History of the Howard Commons
The goal of the public space at Howard Commons (originally referred to as the Village Center project) is to develop a gathering place for our community. The complex is meant to:
- be a place where Village of Howard residents will gather to live, shop, recreate and socialize;
- be an economic benefit to the Village of Howard;
- give the Village of Howard a vibrant, tangible identity and new heart for the community.
The vision for the complex took shape when the village's Comprehensive Plan was finalized in 2002 and again when it was revised in 2012. The Village Center, pursuant to the approved Comprehensive Plan, is to be the focal point for the entire community. The development is modeled after the William E. Urschel Pavilion and Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, Indiana.
The Howard Commons Activity Complex has been funded through naming rights and TIF #8 revenues. Dan Schmidt, who owns Bay Industries in Green Bay, purchased the pavilion naming rights for $4.875 million to honor his parents who founded the company. The facility will officially be called the Arnold and Gloria Schmidt Pavilion. The Roger and Star Kimps Family Foundation also donated $1 million to support the project, and the activity building will be named the Roger and Star Kimps Activity Center. To assist with debt service, the village extended the life of TIF #8 for three additional years. Both the beer garden and ice rink are expected to bring in significant revenues to offset costs. To provide an additional funding cushion, naming rights also are being solicited for the amphitheater, as well as smaller amenities.
