Food Market, Tractor Supply, First Choice Dental, Dunkin Donuts and Milestone Sr Living. These are just a few of the great things happening in Stoughton! New construction to date has been 14 single-family homes and four commercial buildings, compared with 20 single-family homes in all of 2016, and eight commercial buildings in 2016. Nordic Ridge is a 71.63 acre residential development consisting of 175 residential lots. The first phase consists of 40 residential lots, with five homes in the 2017 Parade of Homes. The development contains walking trails, trees and public splash pad areas are being planned for all ages. It’s located with easy access to Hwy A, Hwy 51 and Hwy 138. Stoughton Hospital has just completed a major renovation. It has a new emergency department, urgent care, private registration area, lab, day surgery and much more.

Stoughton Hospital has always been a major asset to our community. They continually rate very high in patient care and quality of services. I am proud that they call Stoughton home. Skaalen Retirement Services is constructing a new 33-unit residential care apartment complex adjacent to its current campus at 950 Ridge St. Park Vernon Apartments at 1601, 1625 and 1649 Vernon St. is undergoing much-needed renovation. The Nauti Norske is a new bar/restaurant at 324 Water St., providing beautiful outdoor seating near the Yahara River. A new 14,760-squarefoot addition was built to the Stoughton Trailers parts division building at 1112 Veterans Road to accommodate their current and future needs. Four duplex-style buildings are being constructed at 300 Business Park Circle to accommodate up to eight small or start-up companies in our business park. The first phase of the new North American Fur Auctions building consists of a 28,400-square- foot facility at 1600 Williams Drive to fulfill the needs of their growing company. NAFA has and will retain a facility in our industrial park. Milestone Senior Living is a community-based residential facility, and it completed construction and opened in May of 2016. They specialize

Turn to Mayor/ Page 13

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Common challenges Growth, poverty a focus at joint meeting SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

In a rare joint meeting of the Stoughton Common Council and School Board, two topics — one lingering and one emerging — rose to the top of the discussion. Recent lack of residential growth — and its effect on the school district and city — was perhaps the main reason for calling the session. But over two-and-ahalf hours when more than a dozen city and school officials presented information and took questions, the rapid rise of poverty within the district garnered significant attention. Stoughton Area School District officials talked about historical issues facing the district, including changes in school funding from 1990s levy limits and recent state budgets. They also talked about emerging issues like the marked increase in economically disadvantaged students (11.3 to 28.1 percent in 10 years), as well as a connection between students in this group and truancy and

11 Hospital celebrates new space June 29, 2017

What’s next Leaders of both boards said they found the meeting useful, and school board president Scott Dirks said in an email Thursday the two sides plan to meet again Thursday, July 20. Council president Tim Swadley said in an email to the Hub after the meeting said he was “optimistic this will be the start of something that will be mutually beneficial.” “We have many common challenges, and together I believe we can make better decisions on behalf of our community,” he said. behavior issues. After the meeting, school board president Scott Dirks said he thought the meeting had a positive impact, something impressed on him in conversations with city council members after the meeting. “Based on what I heard, a lot of (them) were very surprised to learn about the extent of the poverty issue in our students,” he said. “I don’t think they had any clue – most middle class people living in Stoughton don’t have any clue.” City officials discussed the city’s Comprehensive Plan and changes they would like

to see. Common Council member Sid Boersma, a realtor, said Stoughton needs to market itself better. “(People) want to move into nice homes in nice neighborhoods that are safe and have good schools,” he said. “We’ve got nice homes – we don’t have enough of them… we have good schools; what can you say?” City planning director Rodney Scheel said the key to economic development is to “funnel that energy” into a coordinated focus, and noted some interest in Stoughton for having an economic development

coordinator. “We as a community have to recognize what tools we have available to make a unified economic development message to the development community,” he said. “We don’t want to be in a position where we’re not prepared for appropriate growth to occur.” Dirks said it was “most useful” to talk with city officials about the different types of housing — those that would benefit the district (ones that attract young families) and would not (senior housing). He said lack of population growth, combined with an aging population, is a problem for all of Stoughton to deal with, not just the school district. “The percentage of people living on a fixed income is larger than it was 15 years ago,” he said. “All the little businesses … they are going to suffer, because if you’re living on a fixed income, you’re much less likely to spend money in a business like that. Those are discretionary items.” Contact Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@ wcinet.com.

