Racine Plans 34 New Homes on Former School Site, Offers Down Payment Assistance
Racine, Wisconsin, is planning to build 34 homes on the vacant site of the former Giese Elementary School. The development includes a program offering $50,000 in down payment assistance to city and school district employees to purchase these homes, with…
Green Bay Appleton, WI, September 23, 2026 —
Racine, Wisconsin, is set to transform the former Giese Elementary School site into a residential development featuring 34 new homes. The project aims to revitalize the vacant property and provide new housing opportunities within the city.
A key component of the housing initiative includes a down payment assistance program designed to encourage city and school district employees to become homeowners. Eligible employees will have access to up to $50,000 in down payment assistance for purchasing one of the new residences. The funding for this assistance is allocated through Tax Incremental District 31.
Following an initial exclusive purchasing period for city and school district employees, the homes are slated to become available to the general public. This phased approach allows priority for public sector workers before opening the sales to a wider audience.
The former Giese Elementary School site, now vacant, is undergoing preparation for the construction phase. Details regarding the specific timeline for groundbreaking, construction phases, and the commencement of the exclusive purchasing period for employees were not immediately available.
The development plan does not specify the types or sizes of the homes to be built. Further information regarding the project’s overall scope, construction timelines, and public availability dates is expected to be released as the planning progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Evan Casey on www.wpr.org, see more information here.
