The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF), in partnership with Wondra Construction, is pleased to announce that Rock River Ridge, the housing development within the Foundation’s Collective Campus initiative, has received a Gold-Level Project of Distinction Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC of Wisconsin).
The Projects of Distinction Awards recognize Wisconsin’s most impressive construction projects, honoring excellence in craftsmanship, collaboration, safety, and overall community impact. Rock River Ridge was recognized for its high-quality construction and its meaningful contribution to housing stability and regional vitality.
Rock River Ridge was intentionally developed to advance opportunity, stability, and thriving communities in the Greater Watertown region. As the residential component of GWCHF’s Collective Campus, the subdivision reflects a purpose-driven approach to development—combining thoughtful design, strong partnerships, and long-term community benefit.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with Wondra and a shared commitment to creating housing that supports this region,” said Ben Wehmeier, President and CEO of GWCHF. “Rock River Ridge demonstrates what’s possible when construction excellence is guided by purpose and community impact.” Projects were evaluated by a panel of construction industry experts using criteria that included safety, quality, owner satisfaction, execution and coordination, budgeting, and overall distinctiveness. The Gold-Level designation places Rock River Ridge among the top construction projects in the state for 2025.
This award adds to a growing list of external recognitions for the Foundation’s innovative approach to community and economic development. Previous honors include being named Nonprofit Social Enterprise of the Year by Milwaukee BizTimes and receiving a Community and Economic Development Award for Redevelopment and Reuse from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association.
Combined, these recognitions underscore a continued trend of acknowledgment from business, economic development, and construction leaders—highlighting GWCHF’s role in developing places that help communities thrive.
The Projects of Distinction Awards were presented by ABC of Wisconsin at its annual awards banquet on January 15 in Wisconsin Dells. A full list of award winners is available at abcwi.org/POD.
The Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF) works to inspire collaboration, mobilize resources, and encourage innovation that measurably improves community wellbeing. Created in 2015 out of the joint venture transaction between Watertown Regional Medical Center and Lifepoint Health, the Foundation has invested more than $51 million to support strong families and thriving communities across Dodge and Jefferson Counties. The Foundation has been recognized for its effective approach to land redevelopment and its positive impact on communities, and frequently shares its thought leadership and community-driven approaches at national, state, and local convenings.
To learn more about the foundation and supported initiatives, visit www.watertownhealthfoundation.com.