Stoughton Focus

AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group

Stoughton Hospital celebrated the completion of its $13.2 million renovation in May. The process of renovating the 20,000 existing square feet and adding 15,000 square feet of new space began August 2015 as a result of changing needs that included a facility upgrade. The grand opening ceremony welcomed visitors to tour the newly completed facilities – a renovated emergency department, urgent care, day surgery, private registration and ambulatory infusion center. With open floor plans, updated color schemes and bigger patient care rooms, Stoughton Hospital business development and public relations director Laura Mays said the renovation has been well received. “We have the same outstanding personalized care, but now to have this new space and equipment to offer patients and visitors,” she said. “It has brought a tremendous amount of pride to all employees.” Privacy is a key theme in the renovation. New bathrooms separate day surgery

patient rooms, which were previously separated by only a curtain. The registration area now has four offices that replaced the two check-in stations at a shared counter. A behavior health room and two isolation treatment rooms were added to keep patients safe who are or may become suicidal. A bariatric room was created with specialized equipment for larger patients. A technological upgrade of new TV monitors allow visiting family members to confidentially track patient progress with unique codes given to patients. Among the renovations is a new wound care clinic, which opened earlier this year. The clinic is one of three in Dane County. Previously, the hospital would refer patients to primary care providers for treatment, but now Dr. Aaron Schwaab provides patients with specialized treatment plans. “There’s been a tremendous connection with the community,” Mays said. “So many people came out for the grand opening, it was humbling to see the support and connection to Stoughton Hospital.”

Message from the superintendent

Our community is our partner in student learning In April, approximately 100 people from our community came together to talk about the past, present and future of our district during our Strategic Planning Conference. The conference yielded lots of great feedback about how we can grow and excel as a school system. It also served as a powerful reminder of how fortunate our school district is to have a community that cares as much about students as ours does. That partnership is an ongoing source of strength for our district, and last school year was no exception. For the 2016-17 school year, for example, 118 students from the Class o f 2 0 1 7 w e r e awa r d e d $238,450 in college scholarship money thanks to donations from across our community? That is the

largest amount ever awarded in the 64 years our Honors Program has been in place, and it is just one of the ways in which our community supports our kids. Did you also know that as of this month, to date we have received $343,662 in donations and grants to support our state-of- the-art Fab Lab, from organizations like the Cummins Foundation, Wahlin Foundation, Bryant Foundation, Stoughton Area Community Foundation, Universal Foundation, Stoughton Trailers, Nelson Global Products and Alliant Energy? That support has enabled us to expand this cutting edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunity to families and our community members through free public workshops. And those grants do not include about $50,000 in

grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to increase our Fab Lab technology and to bring Fab Lab programming into the middle school next school year. Every year, our Working for Kids groups raise money to support student learning in areas like technology. Every year, local businesses and families donate money for everything from prom to school supplies to class trips. Every board meeting, there is a list of donations that we receive and acknowledge. The generosity of this community never ceases to astound and humble me. When I refer to generosity, I also to refer to generosity when it comes to the most scarce resource: time. At the time of our strategic plan, we had 572 current and

active volunteers listed in our school district. They included volunteers like “Grandpa Don” Mix, a 92-year- old Stoughton resident who last school year saw a story about a 100-year- old man who visited a local school to read to students and then decided he wanted to do the same. Mix visited Fox Prairie Elementary School almost twice a week this last school year to read to different classes, and the kids loved him. That list also includes Gregg Haak, a Stoughton High School alumnus and Iraq War Veteran who heard about the needs of Kegonsa Elementary School and decided to volunteer his time as a Kegonsa Watch D.O.G. The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a new program at Kegonsa that encourages fathers,

uncles, grandfathers and others to come into the school to serve as a positive male role model and mentor for students. And there are those who might not appear on the list but who give their time to our kids. As of this writing, members of local churches, businesses and other community volunteers are providing a summer meals program for all Stoughton students. “Lunches for Vikings” is a partnership whereby free, nutritious meals are offered at each of the three elementary schools five days a week through September 1. Lunches for Vikings is organized and staffed by volunteers who want to ensure that every child who needs a meal during the summer has a place to go. It is another example of a community that

cares about its young people. It is also the kind of partnership that we seek to build under the framework of our Strategic Plan. As I told our strategic planners in April, we are doing some amazing things here in the Stoughton Area School District. We are expanding our playbased and student-centered learning programs. We are increasing student access to technology. We now have dozens of electives, co-curricular and extracurricular activities available to our students in middle and high school. As we build on those successes, our partnerships and our community provide a source of strength and support. Tim Onsager is the Stoughton Area School District superintendent

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June 29, 2017

Stoughton Focus

New Business Questionnaires

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Stoughton Eye Care & Eyewear

