Sept. 30, 2025 6p
(WGTD)---The City of Racine is out with a new study that officials hope will turn some heads among developers.
A 22-page report from a consultant hired by the city makes the case that as the area’s economy continues to grow, no matter how you slice it, the demand for housing will remain strong.
The consultant identifies nine sites of various sizes in the city—most of which are in or near the downtown area—that are ripe for a housing development of some sort.
The consultant goes on to highlight what it believes would be the most successful housing designs, covering both owner-occupied and rental.
City Development Department Director Walt Williams says another factor that should interest prospective developers is the success of the Breakwater 233—a five-story, 200-unit apartment building on the city’s lakefront that opened late last year. "We were excited when Breakwater broke ground. We were equally excited when they started filling up ahead of schedule," Williams said. "It bodes well for the two properties that we consider one of our better assets for the City of Racine."
Those two sites both have enticing lakefront views: The land where the YMCA once stood and the Walker site just north of the Root River.
Williams says the city plans to solicit concept proposal for both of those sites early next year.
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