All Roads Lead to Growth
A Growing Community Shaping Its Own Downtown and Future
Just over a decade ago, the Village of Harrison officially incorporated, transforming from a township into one of Wisconsin’s newest municipalities. Today, that decision is proving pivotal, as Harrison positions itself as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.
Located near Appleton in the Fox Valley and stretching north to the shores of Lake Winnebago, Harrison offers a unique blend of suburban growth and rural character. With farmland, lakefront properties, and expanding subdivisions all within its boundaries, the village represents both tradition and transformation.
Village Manager Chad Pelishek describes Harrison as a community actively building its identity.
“We didn’t really have a designated downtown or commercial center,” he explains. “We’re creating that now.”
From Township to Thriving Suburb
When Harrison was incorporated in 2013, it absorbed the entire former town footprint under Wisconsin statute. That decision resulted in a large geographic boundary that includes dense residential areas near Appleton as well as expansive rural farmland further east.
The proximity to Appleton has fueled steady residential demand. Currently, Harrison is among the fastest-growing areas in Wisconsin for new housing construction. The village is issuing between 150 and 200 new home permits annually, with average home values ranging from $500,000 to $700,000.
In January alone, the village issued 13 new home permits—compared to just two or three in the same month the year prior. Subdivisions are moving quickly; in many cases, lots sell immediately after infrastructure installation.
Interestingly, village leadership has already begun discussing how to manage the pace of growth. As Pelishek notes, while expansion is welcome, residents are mindful of maintaining the quality of life.
Building a Downtown/Commercial Corridor from the Ground Up
Unlike many communities with historic main streets, Harrison is deliberately developing its commercial core. The village recently completed a commercial master plan and is now implementing it along County Highway N.
This emerging commercial district, referred to as Harrison Commerce Park, is supported by modern infrastructure, including water, sewer, and high-speed fiber connectivity. Three major internet providers—Spectrum, TDS, and AT&T—are expanding broadband capacity to ensure businesses and residents have reliable access.
To support this growth, the village is investing approximately $12 million in a new fire station expansion. The 21,000-square-foot facility is designed not only to meet current needs but also to support a potential future transition from a paid-on-call fire department to full-time 24/7 service.
Public safety infrastructure, reliable utilities, and broadband capacity are foundational pieces in Harrison’s long-term development strategy.
Business Recruitment and Incentives
Harrison is actively recruiting commercial development to serve its growing residential base. While many residents currently travel to Appleton for services, the village aims to bring professional services, restaurants, and neighborhood retail closer to home.
The Commerce Park area sits within a Tax Increment Financing district, giving the village flexibility to offer development incentives if needed. However, the board has already set land values competitively, with fully improved shovel-ready commercial land priced around $35,000 per acre to encourage business attraction without heavy subsidy reliance.
The village has also engaged a national commercial brokerage firm to assist in recruiting both boutique businesses and franchise operators.
Currently, two new business parks totaling roughly 13 commercial lots in each park are underway. Nine local business owners have already committed to expansion projects within these developments. Planned uses include recreational facilities, contractor offices, and multi-tenant commercial centers.
The challenge Harrison faces is balancing its proximity to Appleton with its desire to establish its own commercial identity. While urban development often gravitates toward Appleton proper, Harrison is attracting businesses seeking a suburban environment.
Agritourism as an Economic Engine
Rather than pursuing traditional tourism, Harrison is leaning into its rural strengths.
Agritourism is emerging as a strategic priority. Apple orchards, wineries, farm-to-table operations, and wedding barn venues are all part of the village’s economic development conversations. One current project involves developing a wedding barn and orchard concept that blends hospitality with agricultural heritage.
This approach aligns with the broader Calumet County tourism strategy. Harrison is working closely with Travel Calumet, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, and the Fox Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau to promote regional attractions.
Farm-based entertainment, seasonal festivals, pumpkin patches, community-supported agriculture, and winery events reflect a growing demand for rural experiences within driving distance of urban centers.
Infrastructure Investments for Long-Term Growth
Capital investment has been steady and strategic. Technology has also become a focus.
Infrastructure decisions are tied directly to future economic development. The village is currently pursuing water and sewer extensions to infill areas of the village that are vacant and surrounded by existing commercial and residential subdivisions.
A Community-Focused Future
Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, Harrison’s priorities center on three areas: commercial recruitment, infrastructure readiness, and quality-of-life amenities.
Village leadership is focused on attracting businesses that meet everyday community needs, reducing the need for residents to commute for services. At the same time, investments in parks, lake access, walking trails, and public gathering spaces aim to preserve Harrison’s appeal as a desirable residential destination.
“Harrison is building its identity right now,” Pelishek says. “We’re creating the kind of place people want to live, invest in, and stay.”
With residential growth accelerating, infrastructure modernizing, and commercial planning underway, Harrison is no longer simply a township-turned-village—it is a community actively shaping its own economic and civic future.
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AT A GLANCE
Who: Harrison, WI
What: A village that is preparing for new businesses and housing to come in as it addresses critical infrastructure
Where: Fox Valley, Wisconsin
Website: www.harrison.wi.gov
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