WFU Wins Economic Development Award

Posted February 18, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Multi-Family, Office.

Market On River, a transformative project by the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), has been honored with an economic development award from Momentum West. The 2024 Redevelopment of the Year Award recognizes WFU’s role in contributing towards the revitalizing downtown Chippewa Falls with the Market On River project. Market On River breathes new life into a historic riverfront building, turning it into a hub for local businesses, food entrepreneurs, and a larger sense of community.

More than just a historic redevelopment, Market On River encapsulates WFU’s mission to improve the lives of rural farmers and Wisconsinites by offering economic opportunity, local food accessibility, and community engagement. The space will serve as a platform for local farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives – strengthening West Central Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural economy.

Greenfire played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. As the construction manager, Greenfire leveraged its expertise in historic preservation projects to renovate the 45,000 SF space while maintaining its historic architectural character. Their diligent planning and execution ensured that the project met both WFU’s functional needs and long-term growth goals.

Market On River opened its doors in late 2024, and now houses WFU’s new corporate headquarters, retail and conference spaces, a food hall, and residential apartments. The project is a major milestone of Chippewa Falls’ downtown resurgence – driving economic growth, job creation, and community engagement. The project aims to welcome back families, residents, tourists, and businesses to an area of Chippewa Fall’s central business district that was once neglected. In part because of this project, the area is rapidly becoming known for its two large outdoor music festivals, and community engagement activities which take place across the street.

The health of Chippewa Falls residents is a major concern for the community: high rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity are present, and food insecurity—especially among children and the elderly—is prevalent. Market On River is interested and willing to invest time, resources, and expertise to improve these economic and health outcomes in Chippewa Falls. Although there is a solid resource base— organizations, programs, initiatives, and stakeholders interested in diversifying and developing the local food system and increasing access to healthy food choices through a variety of means—having a place that generates educational interest was a constant challenge. The WFU has developed educational programs for all aspects of food and farm development, including health, wellness, and business development housed at Market on River. The Chippewa Distillery, The Ritz, and the Sheeley House local staples have already benefited from this WFU expansion project.

Momentum West was eager to name the project their 2024 Redevelopment of the Year, recognizing the positive economic impact that Market On River will provide to West Central Wisconsin.

Market On River is not just a redevelopment success story—it’s a model for how thoughtful investment and collaboration can shape a thriving future for Wisconsin’s small communities.

Pictured in the award photo (Left to Right)

Charlie Walker, CEO, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation
Tim Sandstrom, Royal Credit Union, Chair of Momentum West
Jackie Boos, Facilities Manager, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Julie Bomar, Executive Director, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Danielle Endvick, Director of Development, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Maureen Carlson, Regional Business Development Manager, Greenfire
Darin Von Ruden, Chair of Wisconsin Farmers Union
Steve Jahn, Director, Momentum West

Read more about Wisconsin Farmers Union: Market On River Here

Merge Urbane Burlington Crew Celebrates With A Holiday Potluck

Posted December 20, 2023 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Multi-Family, Office.

Team Greenfire took a moment at the Merge Urbane Burlington 424 construction project to celebrate the Holiday Season with a festive potluck. It certainly warmed the atmosphere as the team contributed an array of treats and dishes. The potluck not only highlighted Team Greenfire’s seamless professional collaboration on the Urbane Burlington 424 project but also underscored the team’s knack for coming together amidst the construction hustle and bustle.

Progress at the 40,000-square-foot apartment and commercial building continues in downtown Burlington, IA. The site is where the former Burlington Police Department was located and developer Merge Urban Development is building 47 market-rate units of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments along with 3,300 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The site is managed by Randal Navis – Project Manager and the site is overseen by Paul Kaare – Superintendent.

The final renovations will allow residents to live in Downtown Burlington, a walkable neighborhood steps away from the riverfront and in the middle of a lively cultural scene. The Mississippi River views and proximity to scenic parks and recreation make Urbane424 an ideal location to live. The Urbane424 apartment complex in Burlington, IA is a modern living space with in-unit features that include private balconies, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers.

Read more about the project and amenities on the properties’ official website here or on Merge Urban Development’s website as well.

Team Greenfire Cozies Up During National Hot Cocoa Day

Posted December 13, 2023 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Office, Uncategorized.

Team Greenfire gathered for a National Hot Cocoa Day celebration, expertly organized by Cheryl Bousquet. Her meticulous planning transformed the Milwaukee office’s kitchen into a winter wonderland! Everyone had the chance to customize their velvety cocoa with a delightful array of toppings and ingredients. Alongside everyone’s cocoa were plenty of festive cookies, desserts and other treats.

Whether you prefer marshmallows, candy canes, a mystery cocoa bomb, or whether you prefer your cocoa milk based, water based, or a little mixture of both; everyone could agree that this was a very tasty way to celebrate the Holiday Season!

Holiday Cheer

Posted December 5, 2023 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Office, Uncategorized.

Team Greenfire embraced the holiday cheer at our annual Ugly Sweater Contest & White Elephant Gift Exchange! Laughter filled the air as we picked swapped and stole gifts from the collection of White Elephant gifts, and the variety of quirky yet fun sweaters on display added to the festive atmosphere.

A wonderful variety of gifts we’re offered in the gift exchange. Gifts ranged from goofy, practical to downright silly. Everyone had a chance to pick their mystery gift and either keep it or swap n’ steal from someone else!

Special congratulations to Nate Brown, who claimed the victory at the Wausau office, and Rebecca Sadler, our champion in the Milwaukee office! Last year’s winner Brian Kraus was generous enough to bestow Rebecca the honors & trophy as this year’s winner at the Milwaukee office.

The day certainly let our creativity and festive spirit stand out, making the event even more memorable for Team Greenfire.

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.