Innovative Affordable Housing Development in New Glarus

Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC), a leader in the preservation and development of quality affordable housing for low- to moderate-income populations in Wisconsin, is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of Prairie Haus, an innovative affordable workforce housing development located in New Glarus.
Prairie Haus is the first affordable housing concept of its kind in Wisconsin to integrate high-demand workforce housing with independent living apartments for people with disabilities where all residents live together within a strong, vibrant, and compassionate community.
In partnership with Home of Our Own (HOOO), an organization advocating for young adults with special care needs, WHPC has developed a unique, affordable housing model that meets the needs of both working individuals and families and those with disabilities within a larger affordable housing development.
HOOO will have an ongoing presence at Prairie Haus to facilitate social connections with all residents within the development and to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect with the New Glarus community at large. Other amenities include a spacious interior common area and community kitchen for family and friends to gather in a comfortable setting, underground and lot parking, onsite manager’s office, a business center, outdoor patios and grills, and outdoor recreational spaces with swings. Learn more about Prairie Haus at https://www.whpccorp.org/prairie-haus.
Like many rural communities throughout Wisconsin, New Glarus faces challenges meeting a growing demand for affordable workforce housing for individuals and families living on modest incomes.
Housing has been a scarce and expensive commodity, particularly for people who work in the village but cannot afford to live there. Prairie Haus will add to the village’s much needed housing stock.
Prairie Haus is situated on a spacious site, featuring steep rocky bluffs and panoramic views overlooking the Little Sugar River and historic downtown New Glarus. The mission-style development was designed by Midwest Modern and construction performed by 1848 Construction, Inc. The project was completed within 18 months and officially opened in December 2020.
The $9 million, 40-unit apartment community offers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Thirty-eight units will rent to individuals and families at 50%-80% of the area median income (AMI) in Green County who cannot afford the higher market-rate rents in the New Glarus area. Ten units will rent to extremely low-income individuals at 30% AMI. These units are single-story, grade-level apartments specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and feature multiple entry and exit pathways to accommodate and enhance the safety of residents, caregivers, and visitors. They include high ceilings, accommodating floor plans, fixtures that meet or exceed ADA standards, and other specially designed features. Two units are leased at market rate rents.
Prairie Haus is an exemplar of what can be accomplished with positive synergy between public and private groups working together to achieve a common purpose. “Partnership can be an overused word in many business settings, but in this case, it’s actually true,” WHPC Vice President David Ginger said. “You have a Housing Finance Authority in WHEDA that allocates the resources, developers, lenders, investors, parents and the community all working toward a common goal. This project does not get done without all partners working together.”
The ten special needs apartments are now fully leased. WHPC and its management firm, ACC Management, are currently accepting leasing applications for other units at Prairie Haus.
To celebrate the completion and opening of Prairie Haus, WHPC will host an open house on September 16th, at Prairie Haus with project partners and invited dignitaries and community residents from New Glarus. The open house begins at 10:30 a.m., with lunch and tours following the presentation.
<strong>About Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp.</strong>
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a prominent leader in the affordable housing industry. Learn more at https://www.whpccorp.org.