Markets
Why Midwest multifamily and why now
The Midwest offers a blend of stability, affordability and durable demand that supports income producing multifamily communities. The fund focuses on markets where Solhaven communities can deliver everyday value and long term resiliency.
This overview highlights the regional thesis and high level market selection criteria. Individual project decisions are based on detailed, project specific underwriting.
Midwest multifamily thesis
The fund focuses on Midwest markets where residents are increasingly choosing professionally managed rental communities that balance comfort, convenience and value. These markets have historically shown steadier occupancy and rent performance than many higher volatility coastal markets, while still offering attractive long term growth opportunities.
Resilient demand
- Broad rental base across age and income cohorts.
- Strong rent versus own dynamics as ownership costs rise.
- Appeal of low maintenance, professionally managed housing.
Income and stability
- Historically steady occupancy levels in many key submarkets.
- Potential for attractive risk adjusted income yields.
- Diversification away from more volatile gateway markets.
Long term growth
- Population shifts favoring livable, amenity rich communities.
- Employer investment in healthcare, education and logistics.
- Room for new supply of well designed rental housing.
Built on Wisconsin strength
Wisconsin is a core focus for the fund. Many of its communities combine strong employment bases, high quality of life and responsible growth with a practical, value oriented mindset. These characteristics support durable housing demand and the kind of everyday livability that Solhaven is designed to deliver.
- Diverse local economies anchored by healthcare, education and manufacturing.
- Accessible cost of living relative to many coastal and sunbelt markets.
- Appeal of smaller city and suburban lifestyles with meaningful amenities.
What this means for Solhaven communities
In these markets, Solhaven communities are positioned as modern, well amenitized options for residents who value direct entry layouts, thoughtful common areas and a consistent brand experience, without paying premiums associated with more transient luxury product.
Target markets and selection priorities
The fund targets Midwest communities where Solhaven can be a natural fit for residents and can benefit from long term demographic and economic trends. Site and market selection is based on both quantitative data and on the team’s hands-on experience operating in the region.
Illustrative market focus
While individual projects will vary, the strategy generally emphasizes:
- Growing suburban communities near major employment corridors.
- Smaller cities with strong regional healthcare and education anchors.
- Locations with access to parks, trails, lakes and neighborhood amenities.
- Submarkets with limited supply of comparable, modern rental product.
Site selection priorities
For each community, Wangard evaluates:
- Household income, rent-to-income levels and renter profiles.
- Competing supply, planned pipeline and occupancy trends.
- Zoning, entitlement timelines and infrastructure capacity.
- Proximity to employers, schools, daily needs retail and recreation.
- Fit with the Solhaven prototype footprint and amenities program.
The examples above are illustrative and do not represent a commitment to invest in any specific city or submarket. Investments will be made on a project by project basis in the discretion of the fund's manager.
Local experience across cycles
Wangard has been active in Midwest multifamily development, ownership and management for many years, building relationships with municipalities, lenders and service providers. That experience informs the selection of markets and sites for the fund and supports execution throughout the development and operations lifecycle.
Why this matters for investors
- Deeper understanding of local entitlement and approval processes.
- Ability to benchmark rent, absorption and operating performance.
- Established property management and maintenance infrastructure.
- Network of regional partners and professionals to support execution.
Talk with us about current and pipeline markets
To learn more about specific markets under consideration for the fund and the Solhaven communities in active planning, connect with Wangard’s capital markets team.