Nauti Norske

Address: 2300 U.S. Hwy. 51 and 138, Suite E Principal owner or leader: Dr’s Shelly Skjolaas and Andrew Lindell Opening date: Oct. 3, 2016 Number of employees: Four Charity connections: We partner with frame lines that help serve a greater purpose. One line, Modo, donates eye care for every frame purchased, and another, Article One, donates Vitamin A supplements to fight blindness. We also donate to Optometry Giving Sight which trains, delivers and establishes eye care services around the world. Stoughton connection: Dr. Shelly Skjolaas was born and raised in Stoughton, where many of her family members still reside. After living and practicing in Central New York, her and Dr. Lindell missed the midwest and family, leading them back to this wonderful community! Business focus: Stoughton Eye Care & Eyewear is an optometry clinic for everyone young and old. We provide eye care with compassion, experience, advanced technology and quality eyewear products. We help people say goodbye to blurry, sore, tired, uncomfortable eyes and start seeing clearly and feeling spectacular! What’s special about your business? We will develop custom plans for you by taking the time to listen and understand your ocular and visual problems. We also provide unique specialty services such as: low vision examinations, traumatic brain injury rehabilitative care, and specialty contact lens fitting for complicated contact lens cases.

Address: 324 S. Water St. Principal owner or leader: The Nauti Norske is owned and operated by Kathy Jo Vike and David Eugster. Our executive Chef is Nick Nesthus. Opening/arrival date: Aug. 26, 2016 Number of employees: 12+ Charity connections/plans: As our new business settles in, we plan on getting more involved in the local community and charities. Stoughton connection: Both Kathy Jo and David grew up in Stoughton. They graduated together in 1977 from Stoughton High School. All of their family members also live in the Stoughton area. Business focus: The Nauti Norske is a beautiful new upscale bar and restaurant with a magnificent outdoor patio with fire pits right on the Yahara River in downtown Stoughton business district. We specialize in great food at a very reasonable price. We have a wonderful choice of adult beverages which include several craft beers. We can host birthday parties, anniversary gatherings, class reunions, or any other special event you may have. We can take your party on a pontoon boat ride complete with food and drink if you like. Or you can just enjoy our lovely patio on the river or a night of Karaoke or live music. What’s special about your business? There is no other place quite like the Nauti Norske. Great food, great patio, great drinks, great people and great fun. Just a fantastic new place to spend some time on the water with your friends, right in downtown Stoughton.

Stoughton Gymnastics

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Address: 201 W.Main St. Principal owner:, Jessica Kohlhoff Opening date: June 19, 2017 Number of employees: Five as of now. Expect to double soon. All previous competitive gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, or tumbling background. Stoughton connection: I've coached tumbling and gymnastics, for over 25 years, the last 20 years in Stoughton. Business focus: Teaching the full range of gymnastics events and growing the recreational team & competitive team. Hopefully having a high school team in the future. What’s special about your business? In addition to a competitive team, we offer a recreational team, as an option. This allows kids of all abilities to participate in a team sport, if they like.

Address: 1321 E. Main St. Owner: Kari Aagerup Open date: Sept. 13, 2016 Number of volunteers: Four Charity connection: Second Chance Animal Advocates Stoughton connection: We continued the work of the Small Animal Advocates who have serviced this area for 30 years. What is special about your business? We give 100 percent of our profits to helping animals.

Farmers Insurance – Mike Daniels Agency Address: 194 W. Main St. Principal owner or leader: Mike Daniels Arrival date: September 2016 Number of employees: 1 (me) Charity connections/plans: Stoughton Rotary, Stoughton Chamber, START, Stoughton VFW, Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, Madison Area Homeless Veteran Stand Down, Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Stoughton connection: I did not enjoy living in Chicago and my wife is from McFarland so we settled on Stoughton. Business focus: Insurance. What’s special about your business? Superior customer service at a fair insurance price.

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Viking Leather

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Verizon

Address: 161 W. Main St. Phone: 205-6421

Address: 2368 Jackson St. Phone: 492-4567

Morelia’s Cafe

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Address: 171 W. Main St. Phone: 719-5133

Ol’ Skool Address: 155 W. Main St.

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Hwy. N closes for I-39 project SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group

A six-year project to reconstruct Interstate 39/90 has changed traffic patterns on a couple of highways near Stoughton this year. Hwy. N, to the north of the city, closed at the north of the interstate interchange in May and will remain closed until November. The

Hwy. 51 interchange has also had the northbound on- and off-ramps closed at its intersection with the interstate. The project is part of a six-year expansion project for the interstate between Beloit and Madison, slated for completion in 2022. Crews worked on three bridges in the area last year, which included four-month

closures. The final product at the Hwy. N interchange will feature a “diamond interchange,” a common type, with entry and exit points under the interstate. The area will also include three roundabouts. Work will continue at both interchanges near Stoughton through the rest of 2017 and into 2018.

