Richland County Campus Reconfiguration Committee meets

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (WRCO / WRCE) – A representative from SEH reported to the Richland County Campus Reconfiguration Committee the recent state projections for Richland County indicating a population decline at yesterday’s (Wednesday) meeting. The implications for housing demand shows a need for senior-oriented multi-family housing. The state is projecting a 2,000-person population drop, which is severe compared to local trends; younger population groups are shrinking while those over 65 are increasing due to aging baby boomers. The aging population will increase demand for senior-oriented multi-family housing, while younger cohorts’ stagnation or decline will limit demand for new single-family homes.

A need for housing that accommodates both seniors’ accessibility needs and younger buyers’ technology requirements are something to look at. Much of the older housing stock is becoming obsolete for both seniors, who prefer single-level living, and younger buyers, who seek homes compatible with modern technology, leading to a continued but modest pipeline for new single-family homes. The county sees about 100 new households per year, with the city accounting for roughly a third, and projected that new single-family home construction would likely not exceed 10 units per year due to limited builder availability.  There has also been a decline of small speculative home builders over the past 15 years. The county could incentivize development by installing infrastructure and selling lots individually. The same approach has been successful in Whitewater.

Some suggestions for use and development strategies for the campus and the surrounding properties include: demolishing all remaining campus buildings except the student union/theater, and proposing its use as a flexible event center for weddings and community events, which could generate more revenue than a traditional venue. A senior-oriented multifamily housing on the east side of the property, near the mobile home park and outside the floodplain, with options for apartments, condominiums, or attached units managed by an association to handle exterior maintenance.

The west side of the property near the high school could be developed with single-family lots, either as a traditional subdivision or a conservation subdivision to maximize unit yield and address land service challenges. Parking and road alignment options to support the event center and new housing, need to consider the reuse or relocation of existing lots, the impact of floodplain areas, and the potential for new road connections from West Side Drive and other access points. There are opportunities for small office or health related developments on the remaining campus property, noting that while commercial use is possible, deed restrictions may be needed to ensure desirable outcomes, and that holding portions of the property could yield better future value.

County Administrator, Tricia Clements, reported that the UW Extension Offices will be moving out of Melville Hall and into the Richland County Community Services Building. The hope is to have Extension move in February.

Richland Center Economic Development Director, Jasen Glasbrenner, and Richland Center Mayor, Todd Coppernoll, presented a subdivision for proposal. They reiterated the need for housing in Richland Center. Both the City and the County need the housing and the revenue that housing brings. Generally speaking, a healthy housing market will have a six months’ supply of homes available for sale. That said, Richland Center should have 40 to 50 homes for sale. At this time there are 12. Housing in the area behind the campus would benefit the County, the High School, Symons, and the city. Development can be done to highlight the park and recreation areas.

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