BBBSNEW Blog

Big Brothers Big Sisters has space to grow in new downtown Green Bay development

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin was out of room and needed to move its offices so it can continue to grow.

A new space in a prime downtown Green Bay development became a reality this year, thanks in part to Base Cos.

The Green Bay-based real estate development company identified a space in a newly renovated Rail Yard Innovation District property that could meet the agency’s needs to operate efficiently now as well as in the future. Base Cos. President and CEO Paul Belschner presented rates that the nonprofit could afford, and after a small capital campaign for the build-out, the agency moved to 520 N. Broadway St. in March.

“Generally, nonprofits have to settle for Class B or Class C locations,” Belschner says. “The location isn’t really desirable, but it’s what it can afford. It’s fulfilling to help a quality agency such as Big Brothers Big Sisters in locating to a coveted prime location.”

Despite the construction dust and lack of decorations, Big Brothers Big Sisters is open for business at it’s new space at 520 N. Broadway St., Green Bay, part of the Rail Yard Innovation District.

With its developments, Belschner and Base Cos. work to incorporate all members of the community. The hope with nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Belschner says, is that organizations will take full advantage of being in a highly traveled, developing part of the community to raise awareness for their mission and grow services in the community.

“Being grounded in developing a community means welcoming and enabling nonprofits to be part of your community,” Belschner says. “We look at it like everybody should have an equal opportunity and appreciate all the good going on.”

Base Cos. has helped many organizations and community groups to find locations and negotiate rates that are more affordable. Belschner points to The Art Garage, Backstage at the Meyer, the Greater Green Bay Chamber and Greater Green Bay Community Foundation as organizations that are critical to the success of the community and where Base Cos.’ support has been vital.

Beyond real estate opportunities, the company’s support extends through gifts from its charitable foundation and the use of its renovated Ron Wolf Hall of Fame Clubhouse near Lambeau Field by nonprofits for fundraisers.

Belschner stays involved at the grassroots level of the community as a board member of several organizations, including holding a longtime seat on the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay’s Board of Directors. The experience has created a deep appreciation for youth service organizations.

“I know that Big Brothers Big Sisters has the ability to make a large impact on our community,” Belschner says. “Having a support mechanism around you is nothing to take for granted. Any organization that can surround a child with a system of support has to have an impact in a positive way.”