By Joe Bachman
Contributor

STEVENS POINT — City officials have moved forward with an approval that will see the site of the former Kmart on Division St. become a multi-use private student housing area.

What will become of the former site will turn into a mixed-use property, consisting of two four-story housing complexes, containing 133 units, as well as a 16,000 sq. foot commercial strip center. Amenities for the complex will include high-speed internet, study rooms, exercise facilities, and a storage room. Furthermore, the building will require a maintenance and management team, which will provide 24-hour oversight with the option of added security presence.

A rendered depiction of the front of the coming student housing complex. *click to enlarge*

As a result, the current building will be set for demolition.

By the Numbers:

-Sq. Footage Per Building — 17,905 sq. feet
-Sq. Footage for Strip Center — 16,000 sq. feet
-Total Space: 51,810 sq. feet
-421 Beds Total
-94 Spaces for Bicycle Parking
-214 Spaces for Vehicle Parking

The applicant has requested a rezoning of the area to a planned development district. This type of zoning code allows for certain avenues of flexibility when it comes to lot size and width. According to city documents, such a rezoning “can allow for the development to create a more harmonious character within the neighborhood.”

The construction of the buildings will consist of textured stone, smooth stone, and stucco for the exterior. The commercial portion of the site will consist of similar features, including metal and fabric awnings.

Timeline:

Official approval is expected by the April common council meeting, with a construction start of June 16 of this year. Completion of the site is expected on July 30, 2019, with occupancy beginning at the start of the 2019 fall school year.

The property will be managed by BMOC Inc., which holds student housing properties in Madison, Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Menasha, Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, and Platteville.

The motion passed with a unanimous and positive vote with little discussion from commission members.