The City of Sun Prairie has compiled $577 million in increased property value in tax increment finance (TIF) districts 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 in the last 25 years, according to the City of Sun Prairie Economic Development Department.

When a TIF District (also referred to sometimes as TIDs for Tax Increment District) is created, taxes for the base value continue to pay out to the taxing jurisdictions at the same rate, while the increased value above the base are leveraged to fund improvements that will continue to increase the value of the property further over the base value. Each TIF District has a set life that is allowed to have this fund available. When the life of the TID comes to close, the added value is added back to the tax levy calculation for each taxing jurisdiction.

The City of Sun Prairie’ prioritizing public investment utilizing TIF for projects that are on infill/redevelopment sites, support affordable childcare and housing, encourage sustainable practices and help existing businesses grow.

 

Property available in city TIF Districts

TIDs 8 and 9, closing in 2026, have added $323 million to the City’s valuation. TID 13 is projected to close in 2028; adding over $60M in new value added to the City since the TIDs creation in 2017.

Here are more defined descriptions of the City’s TIF Districts that are available for public investment, as well as opportunities the City sees for development in each district:

TID 11 — This redevelopment district was created in 2014 to facilitate infill and redevelopment along the Central Main Street Corridor (between Union Street and Ruby Lane).

Public investments in TID 11 have transformed former gas stations, industrial buildings, and underutilized sites into nearly 400 new apartment units and nearly 30,00 square feet of commercial space along the Main Street corridor. Among the areas looking for development is the lot at the southwest corner of Bird and Main streets, and the former Masonic Lodge located at the corner of Buena Vista Drive and North Bird Street.

TID 12 —This industrial TID serves as the sixth addition to the Sun Prairie Business Park, north of the US Highway 151 interchange at Bristol Street.

Projected closure in 2036.

The City is currently pursuing an Urban Service Area Amendment (USAA) for approximately 400 acres north of the existing Business Park for future utility expansion and development.

In terms of available land, Yahara Materials will start begin land development on 45 acres north of April Aire and then to the west. There is a 14 acre parcel adjacent to this land available for development that isn’t include in Yahara’s development.

TID 14 — In downtown Sun Prairie, the Sun Prairie Stronger TID was created after to serve the objections adopted within the Sun Prairie Stronger Master.

Because of TID 14, the facilitation of redevelopment at the southwest corner of Bristol & Main Street resulted in 92 multi-family units, various retail components including the City’s first independent bookstore. In addition, on the northwest corner, a 63-key Country Inn & Suites is under construction. Within the existing TID 14 boundary, the former Sun Prairie Utilities office building (125 W Main Street) is currently for sale and available for redevelopment or for a new business. District projected to close in 2046.

TID 15 — Known as the West Main Street TID, this mixed-use district stretches along West Main Street from North Wildwood Street running east to North Walker Way.

Created in 2022, TID 15 focuses on public and community improvements specifically looking to provide pedestrian access to nearby services. Public investment was provided to the Wildwood apartments, delivering affordable housing to Sun Prairie’s westside.

In addition, this stretch of West Main Street is comprised of various smaller lots that could be combined with other adjacent properties for larger redevelopment options. Key sites include the southwest corner of Main Street and South Thompson Road and former Raceway Gas Station at the corner of N Walker Way and W Main Street. Projected to close in 2047.

TID 16 — Created in 2023 along East Main Street, TID 16 includes a development made possible by partnership between Northpoint Development and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County for the facilitation of affordable housing consisting of 61-age restricted units and 14 3-bedroom townhomes known as Sky Ridge.

TID 16 also includes a green field lot available for commercial development at the corner of Town Hall Road and East Main Street. Projected closure in 2048.