Wisconsin Dells announces major real estate development

Plans are underway for a major redevelopment on an 11-acre property where the Indian Trail Motel now sits in Wisconsin Dells.

Gateway Development Partners, a developer based in Chicago, is purchasing the property from Ed and Anna Karas.

Plans are being developed to build a 42,000-square-foot grocery store along with 20,000 square feet of retail space. In addition, approximately 150 multifamily apartment units will be built.

While the west end of Broadway has seen significant economic growth in recent years, the east end has not. The hope is the new development will spur development on the street’s east end.

“We also recognize that there were areas of growth in that area and especially areas of growth for area residents that live, not only in the city, but surrounding our city,” Wisconsin Dells Mayor Brian Landers said.

The inclusion of 150 apartments in the project meets a need identified by the city.

“We need more housing for our seniors. We need more housing for the people that are here for our work force. We’re trying to attract more people to our community. It is a safe place with a small town feel and big city amenities,” Landers said.

While Wisconsin Dells is very much focused on the tourist industry, the new development will also meet the needs of residents in the area.

“Obviously it has a tourism component because a grocery store and a retail area can definitely take advantage of our tourism but this is really a strong foundation to remind people that the Dells is also a great place to live,” Landers said.

Gateway Development Partners will need to submit its plans to the city for final approval, but some work on the permitting and infrastructure process has already been addressed. If the plans are approved it is possible work could begin on the project as early as this fall.