February 2024 Project Spotlight | Historic Tthigwe Gymnasium Nearing Completion

Posted January 31, 2024 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Historic, Tribal.

The nearing completion of the Historic Tthigwe Gymnasium marks another milestone for the Forest County Potawatomi Community‘s ongoing efforts of the restoration and renovation of their Wgema Campus, the former campus of Concordia College on Milwaukee’s Near West Side. The Wgema Campus is home to many tribal entities and tenants, including Greenfire’s Milwaukee offices. The latest portion of the campus brought back to its former glory was the Tthigwe Gymnasium. Team Greenfire took great care and tactful progress on the historic building, abiding by all municipal and historic building codes. Although the project upgraded and modernized the mechanicals and facilities of the gym, great effort was put forth to preserve many original features of the gym, including restoring and repairing all the original brickwork. A portion of the project scope included the demolition of an unused pool wing that was removed to allow more campus parking space. Upgrades also include modern MEPF systems, windows and doors, lighting, security, upgrades to the theatrical stage and brand new fitness centers to be used by campus tenants. The gymnasium will now serve many Forest County Potawatomi Community activities and will also be used by students of the adjacent Woodlands School, another Greenfire renovation project completed on the Wgema Campus. Greenfire takes great pride in its efforts on the gym and knowing that it will host many opportunities to strengthen the fabric of the Forest County Potawatomi Community.

Historic Zuelke Apartments Earns Downtown Appleton Award

Posted December 5, 2023 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Historic, Multi-Family.

Known as Appleton, Wisconsin’s first skyscraper, the Zuelke Apartment Building stands 12 stories and Greenfire completed a full renovation of the building in 2023. The Residence at Zuelke includes 66 luxury apartments, amenities such as a theatre room, a billiards room, golf simulator, pet spa and first floor commercial space. The project included historic restoration of features like the stone initials on the exterior and the pink marble on the interior. Tegethoff Development, the developer of the project, wanted to create a space that would capture the amazing views of downtown Appleton and the Fox River. With its central location and extensive amenities, it’s a desirable place to live and has garnered a lot of attention in Appleton.

The building was recognized by Appleton Downtown, Inc. in December 2023, with the Mike Pfefferle Dreamers and Doers Award. This award is presented to a business, group or individual that has significantly enhanced the physical and/or economic landscape of Downtown Appleton. This award is about vision and the ability to turn vision into reality.

Appleton Downtown, Inc. is a nonprofit community coalition dedicated to an economically strong, safe, attractive and exciting downtown. Their mission is to “Make Downtown Appleton a vibrant and accessible destination for business, learning, living and leisure.”

Wisconsin Farmers Union begins Catalytic Project on the River

Posted September 26, 2023 by Simmi Urbanek & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Hospitality, Multi-Family, Office.

Market on River will be the “It” place in Chippewa Falls in 2024. The historic renovation in downtown Chippewa Falls will be a catalytic project and attract small businesses and visitors alike. The 45,000 square foot, mixed-use building will have a food hall on the first floor with several spaces for entrepreneurs and small businesses to operate. The second floor will be the headquarters for the Wisconsin Farmers Union and have gathering and event spaces. The third floor will have apartments.

On September 26, 2023, the Wisconsin Farmers Union held a community open house and brick signing celebration to mark the beginning of construction for the historic renovation project.

This project marks an important milestone in the story of the Wisconsin Farmers Union as they look to preserve the past while thinking towards the future. The building was constructed in 1916 after a fire destroyed the previous structure. It was home to the Chippewa Valley Mercantile Company. The restoration will be thoughtful and careful to embrace the past of this building and be a catalyst for future economic growth in the area.

The living spaces are coined as Social Living and will provide great views, access to local businesses and opportunities for engagement. There is a bike path nearby and a park across the street, making this a desirable destination for anyone from young professionals to families. The Market on River will be a valuable asset to Chippewa Falls and beyond.