Greenspire LIHTC Apartments Named WI-CARH Property of the Year
STOUGHTON, WI — Greenspire LIHTC Apartments, located at 924 Jackson Street in Stoughton, Wisconsin, has been named Property of the Year by the Wisconsin Council for Affordable & Rural Housing (WI-CARH). The award recognizes excellence in affordable housing development and honors projects that demonstrate innovation, long-term impact, and resident-focused design.
Managed by Broihahn Management & Consulting LLC, Greenspire received this distinction following a comprehensive $25 million renovation. As a result, the community now serves as a leading example of sustainable and resident-centered affordable housing in Wisconsin.
A National Flagship for Green and Resilient Housing
Greenspire LIHTC Apartments achieved a rare milestone by completing a 100% net-carbon-zero renovation. Through extensive environmental retrofitting, the property now produces all of its own energy from renewable sources. In turn, this fully offsets its electrical demand.
The project was funded in part through the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, Greenspire is the only GRRP-funded project nationwide to be fully completed since the program began. Because of this, the community now serves as the flagship project for the entire country.
Most importantly, these improvements directly benefit residents. The community serves seniors aged 62 and older and individuals with disabilities. Thanks to the new systems, residents are expected to see utility savings of approximately 40, which provides meaningful long-term financial relief.
Innovation That Supports Resident Well-Being
The renovation included all six residential buildings and 92 apartment homes. Throughout the project, the team focused on comfort, health, and long-term resilience.
First, the property added extensive rooftop and carport-mounted solar arrays. In addition, innovative bi-facial solar carports were installed to capture reflected light from below. As a result, energy production increased by approximately 10 percent. These structures also provide covered community spaces and electric vehicle charging stations.
Next, indoor air quality was significantly improved. Energy Recovery Ventilation systems with HEPA filtration now deliver fresh, filtered air throughout the buildings. This is especially important during wildfire smoke events and other air quality emergencies.
Finally, the property strengthened its climate resilience. Stormwater improvements include rain gardens, rain barrels, and native vegetation. Together, these features reduce flood risk while improving long-term site durability. Permaculture installations further enhance sustainability and resident well-being.
A Model of Collaborative Investment
Greenspire’s success reflects a first-of-its-kind collaborative financing model in Wisconsin. The project brought together public, private, and nonprofit partners who share a commitment to sustainable affordable housing.
Key partners include Sunny Side Development, Crown Court Properties, WHEDA, PNC Bank, Impact Seven, Couillard Solar Foundation, the Disability Opportunity Fund FHLBank of New York, the USDA, and the City of Stoughton.
Through this collaboration, the team demonstrated how shared vision and strategic investment can produce housing that is both affordable and environmentally responsible.
Setting a New Standard
The WI-CARH Property of the Year award recognizes Greenspire LIHTC Apartments not only for its environmental achievements, but also for its long lasting commitment to residents. Above all, the project shows that affordable housing can lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life.
As a result, Greenspire now stands as a state and national model for the future of affordable housing.
Media Contact
Cyndi Wood
Communications Director
Broihahn Management & Consulting, LLC
1502 Broadway, Madison, WI 53713
Phone: (608) 220-1981
Email: cyndi@bmcmadison.com