Wisconsin Housing Alliance is the trade association for manufactured and modular housing in Wisconsin. There are 1058 manufactured home communities that encompass 53,000 sites in the state. Since St. Paul Group purchased Villa Diann and Hillcrest Estates, I have observed first-hand the magnificent improvement in those properties. Old homes have been removed, existing homes have been upgraded and maintained and nearly 50 new homes have been placed within the communities. That is no small feat in such a short period of time.
St Paul Group been committed to the communities and making them places that residents are proud to call home. The investments they have made in items such as walking paths, playgrounds, road improvements (just to name a few) have increased the property value and the value proposition for those investing in new homes in the manufactured home communities. Eau Claire County is in severe need of affordable housing and these communities can fill that need as there are still sites to fill with new attainable homes for people of all income levels.
The other investment that has been made which is not visible is their investment in education and processes and procedures to run manufactured home communities efficiently and within state and federal law. I have personally provided training to not only the owners, but also their managers and sales professionals, so I know they have the correct training needed to be successful.
As a nearly 30-year veteran in the manufactured housing industry, I can honestly say that I am very impressed with the business and improvement plan for Villa Diann and Hillcrest Estates. This business model could and should be a model for anyone wanting to increase the value of their investment in any type of multi-family housing. I’m proud to have them as a member of the Wisconsin Housing Alliance and highly commend them for the great job they have done so far, and I am confident the future improvements they plan to make will pay off.