Water world

Professional Realty Development Corp. Inc. is building its Angelus Senior Apartments along the Waupaca River in Waupaca. Rendering courtesy of Professional Realty Development Corp. Inc.

Waupaca County promotes
shoreline developments

By Jennifer Pfaff

Rivers and lakes provide a sparkling backdrop to life in Waupaca County.

That backdrop calls out to fishermen and tourists, creates a peaceful atmosphere for those who live nearby and offers one of the key selling points for developments in the region.

That's just the scenario for the Angelus Senior Apartments, which is under construction along the Waupaca River in the city of Waupaca. The three-story complex, which will offer 39 apartments for rent to people 55 and older, will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 650 square feet to 1,400 square feet, said Paul Korz, project manager with Middleton-based Professional Realty Development Corp. Inc., the developer and builder.

"The units are somewhat unique in that they have a triangular balcony and bumped-out living room," he said. "It lets in a lot of natural light."

Pheifer Brothers Construction Inc. is putting the finishing touches on the Indian Crossing Bridge on Highway Q along the Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca. Photo courtesy of Waupaca County Highway Department

The project, which also will offer underground parking and easy access to the adjacent Hendrickson Center/Senior Center, should reach completion by mid-July, Korz said.

The former St. Mary Magdalene Church also occupies a spot on the 2-acre property, and PRDC would like to make the structure a functional part of its campus, Korz said.

Not far away, Pheifer Brothers Construction Inc., Neenah, just finished a project along another popular Waupaca waterway.

The Indian Crossing Bridge on the Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca is a passageway not just for motorists on Highway Q, but also for those navigating the 22 spring-fed lakes in the chain.

The area is a hot spot for jet skiers and other recreational boaters. On quieter evenings, fishermen take to the lakes.

The popularity of the location outmatched the bridge's capacity, said Dean Steingraber, Waupaca County highway commissioner.

Until recently, the Indian Crossing Bridge was large enough to allow two driving lanes on the highway and room for only one boat to pass underneath, he said.

"We had an older bridge that was narrow," Steingraber said. "We wanted to improve it so cars, pedestrians and boats can use that bridge more efficiently."

As of Memorial Day, the bridge was widened to allow two boats to pass. Up top, two 12-foot lanes accommodate car traffic, and a six-foot lane offers room for bicycle traffic. Pedestrians can make use of the new 8-foot sidewalk.

"There are a lot of people walking and riding bikes along County Highway Q," Steingraber said.

Tourism is a powerful force in New London as well, where the Wolf River's walleye and sturgeon draw fishermen from throughout the state.

But the city's residents form the base of a manufacturing town, said Kent Hager, city administrator. The city's 140-acre industrial park is waiting for new tenants, but it is the investment of existing businesses in the area that mark today's development landscape.

R.E.& D., a division of Curwood Inc., is a perfect example. The com-pany manufactures machines that make packaging materials, and its 48,000-square-foot plant was just too cramped for the 70 people who work there.

The addition of 36,000 square feet will allow existing operations to spread out, said Jeff Sanderfoot, plant manager.

"We've outgrown our current facil-ity," he said. "We're too cramped. And although there are no plans at this time, it will allow us the ability to add equipment or people if we need to."

C.R. Meyer and Sons Co., Oshkosh, began construction on the addition this spring.