ASHWAUBENON (NBC 26) -- Along Mike McCarthy Way, there are six and a half acres of land that have the appearance of parking lots. But, if a proposal currently being shopped to village leaders in Ashwaubenon is approved, that could change by the summer of 2020.
Stretching from Ashland Avenue to Holmgren Way along Mike McCarthy Way, there are a couple of parcels of land owned by Ashwaubenon's Community Development Authority that village leaders say could be better utilized.
"Transition the area from a gritty industrial area, to a more vibrant activity center that takes advantage of its location close to Lambeau Field and the Stadium District," says Aaron Schuette who is Ashwaubenon’s Community Development Director.
On Wednesday, Village leaders approved a six-month planning period for an Iowa based contractor to see what they would do with the vacant land.
"We're hoping to see really a mixed use entertainment area, consisting of a mix of residential, commercial, some public spaces and office space," says Schuette.
Right now the plan includes the construction of five buildings total, with three of them housing nearly 230 apartments. Schuette says many of the apartments will be a bit smaller, possessing less than 1,000 square feet.
"This is an opportunity for someone to live in the Stadium District and take advantage of the amenities associated with Titletown, but live in a different unit," says Schuette.
Schuette says under the current proposal the three buildings would also include retail space on the main floor.
"Retail opportunities for people looking to grow their businesses. They're not necessarily established but they are along the upswing of where they want to go," adds Schuette.
The final main proposal at this point is for two, four-story buildings to be constructed. The proposal would have one of them constructed into a hotel and the other into an office building.
The $58 million project is far from approved at this point. If it is under consideration, the village would have to vote on the matter likely sometime in the spring. But, if they do vote in favor of it, they will likely break ground on Mike McCarthy Way sometime in the summer of 2020.
