Offering Solar-Powered Affordable Housing
Cinnaire joined Couleecap and the Gerrard Corporation to mark the grand opening of Prairie Eco Cottages, a new 24-unit affordable housing development in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Designed in a cottage-style layout, the development offers comfortable, energy-efficient homes for income-eligible workers, seniors, and people with disabilities.
“Access to high-quality, dignified affordable housing is a critical need across Wisconsin—from our smallest towns to our largest cities,” said Chris Jillings, SVP Business Development at Cinnaire. “Communities thrive when families of all income levels have their housing needs met. We’re grateful that the City of Prairie du Chien recognized this need and partnered with a thoughtful, community-centered team in Couleecap and Gerrard. From design and rent levels to energy efficiency and sustainability, this development reflects a deep commitment to the people who will call it home. We’re proud to be part of both this team and this community.”
At the front of the development, a solar field immediately signals the community’s commitment to sustainability. The photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity, powering the development, reducing utility costs and supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Couleecap, an affordable housing developer for more than three decades, and partners at Gerrard Corporation, incorporate solar into projects like Prairie Eco Cottages to reduce energy burden for residents and help ensure maximum affordability over time. “Crawford County residents earning the lowest incomes pay the largest portion of their income on energy bills,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “Housing providers need to understand this. You can’t say that housing is affordable unless the energy bill is also affordable. That’s why we include energy planning into affordable housing development planning. We build truly affordable housing.”
Prairie Eco Cottages is the result of collaboration between public and private partners including Cinnaire, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), WI Department of Administration, City of Prairie du Chien, Cinnaire Solutions, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago), Solar for Good and Focus on Energy.
The property, which is within walking distance to downtown Prairie du Chien, includes two buildings, each with 12 units, garages and private driveway parking, playground, and community room. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units have been available to rent to income-qualified tenants since January.
Apartments at Prairie Eco Cottages rent for $478 per month for one-bedroom, 700 square foot units, to $990 per month for three-bedroom, 1100 square foot units. All units are below the market rate for rentable apartments in the county. Out of 24 units most were leased by the end of March, indicating the strong need for quality affordable housing in the area. Paramark Real Estate Services is the property manager for the project.
The Gerrard Corporation, a development and real estate company headquartered in La Crosse, has developed similar projects throughout the country, addressing housing shortages through community and nonprofit partnerships. In 2022 the company was recognized with the prestigious Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for a housing development in River Falls. “Prairie du Chien is an ideal location for housing development. It is a hub for business, healthcare, education, and community organizations. Quality housing that the local workforce, retirees, and other residents can afford is fundamental for the success of the local economy,” said Paul Gerrard of the Gerrard Corporation.
Participants at the grand opening were able to tour the property. Apartments were open for viewing and people were able to learn more about the solar system from Sam Dunaiski, Executive Director of Renew Wisconsin. Renew WI is the administrator of the Solar for Good grant, a funding source for the project.
Solar for Good is a partnership between Renew Wisconsin and the Couillard Solar Foundation to foster the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits in Wisconsin. Focus on Energy, a program of the State of Wisconsin, also provided energy incentives for the project.
The community can learn more about Prairie Eco Cottages and find available units at https://paramark.us/property/pdc-cottages-coming-soon/
