On Tuesday, September 18, CARW traveled to Appleton for the InDevelopment Conference, a premier gathering that drew nearly 200 attendees, including developers, investors, brokers, municipal officials, and other leaders shaping the future of Northeast Wisconsin.
The day opened with a dynamic keynote featuring John Breitinger (Cushman & Wakefield), Kristie Schwahn (Thrivent), and Ian Martin (Land by Label Development). Their presentation centered on the Thrivent Redevelopment Project, one of the most ambitious undertakings in the region. The plan calls for the redevelopment of nearly 600 acres of land to create a healthier, more connected community. Phase One of the project is already underway and will introduce 2,000 housing units along with commercial space designed for grocery stores, restaurants, retail, and hotels. This first phase sets the stage for a vibrant, mixed-use environment that aligns with today’s live–work–play lifestyle and meets critical housing and community needs in Northeast Wisconsin.
The second session featured Appleton Mayor Josh Woodford, who discussed the city’s approach to partnering with businesses. He outlined strategies for fostering mutually beneficial negotiations with potential partners and shared how Appleton is working to streamline city processes in order to encourage future development.
The conference concluded with a commercial real estate panel, facilitated by our very own board member, Manny Vasquez (NAI Pfefferle). Panelists included Eric Gumm (Wangard Partners), Tom Fisk (NAI Pfefferle), and Jason Tadych (Tadych Investment Partners, LLC). Together, they provided insights into what’s next for the Northeast Wisconsin market, covering trends in development, investment, and community needs.
Attendees also heard from Lyle Landowski (Colliers) and several other thought leaders, rounding out a day full of valuable discussions. The event, hosted by Instyle, was a great success and reinforced the energy and momentum driving growth in the region.
Key Takeaways
-
Real estate in Northeast Wisconsin remains stable, with significant land available and opportunities to prepare sites for development.
-
Middle housing—cottages, single-family homes, and small multifamily complexes—is a growing priority.
-
The live–work–play model is becoming a standard in community planning.
-
Walkability and green spaces are now considered essential for modern developments.
-
Attracting and retaining next-generation talent is a top priority.
-
The region faces a housing need nearly six times the national average, underscoring the urgency for new development