Stevens Point converting convent to apartments

By Taylor Hale

On May 3, city leaders heard a presentation on the possibility of applying to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to aid in repurposing the St. Joseph convent into affordable housing units.

The funding would help construct the upcoming Grove Apartments that will be built on the convent property, which is currently owned by Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The project will consist of 85 apartment-style units of affordable senior and family housing, with an additional 17 units of townhomes.

At its peak, over 200 sisters lived in the convent located at 1300 Maria Drive, but the sisters that remained are now relocating.

The city is working with General Capital Group on the project. General Capital Group plans to start construction as soon as 2022.

The CDBG Request

The city is requesting $915,000 from the CDBG, with $206,482 for the acquisition of the land and $708,518 for the acquisition of the convent building.

Other funding could include private funds of $19,390,307; UGLG (Unit of General Local Government Funding) of $2,250,000; and other public funds of $585,000.