Proposal Overview:
Lantern Square Townhomes
This fall, 2025, Ansay Development Corporation submitted a proposal in response to the City of Port Washington’s RFP for the current Police & Fire Station site. As a trusted, Port Washington-based company- located just a block away from the fire house- we offer a consistent track record on executing quality projects of this scope in a timely manner.
As the City considers its options, we want to share our thinking — and our values — with the community we call home.
Community First- Beyond the Buildings
For us, Lantern Square is about more than housing — it’s about honoring what this site has meant to Port Washington in the past, and building upon what will benefit this community for generations to come.
Here’s what this neighborhood will look like:
• Walkable public pedestrian pathways connecting to existing overlooks
• A refreshed Jackson Street overlook with access to public space
• Opportunities for the local art community to be featured
• Thoughtful design that respects neighboring viewpoints
Legacy matters to us. The name Lantern Square nods to Port’s maritime history — lighthouses, guidance, warmth, and safety. The signage concept includes visual tributes honoring the men and women who served our Police and Fire Departments, with design elements reflecting both.
At the terminus of Pier Street, we envisioned utilizing the existing monument recognizing the site’s civic history — ensuring it’s remembered, not erased.
The Proposal at a Glance
Our proposal for the Port Washington Police & Fire Station site was designed with one goal in mind: to complement downtown Port Washington while delivering long-term community value.
We presented two housing concepts for the City to consider — both centered around 20 townhomes designed with a “Port Town Character” philosophy that blends modern living with Port Washington’s maritime identity. The concept is designed with city guidelines as its inspiration, creates a walkable neighborhood that maintains respect of neighboring views and pays homage to the men and women of the Port Washington police and fire departments.
Importantly, presenting the City with options, not a single fixed path — gives Port Washington flexibility as it evaluates what best serves our downtown now and in the future.
Both Options Presented:
- Follow the City’s Downtown & Lakefront Plan (adopted June 2023) VIEW HERE
- Align with Downtown Port Washington Design Guidelines VIEW HERE
- Are designed by RINKA, the award-winning architect behind Newport Shores and the American Orthodontics facility in Saukville
- Create meaningful, long-term value for the City and downtown
We understand that financing tools like TIF can be a sensitive topic, which is why our proposal intentionally included two distinct paths for the City to evaluate.
Option 1: Market-Rate Townhomes (No TIF Requested)
- Estimated total value: $10–13.5 million
- Result: Significant increase in site value
Option 2: Regional Market-Rate Townhomes
- Designed to expand housing access downtown
- Average home prices below median Port Washington pricing
- Request for TIF support, to allow more accessible purchase prices
- Estimated total value: $7–8.5 million
- Result: First downtown regional market-rate housing opportunity in Ozaukee County
Both options were thoughtfully structured to reinforce Port Washington as a vibrant, livable downtown — while allowing the City to weigh the cost of living, financing, and long-term impact.
Who We Are and Why Port Washington Matters to Us
ADC is a family-owned, third-generation Ozaukee County business located on Grand Avenue in Port Washington- just a block from the proposed site. Port Washington isn’t just where we work — it’s where our family has invested time, resources, and care for nearly 80 years.
From sponsoring local festivals and the Paint on Port initiative, to helping beautify our county with the Ansay Welcome Center at Harrington Beach State Park and land donated for the Ansay Family Nature Preserve, we believe good development starts with giving back.
We also believe in supporting local — our contractors are trusted, local workers, and our partners share our commitment to quality and community. Our portfolio is Ozaukee-focused including projects in downtown Port Washington including Newport Shores, Lake Harbor Lofts, & Harbor Square, Belgium’s New Luxembourg homes and Village Hall, as well as Saukville’s Northern Gateway development featuring the award-winning American Orthodontic facility, Gateway Sports Academy and- coming soon- Anita’s Gardens and the groundbreaking Mel’s Village.
