Groundbreaking Celebrates New Attainable Homeownership Opportunity at Scholar’s Ridge in Plymouth
PLYMOUTH, WI - Community leaders, business partners, and local and state officials gathered Friday, October 16, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Scholar’s Ridge, a new residential development in Plymouth located on S. Pleasant View Rd. The development will create 102 single-family homes and expand opportunities for attainable homeownership in Sheboygan County.
The groundbreaking marks another milestone in the county’s collaborative efforts to expand accessible homeownership, strengthen local communities, and support the workforce that drives the region’s economy.
Scholar’s Ridge builds on the momentum of the Forward Fund, a public-private partnership established to increase the supply of attainable, entry-level single-family homes throughout Sheboygan County. The initiative brings together business leaders, local government, and economic development partners to address one of the region’s most important challenges: ensuring people can find a home in the communities where they work.
“Scholar’s Ridge represents the kind of collaboration that makes a lasting impact in our communities,” said Don Hammond, Chairperson of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). “These 102 homes represent more than new construction; they represent opportunities for families to purchase a home and make Sheboygan County home.”
The Forward Fund was launched through significant investments from four founding business partners. Johnsonville, Kohler Co., Masters Gallery Foods, and Sargento, each contributing $2 million. Sheboygan County also committed $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, with the City of Plymouth serving as an additional community funding partner. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) also played a significant role in advancing Scholar’s Ridge, awarding the project $3.4 million through its Infrastructure Access Loan program. This marks the first time WHEDA’s Infrastructure Access Loan has been awarded to support a single-family home development, establishing an important milestone in expanding innovative financing solutions for attainable homeownership in Wisconsin.
The initiative’s first development, Founders’ Pointe, successfully sold all 54 homes. A second development, Founders’ Pointe Neighborhood, is underway with 41 homes planned and completion anticipated in spring 2027.
The results demonstrate the impact of investing in attainable homeownership. At Founders’ Pointe, 72% of homeowners were first-time buyers, 30% relocated to Sheboygan County, and residents are employed by 54 different employers throughout the county.
“Having attainable homes available makes a real difference for our communities and local businesses,” said TJ Crowns, SCEDC Director of Economic Development. “When people can find a home they can afford, it helps businesses attract and keep good employees and gives families a chance to put down roots. SCEDC is proud to bring partners together to help address our county’s housing needs and build stronger communities where families and businesses can thrive.”
