Situated on the western shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc County offers stunning waterfront communities and lively downtown areas. The region is rich in arts and entertainment options, boasts a variety of restaurants and breweries, and provides year-round outdoor recreation. With a comparatively low cost of living, it attracts both visitors and new residents. The area supports a diverse economy through housing and business developments, innovative industries and exceptional services backed by a skilled workforce.
The waterfront has always been a focal point in Manitowoc County, renowned for its maritime heritage that includes ship and submarine building. Today, this legacy continues with the NOAA-designated National Marine Sanctuary, yacht building, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, abundant charter fishing, a bustling commercial cargo and heavy lift port, and seasonal daily crossings of S.S. Badger car ferry across Lake Michigan.
Manitowoc County offers unique, high-quality amenities that support a relaxed, healthy and active lifestyle, providing the best of small-town life on the lakeshore. Downtown business developments, park and trail enhancements, marinas, outdoor markets, music venues and beach amenities offer entertainment and unique cultural and sporting events throughout the year along the county’s coast.
To support development projects, the city of Manitowoc’s partnership for Commercial Plan Review offers full-scale delegation for plan review of unlimited-sized structures, which streamlines the submission process, improves customer service and offers expedited plan review options.
Downtown Manitowoc
The city of Manitowoc’s River Point District is a mixed-use center that has established itself as a downtown destination for employment, housing, entertainment, recreation and tourism. The completion of River North, a market-rate apartment complex adding 87 units to downtown, has been a catalytic project for the area.
The recent redevelopment of the former CN Peninsula into the River Point District includes opportunities, already limited, for housing or mixed-use development along the Manitowoc River and Mariners Trail path extension. Additional public improvements, such as bicycle and walking trails, an ADA-accessible floating dock, kayak launches, parks and river access, make this waterfront district a prime location for development. The city of Manitowoc demonstrates that thoughtful utilization of its resources and partnerships with development professionals effectively achieves strategic development goals.
Lakeshore Development
Bayshore Development, located on the shores of Lake Michigan along the main corridor between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, offers unobstructed waterfront views, making it an ideal location for housing, a corporate headquarters or prime office suites.
Also along the Memorial Dr. corridor in Manitowoc is more than 36 acres that were formerly the Lakeshore Mall. Recently purchased by the city, this property is currently being cleared and is a significant redevelopment opportunity for a blend of mixed-use development in a TIF district.
I-43 corridor opportunities within TIF districts
The Interstate 43 corridor is a hub for mixed-use developments, combining residential, commercial, and industrial uses, enhancing Manitowoc County’s vibrant communities.
The Village of Cleveland created a new 53-acre, mixed-use TIF district along I-43. This highly visible location boasts an excess of 22,000 cars per day, direct access to I-43 and is located less than a mile from Lakeshore Technical College. Currently under construction, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital Lakeshore is a catalyst project for this district.
The city of Manitowoc has expanded its opportunities for industrial development in a Tax Incremental District with the Hecker Viebahn industrial park. Infrastructure design includes improved roadways, water, sewer and regional stormwater to accommodate users ranging from seven to 50 acres.
Located on the north side of Manitowoc County in the village of Maribel is a business-zoned property ready for development. Consisting of more than 20 acres in a TIF district, this is an excellent build-to-suit opportunity off Interstate 43 and County Road Z with heavy traffic in both directions. The district currently hosts a gas station and a restaurant among its business operations.
Contact
Jamie Zastrow, Executive Director, Progress Lakeshore
920-482-0540 • progresslakeshore.org/
InDevelopment Conference 2024
KI Convention Center, Green Bay • Tuesday, Sept. 17 • 2–7 p.m.Â
For event agenda and details on presenters, read the 2024 InDevelopment Report
