New development to support IDD community, drive events, local economy

Port Washington, Wisconsin. January 20, 2025. With the turn of this new year comes the thrill and promise of life-changing opportunities springing to life in 2025 at Saukville’s Mel’s Village.

Mel’s Village is a unique community designed to improve quality of life for all residents, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is being developed by Ansay Development Corporation and Three Leaf Partners in close collaboration with Ozaukee County nonprofit Mel’s Charities.

ADC President Mike Ansay has called this project “transformative,” as it “aims to create an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

Mel’s Village is a revolutionary new concept of a walkable community offering an array of amenities, activities, and events tailored to IDD individuals to break down barriers and champion inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with IDD can fully participate in and contribute to their community.

It is taking shape in the southern end of Saukville’s Northern Gateway community, a 99-acre initiative strategically located adjacent to highway I-43. Mel’s Village layout includes: Gateway Sports Academy, a recreation center boasting multiple basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts as well as shooting cages and a beer garden; retail businesses and restaurants committed to hiring IDD residents, a public plaza with bandshell, splash pad and garden, and up to 150 units of multi-family and townhome units. Nonprofit Balance, Inc. will manage 25% of the apartments, which will be designated for adults with disabilities. The village will be rounded out with a hotel and event/banquet space, which will come to fruition by 2026.

Tom Stanton, Executive Director of Mel’s Charities, said “This development is a game-changer for so many people, including the village of Saukville and the IDD individuals we serve in Ozaukee County.”

A short walk away, the northern portion of Northern Gateway will offer up to 470 residential units including single family lots, apartments and Anita’s Gardens, an assisted living facility, which breaks ground shortly. Residents have already began moving into The Daniels luxury apartments and doors are open at development anchor American Orthodontics, which will eventually employ a staff of hundreds.