Site of St. Nicholas Church cleared for 4 Habitat for Humanity homes

RACINE, WI — The former St. Nicholas Episcopal Church property at 2509 16th Street has been cleared for redevelopment, with construction of four affordable homes set to begin in 2026.

According to City Housing Manager Veronica Seymour, the City of Racine is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build the new homes...

...The church, owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, had been vacant for several years and was in poor condition, prompting the city’s Community Development Authority (CDA) to consider its acquisition and redevelopment...

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Leo’s notes: Racine’s plan to replace the long-vacant St. Nicholas Episcopal Church with four new Habitat for Humanity homes is a small but meaningful step toward addressing the city’s estimated 3,500-unit housing shortfall. By leveraging federal HOME funds and partnering with Habitat, the city is turning an underused property into quality, ownership-ready housing that fits the neighborhood and serves income-eligible families. It’s another example of how thoughtful infill development — even at a modest scale — can strengthen communities, stabilize blocks, and expand opportunities for families priced out of the market.