RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. (WSAW) – Rib Mountain Drive has become a popular shopping haven over the years as up-and-coming developers come to the village looking for new opportunities. Now one of the last remaining homes could be getting a big change, too.

Joann Fabrics’ house on the corner of Rib Mountain Drive has looked out of place for some time.

With so many new businesses popping up here, it’s no surprise that a new developer has decided to purchase the property and has ideas to transform it into something new.

“We’re trying to combine a modern commercial property with the aesthetics of the creek and possibly a pedestrian bridge,” said owner Tyler Tate.

Tate wants to build not only a pedestrian bridge but also a bike path. This would make getting around the area easier and safer.

So how did Tate and his business partner come up with this idea?

“I’ve noticed this for a long time and I think a lot of people are wondering, ‘What’s going on?’ So I stopped by one day and asked the owner. I had a great conversation with him and before I knew it, I was buying a property,” he said.

While there appear to be plenty of developers in the area, this is Tate’s first project.

“I used to live in this neighborhood, so it’s special for me to bring this property into a modern environment while also benefiting it from both a business perspective and for the community,” he says.

Another main goal of his is to build partnerships and relationships with other members of the community.

“As someone who lived on this very street, I wanted there to be a partnership between the community, between Rib Mountain and between the businesses to create something great here,” Tate said.

A preliminary discussion of the redevelopment measures will take place on Wednesday evening at the meeting of the Rib Mountain Municipal Planning Commission.

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