Park Place Holdings, a De Pere, Wisconsin-based commercial real estate investment firm, is constructing South River MicroFlats, an adaptive reuse project converting a portion of the office building at 1101 E. South River in Appleton, Wisconsin, into a modern micro-apartment community.
The project is slated for completion in April 2026, and pre-leasing is already underway.
South River MicroFlats will offer 15 studio and one-bedroom apartments with floor plans ranging from 275 to 438 square feet. Furnished and unfurnished units will be available for lease terms ranging from one month to one year.
“South River MicroFlats reflects our commitment to reinvesting in Wisconsin communities in ways that respond to real housing needs,” said Caleb Hayes, CEO and founder of Park Place Holdings. “Short-term housing remains a critical need in Appleton, especially for traveling professionals, new employees, and individuals in transition. Fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, even as short as one month, allow residents to settle in quickly without the cost or burden of moving furniture or committing to a long-term lease.”
Originally built in 1952, the building was part of The Institute of Paper Chemistry, a graduate research institution founded through a partnership between Lawrence College, now Lawrence University, and Wisconsin’s paper industry. After the institute relocated to Atlanta in 1989, the property sat vacant for nearly a decade before being renovated into professional office space in the early 2000s. In 2004, the building received a Historic Preservation/Restoration Certificate Award from the Appleton Historic Preservation Commission. This rich history laid the foundation for its next chapter as a thoughtfully reimagined residential community. Construction of South River MicroFlats kicked off in the summer of 2025, led by Witt Construction.
South River MicroFlats offers convenient access to Lawrence University, downtown Appleton and the City Park Historic District, with quick connections to major routes including US Highway 10/WI-441. The community is just a 17-minute drive from Appleton International Airport and benefits from seamless transportation options, including a bus stop directly across the street and a free Downtown/Riverfront Trolley stop only a two-minute walk away. On-site amenities include multiple outdoor courtyards with gas grills, a fitness center, ample parking, bike rack, Wi-Fi and modern work spaces. Its rich architecture, large windows and high exposed ceilings combined with modern amenities and flexible lease options offers a truly unique living experience to the Fox Cities community.
Demand for flexible housing continues to rise both nationally and locally. The number of travel nurses nationwide increased from approximately 33,000 in 2018 to about 175,000 in 2022, and Wisconsin continues to face elevated nursing vacancy rates. In the Fox Valley, furnished rental availability and job trends indicate sustained demand from traveling health care professionals and other short-term workers. South River MicroFlats also provides a turnkey living option adjacent to the Lawrence University campus.
The project reflects a broader national trend of converting underutilized office buildings into housing as hybrid and remote work reshape office demand. Adaptive reuse projects help address housing shortages, revitalize existing properties, and strengthen surrounding neighborhoods.
“South River MicroFlats represents an investment in Appleton’s long-term vibrancy,” Hayes said. “Our goal is to create a thoughtfully designed community that enhances everyday living while contributing to a stronger, more connected neighborhood.”
Park Place Holdings is exploring the addition of up to 90 apartments within the existing property as part of a potential expansion.
