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- 🌼This Week in Green Bay
🌼This Week in Green Bay
From goat towers to wine hours—here’s what’s poppin’ in Green Bay
Mike Higgins
May 16, 2025
Hey hey —
You’ve got enough on your plate—so we’re keeping it simple this week: just the gems. The things that’ll make you smile, raise an eyebrow, or get out of the house this weekend. A few minutes here, and you’ll be the most in-the-know person at the next coffee stop.
Now, here’s your all-in-one cheat sheet to what’s happening around the Bay this week 👇
🐝TL;DR: Quick hits from around the Bay this week
🏘️ Big housing + fire station plans revealed
🛠️ Local teens build a real home (yes, really)
🏈 Titletown field closures—check before you go
🐐 NEW Zoo’s goats get a luxury tower
🍷 Wine tasting + paint night = weekend plans
📬PS:
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🧭 Moving right along...
📰New Stories of the Week in Green Bay
Big news for our city! Green Bay has just been named one of nine winners of the 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize, a prestigious national award recognizing communities leading the charge in addressing structural racism and improving overall well-being.
Four local nonprofits—We All Rise, Wello, COMSA, and Casa ALBA Melanie—will share the $250,000 prize for their work in areas like food security, health services, and housing. At a press conference held at Lambeau Field, leaders emphasized this isn’t just a trophy—it’s a call to action. They’re also launching a campaign to raise an additional $250,000 to keep momentum going.
This recognition places Green Bay at the forefront of equity-driven community health work nationwide—and it’s just the beginning.
📌 UW-Green Bay Students Push Back on Online Class Fees📚
Students at UW-Green Bay are making their voices heard. Frustrated by an additional $25-per-credit “legacy fee” charged for online courses, junior John Reinke launched a petition calling for its removal, especially since some required courses are only available online.
The petition has already gathered over 660 signatures on Change.org, with plans to present it to university leadership this summer. Chancellor Mike Alexander acknowledged the outdated nature of the fee, originally introduced in the 1990s, and confirmed that discussions are underway to possibly remove it or expand in-person options.
🎓 Tuition: $348/credit + $25/credit for online classes
🖊️ Petition link: Sign the petition
📍 Location: UW-Green Bay
Stay tuned as students continue advocating for fairer course fee structures.
📌 Score a Piece of NFL Draft History—and Help the Red Cross🏈
Ever wanted your own slice of the NFL Draft stage? Now’s your chance.
Local auctioneer John Dugan of Titletown Auction Co. salvaged over 480 unique items from the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field—everything from stage signs and banners to fan quotes and food menus—and he's auctioning them off to benefit the American Red Cross of Wisconsin’s Northeast Chapter.
🛑 Bidding starts at just $2
📅 Auction ends May 21
📍 In-person item previews: May 14 & May 21 at 3049 Ramada Way, Suite 400
🔗 View the Auction
📌 Students Built a House—and Real-World Skills🛠️
Green Bay high schoolers just finished building a home at 929 N. Broadway through the Bridges Construction & Renovation Program—a partnership with NWTC and NeighborWorks.
They earned high school and college credit while gaining hands-on experience in the trades—plus, the project adds affordable housing to the community.
Big moves are underway in Green Bay. The City Council is set to vote on a $809,000 funding package that could green-light two long-anticipated developments:
1️⃣ NEW Community Shelter Apartments — $500K
🏘️ 41 supportive housing units for residents transitioning out of homelessness
💰 Part of a $14M project; the city’s contribution would bring the shelter within $500K of its fundraising goal
🏗️ Construction could begin as early as June or July
📍 West side of Green Bay
2️⃣ Urban Barn at JBS Site — $309K
🌾 Multi-purpose agricultural barn in a multi-generational neighborhood being built on former JBS land
🥕 Will feature a farmer’s market-style space, a produce processing room, and storage
💡 Bathrooms not included (yet) due to funding limits, porta-potties planned temporarily
🚜 The project is a partnership between the City of Green Bay and Wello
The shelter funds come from the city’s TIDAH affordable housing reserve, while the barn match is carefully structured with ARPA money to meet federal grant requirements.
If approved, both projects could break ground this summer—bringing new energy and critical support services to both sides of the city.
A bold new project is coming to the 400 block of South Broadway. The City of Green Bay and General Capital Group are partnering to redevelop the old Badger Sheet Metal site into a mixed-use development featuring:
🏘️ 93 income-based workforce housing units
🏢 New Green Bay Metro Fire Department offices
🚒 A modern central fire station to replace two outdated ones
🌿 A pedestrian green corridor between South Broadway and South Maple Avenue
The apartments will serve renters making between 30–80% of the area median income, and construction could begin by the end of 2025—pending final agreements and demolition of the current site.
The city is backing the project with $8.6 million in funding through ARPA, general borrowing, and Emergency Rental Assistance funds, while the developer seeks state tax credits to keep rents affordable.
📍 Location: 400 block of South Broadway, Green Bay
🗓️ Target construction start: Late 2025
This project blends affordable housing and city services in a walkable, urban setting—revitalizing a key stretch of downtown.
☕️ Now Brewing in Downtown: Rise & Grind
Downtown Green Bay just got a little more delicious—Rise & Grind has officially opened its doors.
