Platteville Library Block Project Receives Public-Private Partnership Award

The City of Platteville is pleased to announce that the Library Block Project has received a 2017 Community and Economic Development Award (CEDA) in the Public-Private Partnership category. CEDAs are given by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) and recognize outstanding and innovative development projects that significantly enhance the economic revitalization of a specific area or community.

The Platteville Library Block Project is an innovative $16 million dollar partnership between the City of Platteville, United Development Solutions, and Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program. The project replaces a blighted area with a 72-room Holiday Inn and a 22,000 square foot public library. The new Platteville Public Library opened in late June and the hotel is scheduled to open in mid October. The former library is in the process of being remodeled and will serve as the home of the Neighborhood Health Partners Clinic. 

According to City Manager Karen Kurt, public-private partnerships sound good on paper but are tough to execute.  “It really takes a clear vision and a lot of give and take between all of the parties involved.  We were fortunate to have had great partners.”

Platteville Main Street Program Executive Director Jack Luedtke added: “On behalf of the Board of the Platteville Main Street Program, I would like to express our excitement and thanks to WEDA for honoring this Downtown Project with their Public-Private Partnership Award.  After years of planning and working closely with United Development Solutions Managing Partner Troy Hoekstra, the Main Street District will enjoy direct benefits for all of its other businesses by having the hotel, library, and clinic located downtown.  In addition, it is acting as a catalyst for two other major projects already on the drawing board for the District.”

Other finalists in the public-private partnership category for 2017 included the Chippewa Falls Riverfront and the Welford Sanders Historic Lofts in Milwaukee. The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 13th at The Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. 

WEDA is a statewide association of 410+ members whose primary objective is to increase the effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Wisconsin.

Pictured front left to right: City of Platteville Common Council Alderwoman Katherine Westaby, Sauk County Development Corporation Executive Director Ed White, City of Platteville Common Council President Eileen Nickels, and City of Platteville Common Council Alderwoman Barb Daus.
Back: United Development Solutions President Troy Hoekstra and Platteville Main Street Program Executive Director Jack Luedtke.