Condo Development Gets Go-Ahead from Sussex Plan Commission

Despite a sluggish housing market in Wisconsin and the rest of the country, a stalled condominium development on Highway 164 and Seven Stones Drive in Sussex is coming back to life.

The village's Plan Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve the site and architectural plans for the Glen at Seven Stones condominium project.

The project, which contains 56 homes in 15 buildings and one clubhouse, was initially planned in 2008, but fell apart with the collapse of the housing market. The units range in cost from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$300,000s, and in size of 1,400 square feet to 1,800 square feet.

Developer John Wahlen said four different “European design” styles of condominiums will be offered, with two of the styles containing basements. The condos will also be very efficient with few hallways and lots of natural light.

“We will build the clubhouse first,” Wahlen said. “That’s really the center, or the heartbeat of the neighborhood.”

The project is gaining new life as Wahlen's firm, Cornerstone Development of Southeastern Wisconsin, has now been able to secure investors and village leaders indicated at a recent Public Works Committee meeting that they’re willing to consider a to pay for $1.75 million road and sewer improvements. Under the terms of that deal, the developer would repay the village in annual installments over the next 10 years.

Wahlen didn't give a timeframe for the development to be built, however, some units have to be sold before construction can begin.