Hartland Shores is proud to announce the groundbreaking of their new residential development located on the city’s southeast side. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM, marking the start of Phase I of the project.
The multi-family development will ultimately encompass eight buildings with a total of 128 units, and will begin the first phase which includes construction of two buildings comprising 32 apartments.
As part of Central and Southeastern Wisconsin, particularly Jefferson and Walworth counties, faces a significant housing crunch, new multi-family developments like this one are increasingly critical. According to data provided by Thrive Economic Development and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), in Jefferson County, vacancy rates are alarmingly low—sitting around 3% for rental housing and just 0.4% owner-occupied housing, both of which are well below a healthy 6% benchmark. Further, projections estimate that 3,500 to 5,250 new market-rate units would be entirely absorbed within three years.
Meanwhile, according to Walworth County Economic Development Alliance’s (WCEDA) housing study, Walworth County continues to suffer from a shortage of housing affordable to working families and essential community members. Construction costs are rising rapidly—single-family costs increased 37% and multi-family by 38% between 2020 and 2023. From 2006 to 2022, the county underproduced housing by approximately 4,179 units.
City Manager John Weidl emphasized the importance of projects like this one, “In an area that is increasingly drawing attention, continuing to expand housing options is critical. Where people live is powerful—new homes mean new opportunities, stronger neighborhoods, and meaningful community growth.”
Chris Slater, Developer with Hartland Shores, shared his enthusiasm, “I’m thrilled to break ground on this development right here in Whitewater. Our goal is simple: to contribute positively to the community by providing quality housing. This project will offer real solutions for the area’s workforce, families, and those looking to make Whitewater their home.”
The groundbreaking will bring together local officials, community members, and the Hartland Shores team at the project site on the southeast side of Whitewater on August 26 at 10:30 AM.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Manfred Richter from Pixabay. The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Becky Magestro, chief of staff, confirmed that the groundbreaking is for the project that was previously described as for Slate Development and that the event will take place in the proximity of Moraine View Parkway & Jakes Way. The sources referenced were provided as shown below.
Sources for Housing Data in Jefferson & Walworth Counties:
- Jefferson County Housing Report
- Source: Thrive Economic Development & Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
(WHEDA) - Details:
o Jefferson County’s rental vacancy rate: ~3.2%
o Owner-occupied vacancy rate: ~0.4%
o Needed housing units: 3,500 to 5,250
o Household growth (2012–2022): 9.5% - Link: ruralwi.com – Solving Jefferson County’s Housing Gap
- Jefferson County Strategic Housing Plan
- Source: Jefferson County Housing Task Force / ThriveED
- Details:
o Vacancy rates far below the healthy threshold (6%)
o Emphasizes underproduction of housing - Link: Canva site summary of housing report
- Walworth County Housing Study
- Source: Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA)
- Details:
o Undersupply of 4,179 units (2006–2022)
o Construction cost increases (2020–2023):
Single-family homes: +37%
Multi-family units: +38% - Link: WCEDA Housing Resource Page
