Historic Adaptive Reuse and Mixed-Use Development in Stevens Point
Berkshire at The Grove is a 40-acre mixed-use redevelopment in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, transforming the historic Sisters of St. Joseph–Third Order of St. Francis convent campus into an intergenerational community combining affordable housing, historic preservation, and community-serving commercial space. The development includes 102 affordable residences, consisting of 85 senior apartments and 17 family townhomes, alongside 25,717 square feet of commercial and community space operated by CREATE Portage County. The project preserves the character of the original 1915 convent while introducing modern residential amenities and opportunities for community engagement.
Developed through a public-private partnership utilizing affordable housing tax credits and historic preservation incentives, Berkshire at The Grove integrates residential living with arts, education, entrepreneurship, and cultural programming. The former chapel and surrounding facilities have been repurposed into collaborative workspaces, event venues, and community gathering areas, including an assembly space accommodating up to 470 occupants. The residential development was completed in 2022, with the CREATE Portage County facility receiving final occupancy approval in March 2025. Together, these components establish a mixed-use destination that connects historic architecture, affordable housing, and community resources for residents throughout Portage County.
Key Themes
- Historic adaptive reuse transforming a 1915 convent into a mixed-use community.
- Intergenerational development combining affordable senior housing, family residences, and community space.
- Public-private partnership leveraging affordable housing tax credits and historic preservation incentives.
- CREATE Portage County partnership supporting arts, education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
- Historic preservation integrating original architecture with modern amenities and accessibility.
Results
- 102 affordable residences delivered including 85 senior apartments and 17 townhomes.
- 25,717 SF of community space completed in 2025 for CREATE Portage County.
- 40-acre historic campus revitalized with residential, commercial, and community uses.
- 470-person event capacity established within the repurposed historic chapel.
- Community's Choice Award recipient for Best of Portage County.