Station 955 Apartments
New Complex Bridges Campus & Community Off Eau Claire’s Clairemont Avenue
Development Completed in 2024
Tucked between the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC), Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), and one of the west side’s busiest commercial corridors, Station 955 has redefined modern, campus-adjacent living in Eau Claire. Completed in 2024, the community brings contemporary design, thoughtful amenities, and walkable access to nearby campuses and services.
The development, built on the former Shopko site off Clairemont Avenue, sits within an easy walk of both CVTC’s Clairemont Campus and UWEC’s lower campus. While designed with students in mind, its range of layouts and amenities also appeals to young professionals and residents seeking convenient, modern housing close to work, school, and the west side’s growing mix of businesses.
As enrollment and development interest continue to rise in the area, Station 955 serves as a standout example of infill that strengthens neighborhood connections and enhances the character of a prominent Eau Claire corridor.
As enrollment and development interest continue to rise in the area, Station 955 serves as a standout example of infill that strengthens neighborhood connections and enhances the character of a prominent Eau Claire corridor.
The site’s size and access made it one of the west side’s strongest candidates for reinvestment. It offered a rare opportunity to convert an overlooked big-box parcel into a more active, welcoming gateway along Clairemont Avenue—one that could better serve the people who live, study, and work nearby.
Seeing this potential, private developers partnered with local planners to reimagine the site as a contemporary residential hub. Their vision emphasized high-quality design, sustainable site planning, and purpose-built student housing that aligned with long-term goals for infill development, walkability, and transportation access. The result was Station 955: a two-building community delivering 258 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts, intentionally designed to create a lively, connected neighborhood along one of Eau Claire’s most traveled corridors.
• 2021-2022: Planning and design
• 2023-2024: Construction
• 2024: Official opening
Project Cost: $40 million
This includes acquisition of the former Shopko property, demolition and site preparation, design and engineering, construction of two four-story residential buildings with structured parking, interior finishes and amenity spaces, and associated public and private infrastructure, landscaping, and site improvements along Clairemont Avenue.
The Station 955 development was guided by several clear objectives shaped by the needs of local institutions, surrounding neighborhoods, and long-term planning efforts:
1. Provide Modern, Purpose-Built Housing Options
The project aimed to deliver high-quality apartment units with amenities suited to student life, including collaborative study spaces, lounges, and easy access to both UW–Eau Claire and CVTC.
2. Support Infill Development Along Clairemont Avenue
By transforming a vacant big-box site, Station 955 would demonstrate the value of reinvesting in existing corridors and reduce the pressure to build outward into undeveloped areas.
3. Improve Connectivity Between Campus & Community
Its central location would offer direct links to classroom buildings, bus routes, trails, retail centers, and west-side employers—bridging academic and community life.
4. Encourage Long-Term Investment in the Area
A high-visibility, well-maintained residential project could help catalyze further private-sector interest in revitalizing Clairemont Avenue’s commercial and mixed-use opportunities.
5. Create a Safe, Attractive, and Accessible Living Environment
The design prioritized walkability, lighting, landscaping, and site circulation to enhance both resident safety and the look and feel of the broader corridor.
Photos by Station 955 Apartments
Project Features
Station 955 was carefully designed to support resident lifestyle while contributing to the long-term vitality of Eau Claire’s west side. Its amenities balance comfort, convenience, and community—creating a modern living environment suited for both students and young professionals.
Furnished Modern Apartments
Station 955 offers fully furnished studios, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, each equipped with in-unit laundry, high-speed internet, contemporary finishes, and shared social spaces designed for roommate living. The variety of layouts makes the community appealing to residents seeking walkable, amenity-rich housing close to campus and employers.
Secure Building Access & On-Site Management
Controlled entry systems, secure mail and package areas, and on-site management services help create a safe, dependable, and well-maintained living environment. These features support the needs of busy students and professionals balancing school, work, and daily life.
Collaborative Study & Community Spaces
Multiple lounges and study areas throughout the complex provide space for both quiet focus and group work. Whether prepping for exams or teaming up on a class project, these shared spaces help foster a sense of connection among residents from both nearby campuses.
Fitness Center & Outdoor Amenities
A 24-hour fitness center, bike parking, and outdoor gathering spaces—including a courtyard, grilling areas, and patios—promote active living and encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round. These amenities add balance and recreation to daily life.
Community Programming & Resident Events
Periodic resident activities, welcome events, and informal gatherings help cultivate a supportive atmosphere where neighbors can connect. These offerings enhance the sense of community and make the large development feel more personal.
