FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Issues RFP for Downtown Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Whitewater, WI – April 1, 2026 — The City of Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA) has formally issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified development partners for a transformative mixed-use redevelopment project at the highly visible corner of Main Street and North Jefferson Street in downtown Whitewater.
The project site—comprised of three CDA-owned parcels totaling approximately 1.4 acres—is located within Tax Increment District (TID) #12, positioning it as a priority redevelopment opportunity aligned with the City’s broader downtown revitalization strategy.
The CDA and City are actively seeking experienced private developers to partner on a project that brings the site to its highest and best use, generating long-term economic value, enhancing downtown vibrancy, and expanding housing and commercial opportunities.
Prime Downtown Location with Strong Market Fundamentals
The site occupies a strategic location at the northwest intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Street, directly adjacent to existing commercial activity and established residential neighborhoods. It is also immediately connected to Whitewater’s trail network and a series of key community amenities, including:
Cravath Lake
Mill Race Park
Brewery Hill Park
Whitewater Rotary Skate Park
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Within walking distance, the area offers a dynamic mix of restaurants, retail shops, a microbrewery, and recreational amenities, making it an ideal setting for a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented development.
Strong Demand for Mixed-Use Development
A recent market and site analysis conducted by Redevelopment Resources indicates that the property is well-suited for mixed-use development, particularly a multi-story building with:
Ground-floor commercial space (retail, service, or office uses)
Upper-story residential units (market-rate apartments or condominiums)
The analysis highlights several key market drivers:
Growing downtown visitation, with nearly 147,000 unique visitors annually and increasing foot traffic trends
Significant unmet demand for general merchandise, grocery, and specialty retail
A documented need for approximately 175 new rental housing units and 75 owner-occupied condos/townhomes annually in Whitewater
These conditions support a development concept that integrates housing with neighborhood-serving retail and services, strengthening both the downtown economy and housing supply.
Development Vision and Opportunity
The CDA envisions a project that:
Serves as a transition between commercial and residential areas
Enhances the Main Street corridor and serves as a downtown gateway
Leverages proximity to natural features such as Whitewater Creek
Maximizes property tax value and TID performance
Supports long-term private investment and job creation
Developers are encouraged to propose innovative concepts that align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning framework (B-2 Central Business District), and downtown revitalization goals.
Partnership Approach
Consistent with City policy and past practice, the city is open to considering Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance that meets the State of Wisconsin’s “but for” test, with a preference for pay-as-you-go incentive structures that align developer performance with public investment outcomes.
RFP Availability
The full Request for Proposals, including site details, development expectations, and submission requirements, is available through the City of Whitewater Community Development Department and the city’s website, whitewater-wi.gov.
Media Contact:
City of Whitewater Community Development Department
312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Phone: (262) 473-0148
Email: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov
Website: www.whitewater-wi.gov
About the Whitewater Community Development Authority
The Whitewater Community Development Authority works to advance strategic redevelopment, housing, and economic development initiatives that strengthen the City’s tax base, support private investment, and enhance quality of life for residents and businesses.
Prepared by the City of Whitewater Community Development Department – March 20, 2026