Redevelopment by the Riverside

Photo submitted by Tim Swadley

While providing housing, the development will also pay homage to Stoughton’s historic architecture.

Ava Parr, Associate Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor

Community gardens. Whitewater rafting. Affordable housing. Habitats for wildlife. These are only a few of the concepts that will soon become a reality in Stoughton, Wisc. thanks to the Stoughton Riverfront Redevelopment.

On Dec. 29, 2021, Stoughton’s City Council unanimously approved the development concept, allowing the process to begin to go into motion.

Mayor of Stoughton Tim Swadley attributes this concept becoming a reality to many members of the community. “The patience, persistence, and dedication of past and current RDA members, city staff, engineers, architects, consultants and the city council has allowed the project to move forward,” Swadley says.

Originally, the concept of developing this area of Stoughton off Main Street was a plan called the Railroad Corridor Neighbourhood Plan,which was adopted in 2009. However, it later changed into the Stoughton Riverfront Redevelopment.

This specific development was initiated in 2019, by developer Curt Brink and his team. He received input from the Stoughton Redevelopment Authority and community members to see what people in Stoughton felt like they needed.

Swadley explains some of the elements that this plan will provide to Stoughton’s community. “This project will provide high end apartments including a trail system with community access. Including green space, electric charging stations and solar lighting features along the river, [it] creates a unique development in Stoughton,” Swadley says.

Dale Reeves, the redevelopment chair of Stoughton, explains what he believes will be the first steps in this process now that the plan has been approved. “I think the first building to go up will resemble the old blacksmith’s shop. It was still on site, but so structurally unsound that we couldn’t save it. The RDA and the developer went through many designs until the architect used the image of that old blacksmith’s shop. It will be exciting to see it when it is finished,” Reeves explains.

Swadley shares what he is personally excited about for this development. “I am excited about getting closure on a project in a blighted area that includes the shared vision and values of our community. Combined with the water park, the accessibility to Mandt Park and the downtown businesses, this development will provide a destination area to make Stoughton a place of choice,” Swadley says.