Mayor: Supports, welcomes new business Continued from page 10 in senior care, memory care and adult daycare. The facility located at 2220 Lincoln Avenue consists of 20 residential care apartments and 20 community based residential apartments. It has been reported that they are at full occupancy at this time. First Choice Dental is under construction at 1300 Nygaard St. It has plans to open in July 2017. Lotus Salon has built a new building at 907 Nygaard St., relocating from its previous location at 2380 Jackson Street. Morelia’s Cafe opened at 620 Nygaard St., the former location of Marsalla’s. Plans are under way for a new McFarland State Bank building within the Kettle Park West Commercial Center. Remodeling is underway at the former Wal-mart site. A portion of that site will

be the new home of Tractor Supply. It is anticipated that the remodel will be complete and the store will open the later part of 2017. The new Wal-mart Supercenter opened in March 2017 at 2600 State Hwy. 138. The new, much larger store provides more retail options to fulfill folks needs here in Stoughton. Reports indicate that it has also brought more folks to Stoughton to eat and shop in other areas of our community. A new, larger Kwik Trip gas/convenience store is underway at 1359 U.S. Hwy 51. It is planned to be completed in September 2017. Construction of the new Aldi Food Market is underway at 1399 U.S. Hwy 51. It is planned to be completed by the end of the year. Iconica plans to construct a new senior assisted living apartment complex at 2600 Jackson St. It is a 100unit assisted-living facility

consisting of 79 units of independent and assisted living (residential care apartment complex) and 21 units of memory care (community-based residential facility). Tru by Hilton is a new 88-room hotel and convention center located at 2500 Jackson St. It plans to begin construction by the end of this year. Dunkin’ Donuts has been looking for just the right location in Stoughton for several years now and found it at 2480 State Hwy. 138. Construction will begin late 2017. Thank you to all those who have invested in our community by growing your business, bringing your new business to Stoughton, building a new home or serving on a committee to enable change today for a better tomorrow. Donna Olson is the mayor of Stoughton.

Stoughton Focus

June 29, 2017

Riverfront: Development plan expected for fall Continued from page 8 It also added another building, a former carpet warehouse, after planning was in progress. The MillFab site was the key piece the RDA had been waiting on for several years, having created a master plan about a decade ago. The property contains buildings that will need to be torn down and contaminated soil that will need remediation before any construction can happen. The city’s offer of $700,000 was initially disputed by the receiver as too low for its industrial use, but receiver John Stark and a court later accepted $750,000 for the property. After the court approval for the deal last August, the RDA narrowed its search the following month for a master developer. It selected Tanesay Development, a Chicago-based company with experience in a similar redevelopment effort in Appleton. Tanesay owner Mark Geall immediately began planning

a design “charrette” – a threeday event in which the public is encouraged to bring ideas for designers to turn into sketches. But that charrette was postponed by more than a month after a debate over whether one of the buildings slated for demolition – the Highway Trailer building – should be saved. City leaders eventually agreed to save a smaller, nearby building, known as the blacksmith shop. Geall attended two days of the June design charrette, and his team of architects came away with several schemes to use in planning the redevelopment project, which consultant Gary Becker said could take up to a decade to complete. The area is bordered by Seventh Street to the east and Fourth Street to the west. Geall and his team plan to continue meeting with the RDA to focus its plan, and later this summer or early fall they expect to submit a plan for the entire 10 acres to the Common Council for approval.

Tanesay architect Mark Ernst said his team is considering a mix of rental housing styles for the riverfront area, which could include some retail or commercial elements and would include a pedestrian bridge to Mandt Park. Most of the schemes from the charrette also include developing a corridor connecting the riverfront to Rotary Park and Main Street. With the prospect of hundreds of people moving across the river, city staff have been working on a proposal to develop a recreation center and pickleball complex in the park. Parks and recreation director Tom Lynch has also introduced the idea of developing a whitewater course in the Yahara River near Mandt Park to draw locals and visitors to the city’s downtown. In the near future, demolition will begin of more than a half-dozen buildings in the area. Contact Bill Livick at bill. livick@wcinet.com

Chamber: Growth ‘essential’ for the future Continued from page 9 building here. But those new businesses that are committing here are the ones that find Stoughton to be desirable. Market forces are driving those decisions. I am also hearing loudly that we need more single-family homes. We are

seeing some being built. Realtors, businesses trying to recruit employees and the school district know that the need is huge. The rapid population increase in the 1990s is not what Stoughton needs or wants, but responsible growth is essential to us remaining healthy.

The commercial and residential growth at Kettle Park West and the potential of the riverfront development are welcome signs of Stoughton’s position for the future. Laura Trotter is the executive director of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce.

Come on over and visit Stoughton’s newest Neighborhood, Nordic Ridge, to discover what others have found - beautiful views, varied topography allowing lower level exposure and several quality new homes under construction. Phase 1 is already 60% sold out and phase 2, now under construction, will include Stoughton’s first SPLASH PARK! Bring your builder or let our talented team help you from design to move in! Lots are available from $79,900 Licensee interest.

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1601 E. Main St., Stoughton, WI (608) 873-8700

Debra Peterson adno=528893-01