Brillion Works announces apartment complex, Spring Creek projects

The Brillion News

BRILLION – Brillion Works LLC announced through a press release on Tuesday morning that it is set to begin construction on two new developments on Brillion's east side.

Below is the full press release issued to the newspaper.

Announcement

The next phase in the transformation of the former Brillion Iron Works site is set to begin. Brillion Works LLC is launching two new development projects on the city’s east side to restore a section of Spring Creek and construct a 42-unit apartment complex.

These efforts, expected to be completed in 2026, build on the momentum started in 2018 when Brillion Works LLC began revitalizing the 144 acres left abandoned after the foundry’s closing.

Apartment construction begins now, and restoration of Spring Creek will follow this fall.

New apartments adding 42 residences to Brillion

Construction of a new apartment complex on the 200 block of Parkway Drive begins this week. The first phase of the three-phase project will create 42 residences and welcome tenants by fall 2026. Phases two and three will introduce two additional buildings with a similar number of units, however construction timelines for those phases are still being finalized.

“Housing availability in Brillion and the surrounding area is considered somewhat low, which can deter families who would otherwise consider living here,” said Brillion Works Director Elise Ariens.

“Building these homes provides local businesses a larger hiring pool and strengthens the tax base for public services. It also raises the housing supply, which helps maintain overall housing affordability.”

Units in the new building will be competitively priced and aligned to market rates. Amenities will meet modern standards, including in-unit washers and dryers, attached and detached garages, ample ground- level parking, and elevator access.

Brillion Works, along with two partners, is funding the project. Construction is being completed by Duquaine Development Inc. of Green Bay.

Spring Creek Daylighting

A section of Spring Creek that currently flows beneath the former foundry’s foundation will be “daylighted” and brought above ground to its original state where it can be seen and enjoyed. With guidance from Stantec environmental services, the segment between Francis Street and Park Avenue will also be rerouted slightly east to align with the natural floodplain before reconnecting with its existing path near East Water Street.

The Spring Creek Project not only improves water flow and environmental health, but it will create new public space through a recreation trail along the creek’s banks from the Brillion Early Learning Center to Horn Park.

“Our acquisition of the Brillion Works District was always about sparking holistic growth in Brillion,” said Ariens. “It’s not just about building a business park. Our vision is to transform the site into a place that blends commercial opportunity with community. We want this to be a place everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”

As a bonus to the community, no taxpayer dollars collected at the local level will fund the project. Of the estimated $3 million price tag, most of the expenses are covered by grants, with the remaining portion funded privately by Brillion Works LLC. Major contributors up to this point include the Fund for Lake Michigan ($150,000), the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund via the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region ($150,000), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ($2.4 million).

Site work led by Vinton Construction of Manitowoc will begin this fall, starting with utility upgrades along Park Avenue between Francis Street and Parkway Drive.

This section of Park Avenue will be closed to traffic for about 30 days during this phase.

After its completion, excavation of Spring Creek’s new path will begin and continue through the project’s anticipated completion in spring 2026.

Roadways adjacent to the work zone will remain open to all traffic during the construction phases following utility work.

A formal ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of the new public trail along the creek will be scheduled and announced closer to project completion.