New Development Project to Start in Pittsville

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 -- 11:00 AM

(Caitlin Shuda, USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin) A new redevelopment project will begin soon in Pittsville, bringing together business, multi-purpose space and housing.

According to Caitlin Shuda with USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin, the project, called CranCity Corner, plans to remove the structure at 5347 Second Ave. in Pittsville to make way for construction of a new community hub, featuring a charitable foundation that supports future projects, according to a news release.

An anchor business will be named soon, and additional space will be available for other businesses, flexible space and housing on-site. CranCity Corner Inc. was formed in 2024 and operates with a board of directors including Julie Strenn, Mike Hobbs, Shawna Bratlie, Casey Krohn, Janeen Gardner, Tom Gardner and Mary Ann Lippert.

The group aims to spur economic development, support new local businesses and provide more housing in the area, according to the release. CranCity Corner’s board president, Julie Strenn, said people in Pittsville wanted to enhance the city and came up with the idea together.

"We are thrilled for the community to finally see what we’ve been working on for several years,” Strenn said. “Our hope is that this project will not only strengthen the existing Pittsville businesses but also spark new economic development in our community.”

The CranCity Corner project received a Thrive Rural Wisconsin Program grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The grant provided funding to launch the organization and its efforts in Pittsville, according to the release.

Missy Hughes, the secretary and CEO of WEDC, said the CranCity Corner project embodies the organization’s goals through its Thrive program, helping rural leaders gain connections, skills and experience to keep growing their communities.

“The project has really done a great job of bringing together leadership in the city, county and state to set common goals for the benefit of Pittsville,” Hughes said.

CranCity Corner will host an opportunity for the community to provide input on the project and will release more information in the coming months.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.