$10.8 million development will add 50 mixed-income apartments for adults age 55 and older
NEW GLARUS, Wis., Oct. 14, 2026 — Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC) will celebrate the groundbreaking of Prairie Haus Senior on Tuesday, October 20, at 3 p.m. Located at 1003 Elmer Road in New Glarus, the new senior housing development will add 50 rental apartments for adults age 55 and older, expanding housing options in Green County. The development is anticipated to open in mid-summer 2027.
With a projected cost of $10.8 million, the three-story development will include 35 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments. Of the 50 units, 30 will be market-rate rentals and 20 will be income-restricted for households earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI).
The project will be funded through 501(c)(3) tax-exempt bond financing, WHPC equity, a WHPC Capital Magnet award, and gap funding from the Green County Development Corporation.
Prairie Haus Senior addresses a critical need for senior housing identified through WHPC market research and a 2024 housing and workforce study conducted by the Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for Green County. As housing costs rise, homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult to afford. Additional rental options can help older adults remain in their communities while reducing the responsibilities of home maintenance. Expanding senior housing options can also help make existing single-family homes available to younger residents and growing families.
“Prairie Haus Senior represents an important next step in expanding housing options for older adults in New Glarus and Green County,” said Megan Walela, vice president of development at WHPC and project lead. “This development will provide residents with additional rental options while offering a mix of affordable and market-rate apartments to meet a range of housing needs.”
“Prairie Haus Senior completes a campus WHPC started in New Glarus six years ago, and it answers a need we hear about in nearly every community we work in: older adults want to stay close to family and friends but can’t find a home that fits their budget or stage of life,” said Mike Slavish, president of WHPC. “With a mix of affordable and market-rate units, Prairie Haus Senior lets residents age in place in a community they love.”
Designed with Prairie-style architectural elements, Prairie Haus Senior will feature a community room, fitness room, shared outdoor patio, parcel room, elevator, on-site leasing office, heated underground parking, and surface parking. Each apartment will include a private balcony or patio and in-unit laundry appliances.
Prairie Haus Senior will be developed on a 2.6-acre parcel just south of the original Prairie Haus, which opened in 2020 and provides housing for families and people with disabilities. The new development will complement the existing community while offering a distinct housing option designed for older adults.
Project partners include Iconica, serving as architect and general contractor; engineering firm JSD; Green County Development Corporation, providing financial support; and ACC Management Group, which will provide on-site leasing services. The October 20 ceremony will feature remarks from Kelsey Jenson, New Glarus village administrator; Olivia Otte, executive director of Green County Development Corporation; Mike Walters, president and CEO of Iconica; and Mike Slavish, president of WHPC.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Details
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: 1001 Elmer Road, New Glarus, Wisconsin
About Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp.
Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp. (WHPC) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of Wisconsin’s leading affordable housing providers. Since 2002, WHPC has acquired, developed, and renovated more than 230 affordable housing communities representing over 9,400 family and senior housing units across 59 Wisconsin counties.
Today, WHPC manages a portfolio valued at approximately $700 million and continues to invest in preserving and expanding affordable housing opportunities throughout Wisconsin. The organization has earned an AA- rating from Standard & Poor’s, reflecting its strong financial management, operational excellence, and commitment to providing quality housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
For more information, visit WHPC.com.
