Mel’s Village FAQs

FAQs

Q. What’s going on at Hwy 33 and i-43?

A: It’s called Northern Gateway Saukville, a unique 99-acre multi use development that will include manufacturing facilities, single family, multi-family and senior housing on the north campus. At the south part of the development will be Mel’s Village, which will include a hotel, green space, over 100+ residential units, an indoor sports facility, a splash pad with public plaza, office space and retail businesses such as a coffee shop and restaurants. One of the highlights will be an integrated community for individuals with disabilities. This will include market-rate apartments with 25 percent of the housing set aside for independent living for adults with disabilities.

Q: What’s that huge white building?

A: That’s the new Saukville location of American Orthodontics, a global leader in the orthodontics industry, with corporate headquarters in Sheboygan, WI. The 130,000 square-foot building will house research and development and light manufacturing and plans to employ at least 100 people. The building will open for business in early 2024.

Q: Is this just another industrial park?

A: While American Orthodontics will be part of a business park, the northern campus will also have single family homes, apartments, condominium townhouses and eventually senior housing. The south campus will be home to Mel’s Village, featuring integrated apartments for disabled individuals, retail stores that will provide employment for individuals with disabilities, banquet hall with catering space, office space, an indoor sports complex, concert venue, splash pad and nature trails.

Q. Who owns Mel’s Village?

A: Mel’s Village is owned by the Northern Gateway development partners. The plaza in Mel’s Village will be owned and operated by Mel’s Charities.

Q: Why do we need all this development?

A: This is not just another business park or housing development. Northern Gateway is unique in the state of Wisconsin in that it provides employment, recreational, housing, shopping, dining and childcare facilities all in one space that benefits the whole community, including the often neglected needs of disabled individuals and their families. With its easy access off Interstate I43 and central location in the heart of Ozaukee County, Northern Gateway will draw employees, residents and visitors throughout Ozaukee and adjacent communities.

Q: Who’s behind all this development?

A: Northern Gateway is a consortium of Three Leaf Partners and Ansay Development Corporation, working with Rinka architects, Catalyst construction, Ozaukee Economic Development, and other leading businesses with a proven track record for high quality developments and a commitment to community service. They are partnering with local non-profits such as Balance Inc., who will manage housing and activities for disabled individuals.

Q: Who do I contact about housing individuals with disabilities?

A: Contact our friends at Balance Inc. 262-268-6811. They will handle the admissions for the program and will do a complete assessment to ensure appropriate placement.

Q: When is it going to be completed?

A: Northern Gateway will be developed in phases with completion over several years. American Orthodontics at the north campus will open in early 2024. The Gateway Sports Academy in Mel’s Village will begin construction in 2024. Road building and land grading will continue as more structures obtain necessary financing and Village of Saukville approvals to move forward.

Q. How will this impact traffic in this area?

A: Roundabouts were built several years ago on Highway 33 in Saukville in anticipation of commercial development in this area. There will be two entrances to the northern area off Northwoods Drive. Commercial traffic from American Orthodontics will be light trucks, not semis. The southern section of Mel’s Village development will include plenty of parking space for employees, residents and visitors.

Q: Who’s paying for all of this?

A: The Village of Saukville negotiated a “pay as you go” Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) meaning the private developers assume all the financial risk. Businesses that locate within the development and individuals and entities that invest in the project will provide revenue. When the Northern Gateway development is fully built-out, Northern Gateway will generate an approximate 25% valuation lift to the village of Saukville and upon retirement of the District significantly enhanced revenues to all the taxing jurisdictions (schools, tech college, county, etc.) in Ozaukee County.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A: Keep checking this site and Mel’s Charities social media posts for updates or contact info@melscharities.org.