More Multifamily Housing is coming to Merrill

S.C. Swiderski LLC will be adding more rental units on Webster Street, between Alexander and Eugene streets, in the City of Merrill. Alexander Estates is a 12-acre site located in Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 8. The project was unanimously approved by the Plan Commission on Nov. 1, 2022 and Common Council on Nov. 9, 2022.

“The City of Merrill is invested in developing more housing opportunities for residents,” said Mayor Steve Hass. “We know there’s a demand for housing here, especially among those looking to rent, and we want to attract more people to live and work in Merrill. I look forward to seeing this development come to life.”

Connor Langbehn, Acquisition Coordinator for S.C. Swiderski LLC, discussed plans to build a total of 64 rental units in four different types of buildings. Construction would begin in spring 2023, and completed by the end of 2024.

Once completed, the development would consist of about 5 units per acre, and is projected to add $10 million to the City’s tax base. City staff will install curb, gutter, paving, and street lighting in 2023. The projected annual taxes for the development will be about $300,000 annually. 

“We believe this new proposal [of more multifamily units] will best fit the needs of the community,” Langbehn said. Originally, S.C. Swiderski LLC planned to construct more single-family homes. However, due to market changes and a high demand for more 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, the company decided to switch gears, and instead, build more rental units.

Once completed, there will be 24 one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units, and 24 three-bedroom units at Alexander Estates. S.C. Swiderski’s newest housing development, Fox Point, is almost fully occupied, Langbehn said. Based on sales, there is a demand for more multifamily units in Merrill. Fox Point opened its doors to tenants in the summer 2022.

Rent for housing at that location will likely cost anywhere from $1,092 for a 1-bedroom unit to $1,875 for a larger, 3-bedroom unit with attached garage.