High-Speed Connectivity for Academic Life
Reliable, high-speed internet throughout the complex supports online coursework, video conferencing, and collaborative projects—an essential amenity for students and remote workers alike.
Parking & Transportation Convenience
Ample on-site surface parking provides flexibility for residents who commute or work off campus, while easy access to major bus routes supports car-optional living. The building’s placement near key intersections also offers convenient mobility throughout the west side and beyond.
Proximity to Campuses, Trails, & Transit
Within walking distance of CVTC’s Clairemont Campus and UW–Eau Claire, the development gives residents quick access to classrooms, labs, and campus services. Its location along transit routes and regional trail connections encourages walking, biking, and sustainable transportation choices.
Enhanced Street Presence & Landscaping
Redevelopment of the former Shopko site transformed the corridor with improved sidewalks, lighting, architectural detailing, and updated landscaping. These enhancements make Clairemont Avenue safer, greener, and more inviting for residents and visitors.
Sustainable Site Design Elements
By reusing a long-vacant commercial property and incorporating updated stormwater systems, landscaping, and improved site circulation, Station 955 demonstrates the benefits of infill development. The project reinforces efficient land use and supports broader sustainability goals for Eau Claire’s west side.
Photos by Station 955 Apartments
Economic Impact of the Project
Station 955 has become a prominent anchor on Eau Claire’s west side, transforming a long-vacant commercial property into a vibrant residential community. Its influence extends beyond housing, supporting corridor revitalization, campus vitality, and long-term economic resilience.
- Increased Property Value & Tax Base: With an estimated project value of $40 million, Station 955 significantly expands the local tax base. Redeveloping the vacant Shopko property turns an underperforming site into a major revenue-generating asset that supports city services, infrastructure, and future reinvestment.
- Stabilized a Key Commercial Corridor: The redevelopment brought renewed activity and visibility to Clairemont Avenue, improving the perception of the corridor and creating momentum for additional investment. A strong residential presence helps stabilize nearby businesses and encourages future mixed-use and commercial improvements.
- Strengthened the Local Rental Market: By adding over 250 modern units, Station 955 broadened housing options for UW–Eau Claire and CVTC students while easing pressure on older rentals in surrounding neighborhoods. This supports a more balanced, higher-quality housing market on the west side.
- Supported Campus Growth & Recruitment: Quality housing within walking distance of both institutions makes it easier for students, faculty, and staff to live nearby—supporting recruitment, retention, and the long-term vitality of UW–Eau Claire and CVTC, two of the region’s largest employers.
- Enhanced Student & Workforce Retention: Living in modern housing close to campus strengthens residents’ ties to Eau Claire, increasing the likelihood that graduates will stay in the community. This supports a more stable, skilled workforce for local employers.
- Encouraged Walkability & Local Spending: With more residents living near classrooms, shops, and services, Station 955 increases foot traffic along Clairemont Avenue and the surrounding area. Nearby businesses benefit from higher daily activity and more consistent customer demand.
- Reduced Transportation Costs for Residents: Proximity to campuses, transit, and services allows many residents to rely less on personal vehicles. Lower transportation costs and easier mobility support affordability for students and young professionals.
- Created Construction & Ongoing Employment: The project supported local contractors, trades, and suppliers during demolition, site preparation, and construction. Ongoing property management and maintenance roles continue to generate local employment opportunities.
- Supported Efficient Use of City Infrastructure: By reinvesting in an already-served site—rather than expanding outward—Station 955 maximizes the efficiency of existing city utilities, road networks, and services. This reduces long-term municipal maintenance costs while supporting sustainable growth.
- Demonstrated the Value of Thoughtful Infill: Replacing a vacant big-box site with walkable, amenity-rich housing highlights the benefits of compact, sustainable development. Station 955 reinforces Eau Claire’s broader planning goals by strengthening an existing corridor without expanding the city’s footprint.
As the west side continues to evolve, Station 955 has emerged as a defining piece of its momentum. By delivering modern, walkable housing just steps from UW–Eau Claire and CVTC, the development strengthens the everyday connections between students, educators, and the surrounding community. Its thoughtful design and reinvestment of a long-vacant site demonstrate how strategic infill can elevate an entire corridor. As demand for high-quality, campus-adjacent housing grows, Station 955 stands as a strong model for how Eau Claire can continue shaping a more connected, sustainable future.