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A rendering of the inside of one of Eden's apartments. (Courtesy village of Plover)

Village approves 98-unit apartment complex, unique amenities, in Plover

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By Brandi Makuski

PLOVER — Village of Plover trustees unanimously approved changes to the developer’s agreement with S.C. Swiderski during their Oct. 17 Village Board meeting, moving the SCS multifamily housing project, called “Eden,” closer to breaking ground.

The amendments set new deadlines for construction and added a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) provision to protect the village’s financial interests.

Representatives from S.C. Swiderski reaffirmed the company’s commitment to a planned multifamily housing project at Crossroads Commons during the Oct. 16 Plan Commission meeting. The project had previously experienced some delays.

Eden will feature 98 apartments across four unit types: studios, studio suites, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Development Manager Kortni Wolf outlined the project’s design and high-end amenities that offer modern conveniences and luxury finishes for tenants.

“Our project offers more than just living space; it’s designed to enhance the tenant experience,” said Wolf. She highlighted some of the project’s standout features, including:

  • Second-floor terrace: “This outdoor space will offer a comfortable area for tenants to unwind outdoors.”
  • Dog washing station: “This exclusive amenity caters to pet owners, making it easier for them to care for their pets.”
  • Yoga studio and fitness center: “We’re focused on health and wellness, providing spaces for tenants to stay active.”
  • Electric car charging stations: “These stations are part of our commitment to sustainable living options for residents with electric vehicles.”

Jacqui McElroy, Director of Development at S.C. Swiderski, said the project will offer 17 different floor plans, with the building totaling 129,000 square feet.

“We’re providing a range of living options with these 17 floor plans, allowing us to cater to a variety of residents,” McElroy said. The building will also include shared spaces like a community room, leasing office, and mailrooms.

Rent and Utilities

The rent for apartments will vary depending on the unit size, with most units priced between $1,225 and $1,750 per month. High-end two-bedroom corner units will be rented for over $2,500.

“Our rent structure is designed to be inclusive of several utilities,” Wolf explained, “including heat, water, sewer, cable, and WiFi, so tenants will only be responsible for a separate electricity bill.”

McElroy added, “About 80% of our units will be priced at $1,750 or less, which makes this development accessible to a wide range of tenants.”

Developer’s Agreement and TIF Details

Wolf and McElroy also discussed amendments to the developer’s agreement, originally approved in 2020. The agreement initially included a $250,000 land cost buy-down as the only financial incentive provided by the village. However, the project encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the need for an extension of the construction timeline, which was granted in 2022.

Key Changes to the Developer’s Agreement:

  • New Construction Deadlines: The amended agreement includes revised deadlines, requiring construction to begin by June 2025 and be substantially completed by Dec. 31, 2026. This extended timeline reflects the logistical challenges faced during the pandemic but ensures the project moves forward within a clear timeframe.
  • Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT): A significant addition to the agreement is the inclusion of a PILOT provision. If S.C. Swiderski fails to begin construction or complete the project by the revised deadlines, the developer will be responsible for making payments equivalent to the property taxes that would have been assessed had the building been completed. This provision ensures the village continues to receive revenue even if construction is delayed.
  • Strengthened Accountability: The PILOT provision acts as a safeguard for the village, ensuring that if the project does not meet its targets, the village can still collect taxes on the estimated property value. This change adds a layer of financial protection for the village, which was not present in the original agreement.
  • TIF District Benefits: The project remains part of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 6. Once completed, it is expected to add $18 million in taxable property value, which will help the village recover the $1.5 million previously invested in infrastructure improvements along the County R/Mission Lane corridor. This additional value will generate new tax revenue, further benefiting the village’s financial standing.

The revised developer’s agreement, including these key changes, was unanimously approved by village trustees during the Oct. 17 Village Board meeting.

Plover Community Development Manager Adam DeKleyn emphasized the importance of these changes. “The amended agreement sets a firm timeline for progress while providing the village with financial protections through the PILOT provision,” DeKleyn said. “This project will bring significant value to our community, both in terms of new housing and increased tax revenue.”

DeKleyn added that the TIF district was designed to attract high-value projects like SCS Eden, which will generate tax revenue to offset the costs of past infrastructure improvements.

“This is exactly the type of development the TIF district was created to support,” he said.