Living and Learning Center: Community Benefits & Impact
The LLC will greatly enhance the economic development of the area, serving as a demonstration project to increase awareness of sustainable resources, environmental conservation, and “green” building principles for a wide range of constituencies. In addition:

• The local economy will experience an approximate annual $2M economic impact.
• Businesses, organizations, and educational groups will be able to hold residential summer conferences on a modern and beautiful campus.
• Students of all ages will be able to come to an exciting facility that demonstrates alternative and sustainable energy programs.
• Business and civic groups will be able to come to a regional facility to examine new and innovative energy alternatives.
• It enables one of its greatest assets, UW-B/SC, to enhance the means in which it meets the needs of the region as well as fulfilling the Wisconsin Idea for its many constituencies. Building “green” is considered a mark of innovation in higher education so the LLC will bring further distinction to the campus and the region.

Finances and Operations
Our plan to finance the building will rely upon funds that come from:

• Private sources, including individuals
• State and federal grant programs that support economic, environmental, and educational development
• National foundations that support educational and environmental projects
• Corporations that have ties to the region and Wisconsin
• If needed, long term financing to be repaid via revenue generated by the operation of the facility.

We would prefer that the LLC be fully “gifted” (as the Lange Center a little more than a decade ago). This provides for lower housing costs for our students. We have prepared two annual operating budgets for your review; one without long term financing and one that predicts the potential of the residence hall’s operation to repay a $100,000 per year bond payment. We have determined projected room rates based on the expense of the building and other UW campus room costs.

The Friends of the Campus (UW-B/SC foundation) have agreed to enter into conversations with the city and county regarding the possibility of leasing the facility from the owners. In this scenario, the foundation would be responsible for operating the facility, and, if needed, paying the bond payment.