This is my "unlimited vision" page. This is what I want to see in the world and since it doesn't exist yet, I propose we make it happen. I'm evaluating multiple building sites (see PHASE I) right now. The size and scope of the project will be determined by the amount of community and developer participation I receive. I am personally committing $125k that I hope to be able to turn into a $500k loan from the SBC for a startup. If I can't get that, I will pursue a conventional construction mortgage. If by some act of cosmic divinity we are graced with donations and participation beyond my wildest dreams, this will become something mythic: a place in the world for the outsiders, forgotten, creators and others to find community in an increasingly disturbed world. I am not necessarily saying we will undoubtedly reach all our goals, but we must do our best in seeking them.
The Envelope is currently in Phase I: site selection, due diligence, partnership-building, and funding preparation. I am evaluating candidate properties and expect personal funds to become available by July/August 2026.
I have already invested hundreds of hours into site research, feasibility review, code inquiry, site visits, contractor conversations, meetings with city officials, and business planning across multiple candidate properties. One promising Livingston, WI site fell through after a land-contract purchase, but the project remains active with two additional sites under consideration.
The project won the Green Building Initiative ACCESS Award for 2026, providing a free site evaluation that must be completed within one year of April 2026. I have also attended the BizStarts Institute in Milwaukee, audited the Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator, and plan to attend StartingBlock Madison's Level Set entrepreneurship cohort.
This progress was made while overcoming housing instability, transportation setbacks, credit issues, and unemployment. With proper support, partners, and funding, Phase I can move from research into site control and formal redevelopment planning.
I'm currently looking at sites in Clintonville, WI, Warren, OH, and Clinton, IA as well as a smaller version in Portage, WI. I want this to be in a city under 50,000 for multiple reasons. The primary reason is that it's the only (currently) financially viable route - distressed areas and rural areas are highly undervalued.
The secondary reason is more important: everyone needs something to do. A lot of people in small cities are left with no places to congregate, especially elders and young people (aside from the bar scene). There are less and less "third spaces" that are available outside home and work. I want to bring something unique to a city that would appreciate it and make it their own. Civic engagement, which I have in Clinton, IA, Warren, OH, and Portage, WI, is a necessity for a project of this scope. If the people don't want it, there's no reason to make it, but I think we will create something that many people didn't realize they needed.
Seeking partners, supporters, and those ready to **co-create** a new kind of rural node. If you’ve ever said “I wish there was a place like this,” you just found it.
Contact us: envelope@ethertech.org
Phone: (414) 659-3208
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Interested in living here, collaborating, investing, teaching, performing, or helping build?
