Spoerl Commercial Helps Secure WHEDA Credits for Sturgeon Bay Project

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At Spoerl Commercial, we believe real estate development should enrich lives and strengthen communities—and that’s exactly what’s happening in Sturgeon Bay. A new affordable housing complex at North 14th Avenue and Georgia Street has just won $927,244 per year in Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) tax credits. Spoerl Commercial will sell the tax credits to investors to raise equity for an approximately $12 million development.

We’re proud to have competed in the WHEDA annual tax credit program and, together with the City of Sturgeon Bay, submitted an application and development that is both economically feasible and mission-aligned. Today, we’re sharing how this award reflects our mission and its impact on the broader community.

A Shared Vision: Affordable Housing Meets Local Needs

This new development, comprising 39 rental units in the first phase and 20 units in the second, will bring a total of 59 much-needed affordable apartments to Sturgeon Bay and the Door Peninsula. It will provide stability and opportunity for families, seniors, and working-class residents in a community growing more aware of its housing shortage.

By leveraging WHEDA funding, Spoerl Commercial is able to deliver homes that will remain affordable for at least 30 years.

Our Partnership: From Vision to Reality

  • Project Planning & Approval: From initial design to zoning compliance, Spoerl Commercial led the local coordination required to bring the project forward.
  • WHEDA Tax Credit Application: We managed the comprehensive application process, navigating both federal and state requirements to secure nearly $10 million, funding vital to project feasibility.
  • Community Engagement: Throughout, we’ve collaborated with Sturgeon Bay officials and local stakeholders to ensure the development aligns with neighborhood character and needs.

Why WHEDA Credits Matter

The WHEDA tax credits are a proven tool for delivering long-term impact:

  • Developers receive tax credits that are sold to investors to raise equity for the project.
  • Communities gain safe, stable housing for residents earning between 30%–60% of the county’s median income.
  • Growing regions like Door County maintain a diverse, thriving population.

This award is part of WHEDA’s broader $36.6 million investment across 27 projects in 13 Wisconsin counties announced on May 30, 2025.

The Impact: More Than Just Buildings

Beyond bricks and mortar, this project brings:

  • Economic Uplift: Affordable homes support workforce retention and attract businesses.
  • Community Health: Stable housing promotes social and financial wellbeing.
  • Long-Term Security: A 30‑year affordability covenant ensures sustained access for future generations.

It’s exactly the type of community-positive development central to Spoerl Commercial’s purpose.

Onward & Upward: What’s Next?

  • Final Design & Construction: We’ll soon begin the buildout in two phases, working closely with contractors and local agencies.
  • Ongoing Community Collaboration: We’re committed to maintaining transparency and responsiveness, from site planning to tenant move-in.

Why This Matters for You

  • Local Partners & Competitors: This project highlights how private and public collaboration and diligent advocacy make ambitious projects a reality.
  • Potential Customers: Spoerl Commercial brings deep expertise in navigating complex affordable-housing pipelines, from planning to completion.

With this success in Sturgeon Bay, we’re ready to replicate the model elsewhere, wherever strong partnerships and community need intersect.

About Spoerl Commercial

We’re a Milwaukee‑based developer specializing in mixed‑income and affordable housing. Our goal? Create spaces that strengthen communities, working hand‑in‑hand with municipalities, lenders, and residents.

For the full, detailed coverage, read the original article published by Door County Pulse Here.