Washington School Housing Project

Overview of Project

The City of Oshkosh is completing a single-family housing project called the Washington School Housing Project. The City has acquired the former Washington School located at 929 Washington Avenue between Winnebago and School Ave., East of Bowen St., for the purpose of redeveloping the property with affordable housing to be known as the Washington School Housing Subdivision.

The site has been platted for 18 single-family homes. In fall 2025, the city installed water and sanitary sewer laterals to each lot, along with required private stormwater controls that will be maintained by the subdivision.

The city is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Oshkosh for 9 of the 18 lots. Habitat has built 45+ homes locally through its volunteer-based programs, making Habitat a well-positioned partner.

Current Project Status

The city is currently under contract with Habitat for Humanity to develop 9 lots in total, 4 to be constructed by the end of 2032 and 5 under option to be purchased by the end of 2029.

The bid for the remaining 9 lots was awarded to First Place Homes and city staff will be drafting a development agreement for Common Council consideration.

Opportunities for Public Input

Periodic neighborhood meetings will be held regarding project progress before and during construction.

Why are we doing this?

This project will help address Oshkosh's need for additional single-family housing by adding new homes to the local market. Its primary goal is to create affordable single-family housing for Oshkosh families, serving households currently living in the city with incomes below 120% of the City's median income, adjusted for household size using U.S. Census data.

Timeline or Key Milestones

The Habitat for Humanity Development Agreement was approved by the Common Council on October 28, 2025.
First Place Homes was approved as the master builder for the additional 9 lots by the Common Council on September 8, 2026.
Master Builder RFP proposal submission deadline: June 5, 2026
Habitat scheduled to complete the construction of 3 homes: 2027
Habitat to purchase the remaining 5 lots under option: December 31, 2029
Habitat to complete with the work related to the entire Habitat Project: December 31, 2032

Key Terms used on this page

Affordable housing

Housing designed to be marketed to individuals or families that are employed in the workforce and make up to 120% of the area median income.