New building could be coming to De Pere

By Lee Reinsch

Correspondent

DE PERE – Downtown De Pere could see a new four-story building in its historic Broadway district.

The Common Council unanimously voted Tuesday to review a proposal and negotiate terms for a four-story mixed-use building with retail space and living quarters in the area of 123 N. Broadway, in what’s now a small parking lot between two buildings.

The first level of the 38,000-square-foot development would feature around 2,500 square feet of commercial storefront/office space facing North Broadway.

The first-floor mezzanine would feature four fully furnished short-term rental units, while the second and third floors would feature 10 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments.

Two luxury condominiums would constitute the fourth floor, each with access to their own heated underground two-stall garages.

A heated underground parking area would accommodate 19 vehicles for the units on the second and third floors and have elevator access to the street level.

The proposed project would include a courtyard and greenspace areas called parklets in front, along with a raised patio outside the retail space.

“The parklets would enhance the pedestrian experience, and the patio presents a terrific opportunity for a cafe or restaurant that wanted to offer dining alfresco,” said Jason Tadych, of Tadych Investment Partners. “Granted, our outdoor dining season is short, but people still love to dine outside.”

Alderman Ryan Jennings called the proposed redevelopment well thought-out and a “significant addition” to the downtown area, adding that he’s in favor of the design’s use of historic-looking materials and large, sweeping windows.

Tadych said his plans would offer modern amenities while “maintaining a deep connection to the old-world charm of downtown De Pere” by using bricks that look vintage, large windows that have limestone sills and dark frames along with awnings.

One drawback to the project would be the loss of the current surface parking. Tadych said the benefits of increased foot traffic and business to the downtown area would outweigh the loss of a few parking stalls.

Alderman Scott Crevier asked about parking for occupants of the short-term rentals, since the plan for underground parking doesn’t include space for those units.

“The city doesn’t allow overnight parking; what do you expect them to do?” Crevier said.

Tadych said at least three lots within a two-block radius offer overnight parking, including one lot across from George Street Landing, another behind the Lee Building, and another at Mission Square.

Tadych said the short-term apartment units could be along the lines of Airbnb lodging or simply apartments with shorter leases than is typical.

That prompted Alderman Dean Raasch to inquire about the city’s stance on Airbnb accommodations.

De Pere Director of Planning and Development Kim Flom said the state somewhat regulates Airbnbs, but since the area of the proposed development is in a district zoned B-1, its use as Airbnb accommodations would be permitted.

“So they would just have to follow the state regulations,” she said.

Tadych said he’s seen demand for shorter-term apartments through his other properties.

Tadych developed The 102 on Broadway, a five-story luxury apartment building at 102 N. Broadway, which is full.

He said he’s got a waiting list of 50 people, whom he emails whenever openings occur.

Flom said Tadych’s design is still in its conceptual stage.

“We’re not approving the design tonight; we’re just saying we have a proposal and are reviewing it,” she said.