News Summary
Milwaukee is introducing Austin Commons, an affordable housing project in the Bay View neighborhood aimed at developing 100 rental units. The $30 million project will replace single-family homes and addresses a critical housing shortage in the city. A collaboration between Northernstar Cos. and Commonwealth Development Corp., the project has received preliminary approval for tax-exempt bonds and secured federal tax credits. With construction expected to start in May, Austin Commons is part of Milwaukee’s broader efforts to enhance housing affordability amid a competitive market.
Milwaukee is set to welcome a new affordable housing project named Austin Commons, which aims to develop 100 rental units in the Bay View neighborhood. The planned development at 2332 S. Austin St. will replace existing single-family homes, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in the city.
The project, estimated to cost $30 million, is a collaboration between two companies: Milwaukee-based Northernstar Cos. and Commonwealth Development Corp. of Fond du Lac. The development team has submitted a request for $9.9 million in tax-exempt bonds through the Redevelopment Authority
Under this arrangement, the bonds will be issued in the city’s name to qualify for tax-exempt status. However, the Austin Commons group will hold the responsibility of repaying the funds. Officials indicate that this setup poses no financial risk to Milwaukee, making the project a more viable option for funding. Tax-exempt bonds provide developers with the advantage of lower interest rates since bond buyers are not required to pay taxes on their investments.
In addition to the bond funding, Austin Commons has already secured approximately $1.9 million in federal affordable housing tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. The combination of these financing methods is vital for moving forward with the construction, expected to begin in May.
The need for affordable housing in Milwaukee has become increasingly critical as reports highlight the competitive housing market in the area. The city requires at least 4,000 more homes to satisfy the demand from aspiring homeowners. Additionally, the rental market faces similar challenges, with projections indicating that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is expected to reach $1,175 by 2025.
Austin Commons represents one of several efforts Milwaukee is undertaking to combat the growing affordability crisis. As cities nationwide grapple with similar housing shortfalls, collective initiatives like this aim to provide more accessible living options for residents struggling in the current market.
These developments are part of a broader trend in Milwaukee to improve housing availability and affordability, ensuring that residents have access to safe, suitable living conditions. As the city continues to work on solutions, projects like Austin Commons will play a vital role in shaping the future of affordable housing in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Urban Milwaukee: City Will Support Bay View Affordable Housing Development
- Jsonline: Milwaukee Affordable Apartment Project to Get Public Financing Help
- Urban Milwaukee: Three Milwaukee Affordable Housing Proposals Win State Funding
- WISN: Milwaukee Apartments Open as City Seeks to Address Affordable Housing Shortage
- Jsonline: Milwaukee’s Phoenix Residential Affordable Housing to Open Next Year
- Wikipedia: Affordable housing
- Google Search: Affordable housing Milwaukee
- Google Scholar: Affordable housing Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable housing
- Google News: Milwaukee affordable housing news
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
