Greenfire’s latest multi-family construction project was celebrated by the Ho-Chunk Village West groundbreaking ceremony held on the Tribe’s land near Baraboo, WI. The development will be known as Village West, and will be a three story, 40-unit affordable apartment building offering much needed housing to the Ho-Chunk Nation community, just a short walk from the Tribe’s health and wellness center.
Located in a cleared area of the field where the new building will stand, attendees gathered under a tent to begin the ceremony. The event was emceed by the project’s champion, Collin Price. A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Collin was integral in the conception and development of Village West. Acting on behalf of his development company, Heeną Development, Collin approached the tribe with the idea to create innovative, affordable housing for the Tribe. Through his diligence and understanding of how to make developments like this a reality, he gained the Tribe’s support for the project. Collin helped navigate the hurdles of funding the project and with funding secured through various sources like WHEDA, the project was a go.
Collin introduced Traditional Chief Clayton Winneshiek to lead the attendees in a prayer, while also introducing Ho-Chunk Veterans to present the color guard. The Winnebago Sons offered an introductory drum circle with welcome songs as well. Chief Winneshiek thanked everyone in attendance and reiterated the importance of this new housing development and the growth it will provide for the Tribe.
Collin then introduced representatives from the Ho-Chunk to speak, including Representatives Kirstin White Eagle, Stephanie Begay and Vice President Danielle DeLong. In addition to adding to Chief Winneshiek’s sentiments about the benefits of what this development will provide to the Tribe, they all personally thanked Collin for his efforts to help make this project a reality. They all shared that it was not lost on the Tribe that Collin made the effort to bring his real estate insight home and provide his guidance and diligence for the betterment of his Tribe.
At the event’s conclusion, Collin once again thanking everyone in attendance and giving a special shoutout to all who made everything leading up to the day possible, including Greenfire. He thanked the Greenfire team for all their guidance and assistance in the lead up to construction start and expressed his excitement for the project to begin.
With many partners represented, it is an example of how Greenfire’s early involvement with all stakeholders can help make a project come to fruition. Village West proves it can be possible to create a rural, affordable housing development that can achieve features like underground parking and recreational play areas. This is a project the Tribe can be proud of and a blueprint for other Tribal entities to follow.
