A unique concept is underway in Mukwonago to build a group of homes surrounding a community farm.
The idea is known as an Agrihoodand these small communities are popping up in other parts of the country. The one in Mukwonago would likely be the first Agrihood in Wisconsin.
The proposal is turn 36 acres of vacant farmland, located a few miles northwest of the Mukwonago County Park, into a thriving farm community.
Curt Wiebelhaus and his wife Jodi are behind the project. He says they originally wanted to move to a hobby farm with their children but learned about the Agrihood concept in a magazine.
"It's starting to become a greater trend," Curt said. "So looking at research, we thought this was the perfect opportunity for us to develop that a little further."
Think of the idea like a community surrounding a golf course, except instead, it's a working farm.
There would be 10 homes total, with 16 acres of open, shared space in the middle. The Wiebelhaus family would occupy a roughly 4-acre plot, and the rest would be divided up into 1.5 acre plots.
In the shared space, there would be a barn, a community garden, pasture land and horseback riding trails. Residents can choose what level of farm activity they want to participate in.
"We would be open to boarding horses for the residents within the subdivision or maybe they want to have a beef cow, or a goat, or an alpaca or whatever it may be," Curt said.
A Town of Mukwonago representative says the town currently supports the idea and believes it would be a positive addition.
There are still details to work out and the Wiebelhaus' are waiting final approval from the town and Waukesha County.
He said they already have six families interested in the community, who have made reservations with a down payment. There are three lots left.
If all goes as planned, they will begin constructing roads in May and building homes in August.
"It's been very exciting to get the response and good confirmation," Curt said. "That what we're providing is something that people want."
Those interested in the development can email Curt Wiebelhaus at curt@buildingso.com.
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