A partnership between the City of Stevens Point and local nonprofit Door2Dreams, Inc. is moving forward on a neighborhood designed to give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Courtesy Door2Dreams)

Door2Dreams to break ground on first building at Stevens Point village

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — After years of planning and fundraising, Door2Dreams is ready to break ground on the first building at its planned residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Berard Gathering Lodge at noon Monday, Aug. 24, at the future Door2Dreams Village site at Maria Drive and Union Street. The public is invited to attend.

The lodge will be the first building constructed at the development and will serve as a shared space for residents and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Plans call for the building to host recreational and educational activities and provide a place for people to gather and connect.

The building is named for Robert and Mary Berard, who donated to the project.

Door2Dreams has been working for years to develop the village, an inclusive residential neighborhood designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project grew out of an effort by parents and self-advocates looking for more housing and community options for adults with disabilities.

The site was selected in cooperation with the city of Stevens Point, with access to public transportation, shopping, jobs and community events among the factors considered. The goal is to give future residents greater independence while keeping them connected to the surrounding community.

The Boldt Company is the construction partner for the lodge. Groth Design Group is serving as the project’s design architect and engineer, while Rettler Corporation is handling civil design and engineering.

“Boldt is proud to partner with Door2Dreams on a project that invests in people and our community by creating spaces that empower individuals, foster independence, and strengthens relationships,” Boldt Area Manager Matt Paulus said.

Door2Dreams is a nonprofit organization focused on creating housing, community spaces and supportive programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in central Wisconsin.

More information about Door2Dreams and the Berard Gathering Lodge is available at door2dreams.org.