April 22, 2025
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – When you drive into the newest housing development in Prairie du Chien, the first thing you see is the solar field – a solar energy installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels that is converting sunlight into electricity. Prairie Eco Cottages, developed by Couleecap and the Gerrard Corporation, is providing 24 units of affordable, quality housing to income eligible workers, seniors, and disabled residents. The development is also powered by solar energy.
Prairie Eco Cottages held a grand opening event on April 21 where participants could get a closer look at the solar field and cottage-style apartments now offered to the community. The property, which is within walking distance to downtown Prairie du Chien, includes two buildings, each with 12 units, garages and private driveway parking, playground, and community room. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units have been available to rent to income-qualified tenants since January.
Couleecap, an affordable housing developer for more than three decades, and partners at Gerrard Corporation incorporate solar into projects like Prairie Eco Cottages to reduce energy burden for residents and help ensure maximum affordability over time.
“Crawford County residents earning the lowest incomes pay the largest portion of their income on energy bills,” says Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap. “Housing providers need to understand this. You can’t say that housing is affordable unless the energy bill is also affordable. That’s why we include energy planning into affordable housing development planning. We build truly affordable housing.”
Apartments at Prairie Eco Cottages rent for $478 per month for one bedroom, 700 square foot units, to $990 per month for three-bedroom, 1100 square foot units. All units are below the market rate for rentable apartments in the county. Out of 24 units most were leased by the end of March, indicating the strong need for quality affordable housing in the area. Paramark Real Estate Services is the property manager for the project.
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, WHEDA, supports housing developments like Prairie Eco Cottages through the allocation of tax credits.
“Affordable housing, especially in more rural areas of the state, is essential to creating strong communities. We are excited to be part of Prairie Eco Cottages to provide housing for families to celebrate special moments, create a sense of stability, and thrive,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., CEO and Executive Director of WHEDA.
The project also received support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration, City of Prairie du Chien, Cinnaire Solutions, the Federal Home Loan Bank Chicago, Solar for Good, and Focus on Energy.
“Being able to celebrate new, sustainable, and affordable rental properties for Wisconsin working families, veterans, and seniors is not something we get to do every day, which is why DOA was thrilled to support Couleecap and our partners in this impactful development,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld.
The Gerrard Corporation, a development and real estate company headquartered in La Crosse, has developed similar projects throughout the country, addressing housing shortages through community and nonprofit partnerships. In 2022 the company was recognized with the prestigious Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for a housing development in River Falls.
“Prairie du Chien is an ideal location for housing development. It is a hub for business, healthcare, education, and community organizations. Quality housing that the local workforce, retirees, and other residents can afford is fundamental for the success of the local economy,” said Paul Gerrard of the Gerrard Corporation.
Senior Vice President of Business Development for Cinnaire Solutions, Chris Jillings also spoke at the grand opening event.
“Access to high-quality, dignified affordable housing is a critical need across Wisconsin—from our smallest towns to our largest cities,” said Jillings. “Communities thrive when families of all income levels have their housing needs met. We’re grateful that the City of Prairie du Chien recognized this need and partnered with a thoughtful, community-centered team in Couleecap and Gerrard. From design and rent levels to energy efficiency and sustainability, this development reflects a deep commitment to the people who will call it home. We’re proud to be part of both this team and this community.”
Participants at the grand opening were able to tour the property. Apartments were open for viewing and people were able to learn more about the solar system from Sam Dunaiski, Executive Director of Renew Wisconsin. Renew WI is the administrator of the Solar for Good grant, a funding source for the project.
“Projects like this should be accessible to everyone. For a household with a large portion of their income tied up in utility bills, clean energy technologies can have a major impact on their monthly finances,” said Dunaiski. “The Couillard Solar Foundation is making solar projects like this possible to people all across Wisconsin.”
Solar for Good is a partnership between Renew Wisconsin and the Couillard Solar Foundation to foster the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits in Wisconsin. Focus on Energy, a program of the State of Wisconsin, also provided energy incentives for the project.
To learn more about Prairie Eco Cottages you can go to their Paramark website.
Add comment