Two projects, a new Kwik Trip and large residential project, go hand in hand in Hartland

Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·4 min read
A Kwik Trip location proposed in the village of Hartland would face a major housing development associated with the Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton. Both plans are working their way toward approval by village officials.
A Kwik Trip location proposed in the village of Hartland would face a major housing development associated with the Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton. Both plans are working their way toward approval by village officials.

HARTLAND - Unintentionally, but nonetheless symbiotic, two independent developments have begun taking steps toward approvals along Highway 83 on opposite sides of West Capitol Drive.

One, a major housing project affiliated with Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton, has moved to a stage in which the development hopes to gain financing support from the village. The other, a new Kwik Trip, has returned after roughly a year of planning.

Coincidentally, both are making their rounds through Hartland's Plan Commission and Village Board with an eye on 2024.

Three Leaf Partners seek TIF dollars for housing plan

Connaughton's real estate company, Three Leaf Partners LLC, is proposing a $90.7 million project for the construction of 240 multi-family apartments and 27 townhomes on 45 acres of the former Hartland Quarry, on the northeast side of Capitol Drive and north of Vettelson Road.

To make the project feasible and incentivize the development, the company is seeking $18.2 million in public financing under the arrangement known as tax-increment financing. TIF districts use new property tax values generated by property improvements to pay for certain development costs.

In the case of Hartland Quarry, the name the development will carry from the site's previous use, the land and property will increase in value by $54 million if the development reaches its construction goals. The TIF district would use new tax revenues generated during up to 27 years to pay back the debt associated with the development.

The Village Board will consider the project and TIF proposal on Oct. 30. If it advances, it will return to the Joint Review Board, in which representatives of all the taxing jurisdictions that would be affected by the tax diversion must approve the financial plan, on Nov. 9.

“Hartland Quarry,” proposed for 700 Capitol Drive, would consist of 267 total units ― 240 multi-family apartments and 27 townhomes, according to the proposal from Three Leaf Partners.
“Hartland Quarry,” proposed for 700 Capitol Drive, would consist of 267 total units ― 240 multi-family apartments and 27 townhomes, according to the proposal from Three Leaf Partners.

Kwik Trip follows through on earlier plan

Kwik Trip initially approached village officials late in 2022 about building a new 12,000-square-foot store and car wash along Highway 83 after acquiring a 5.4-acre parcel from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Village officials got a preliminary snapshot of what Kwik Trip had in mind, and the Plan Commission (in November) and the Village Board (in December) gave their preliminary approval for the concept.

According to public documents, Kwik Trip then spent the next eight months drawing up the specifics of the site plan, which ultimately must gain final approval from both bodies. The Plan Commission viewed the updated plans on Sept. 18. The Village Board on Oct. 23 completed its first reading of the proposed planned-unit development, which will require rezoning from its uncommon quarry land usage to a more common commercial use. The matter will be the subject of a public hearing Nov. 27.

Kwik Trip and Quarry plans feed off each other

Officially, at least, the housing and Kwik Trip plans aren't directly related.

"There is no relation between the Kwik Trip and Quarry — just ironic timing, honestly, of when each approached the village," Hartland Village Manager Ryan Bailey said in an email.

That doesn't mean the two haven't worked together on some aspects as their respective plans were being compiled. According to documents included in Kwik Trip's proposal, the small-format grocery chain has worked with Three Leaf Partners over practical aspects of their projects, including what upgrades would be required to Highway 83.

Kwik Trip would likely benefit from the surge in population near its front door. According to Hartland Quarry documents, the development would house more than 500 residents once the townhomes and apartments are built and occupied.

Village President Jeffrey Pfannerstill is encouraged by both projects and their role in the village, noting in particular the redevelopment of the long-abandoned quarry

"The quarry project will provide housing that is much needed in Hartland and the Lake Country area," Pfannerstill said in an emailed statement. "While this is a difficult development, I am glad to see that the Village Board and village staff were able to work to make this a reality."

He added that he hoped Kwik Trip would attract people from outside the village.

Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or  james.riccioli@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at  @jariccioli.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hartland considers Kwik Trip and Pat Connaughton housing projects