Real estate company Hartland Shores broke ground Aug. 26 for a new multi-family residential development located on the southeast side of Whitewater. The first phase of the building process includes two complexes with 32 apartments. Whitewater Economic Development Director Mason Becker said the project addresses a growing need for more housing within the community.
“We are very pleased that we were able to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first two apartment buildings being constructed by Hartland Shores,” Becker said. “Like much of the southeastern side of Wisconsin, the city of Whitewater has an identified need for more housing of varying types, including apartments. I am thrilled that our city was able to partner with the developers to make this project happen.”
In recent years, Jefferson County has faced a significant housing shortage, and new developments are crucial. Data from Thrive Economic Development and the Wisconsin Economic Development Authority shows vacancy rates in Jefferson County are at a low of 3 percent for rentals and 0.4 percent for owners. A housing study conducted by the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance found Walworth County continues to lack affordable housing for working families and essential workers. Construction costs have worsened the challenge, with single-family home costs increasing 37 percent from 2020 to 2023.
“Ultimately, this project will create 128 new apartments, allowing more people who work here to also live here, and bringing new residents to our community,” Becker said. “We are also going to continue working on bringing new owner-occupied housing at Whitewater, with multiple exciting projects on the horizon that will offer options across a range of price points.”
Hartland Shores Developer Chris Slater said the company hopes the project will provide necessary, good-quality housing in Whitewater, offering solutions for working families who wish to call the town home.
Hartland Shores is not the only real estate company to take advantage of Whitewater’s need for more housing. Madison-based property management company Accent Management owns three apartment complexes that were all built within the last five years.
In a press release, City Manager John Weidl reiterated the importance of expanding housing options in a booming college town, stating, “New homes mean new opportunities, stronger neighborhoods, and meaningful community growth.”
There is currently no timeline for when the new structures are expected to be completed, but the project will include eight buildings with 128 units when finished.