Opened on April 21, this cozy new spot brings back the beloved coffee and gelato combo of its predecessor, but with a twist: owner Jocelyne Flores is also adding pastries and other fun treats to the menu.
Whether you're fueling up for work or strolling by the Fox, it's worth popping in for a pick-me-up.
📍 Location: 401 N Washington Street, Suite 109
🏢 Inside the CityDeck Landing building
🌮 Local Flavor Alert: Tortas Ahogadas Pops Up in Green Bay
There’s a hidden gem dishing out Mexican and American eats in Green Bay—Tortas Ahogadas Green Bay is now serving from 800 Cedar St.
This small but mighty spot has been getting attention for their mouthwatering tortas ahogadas—drenched sandwiches that bring a taste of Guadalajara right to Wisconsin. They’re also serving up a mix of comfort favorites and regional flavors, perfect for lunch or a weekend treat.
📍 Location: 800 Cedar St, Green Bay
📞 Phone: (920) 391-5628
🏡 Real Estate Spotlight: A Suamico Gem Hits the Market
📍2289 Northwood Rd, Green Bay, WI 54313
💰 Listed at: $389,900🏡 Budget-Friendly Beauty on Green Bay’s West Side
🛏 4 Bed | 🛁 2 Bath | 📐 2,784 sq ft | 🌳 0.81 Acre Lot
🗓 Open House: May 17
Listed by Zoë Van Oss of Green Bay.
👉 View the listing and photos
🏡 Budget-Friendly Beauty on Green Bay’s West Side
📍919 14th Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304
💰 Listed at: $249,800
🛏 2 Bed | 🛁 1.5 Bath | 📐 1,109 sq ft | 🌿 9,583 sq ft lot
Listed by Chris Peeters of Green Bay.
👉 See the full listing here
🍷 A Taste of Napa in Green Bay – Ehlers Wine Night at Waterford
Wine lovers, mark your calendars! On Wednesday, May 21, from 6:00–7:30 PM, Waterford Wine & Spirits is hosting a special tasting event featuring Ehlers Estate, one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley.
📍 2665 Monroe Road, Suite 110, Bellevue (Green Bay area), WI 54115
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Enjoy an open house format—stay for a few minutes or sip and chat all evening. Wines being poured include:
2023 Sylvaine Estate Blanc
2021 Napa Cabernet
2021 Portrait Red Blend
2021 Napa Cabernet Franc
2021 “1886” Cabernet
No trip to Napa needed—just show up, sip, and savor.
🎟️ Reserve your spot here
📅 More local Happenings This Weekend – May 17–18
🧒 Story Time at Daily Buzz Espresso Bar
📍 130 E. Walnut St
🕚 Saturday, May 17 | 11 AM – 1 PM
📚 A cozy, kid-friendly event with snacks and stories.
🔗 Event Info
🚗 Festa Italiana – Italian Only Car Show
📍 The Automobile Gallery, 400 S. Adams St
🕑 Saturday, May 17 | 2 PM – 6 PM
🇮🇹 Italian cars, wood-fired pizza, cannoli, wine tastings & more—$15 admission.
🔗 Event Info
🚶♀️ Date Night Segway Tour
📍 Departs from Downtown Green Bay
🕕 Saturday, May 17 | 6 PM – 7:30 PM
🌇 A guided Segway adventure through historic and scenic downtown spots.
🔗 Event Info
🎨 Paint & Sip with Ember at The Nightly Buzz
📍 130 E. Walnut St
🕔 Sunday, May 18 | 5 PM – 9 PM
🖌️ Cocktails, snacks, and creativity—$45 ticket includes all supplies.
🔗 Event Info
📍 Local entrepreneurs—this one's for you!
The Hyatt Regency Green Bay is hosting a Small Business Social, and it’s shaping up to be a great networking opportunity.
Whether you’re looking to collaborate, build connections, or just put a face to a local business name, this event is all about community builders supporting each other. It’s free and open to anyone—just bring your business cards and be ready to mingle.
✅ When: Tuesday, May 20 at 3:30 PM
📍 Where: Hyatt Regency, 333 Main St, Green Bay
🎟️ Register here
🐐 NEW Zoo Unveils the Ultimate Goat Playground
There’s a brand-new attraction at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park—and it’s got local goats climbing to new heights.
The zoo has just unveiled the Billy Goats Gruff Tower, a 20-foot, three-level climbing structure built especially for its herd of 12 goats, including Bo, Po, Mo, and Jo. Complete with a spiral staircase, goat-sized doors and windows, and a bridge extension between yards, it’s become the goats’ new favorite hangout.
🛠️ Built by Coppens Custom Solutions
🎉 Donated in honor of Dr. Steve DeGrave’s 60th birthday
📍 Located in the Children’s Zoo, Suamico
That’s the latest from the hive.
That’s it for this week, neighbor. 💛
Thanks for letting us drop into your inbox. From small wins to big headlines, it’s a joy sharing what makes Green Bay such a great place to live, work, and wander.
👋 Got something we should feature? A business you love, a neighbor doing good, or an event you’re excited about? Just hit reply—we’d love to hear from you.
And before you go—
📱 Stay close. Follow along on Instagram & Facebook for local finds, behind-the-scenes peeks, and all the buzz between editions.
See you next week. Until then, keep it kind, Green Bay. 🐝
Stay warm. Stay local. Stay buzzing. And maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!
MH.
