The Collective logo
We are a vibrant community of changemakers. Within these walls, we dream without limit. We challenge the status quo. We nurture bold ideas and foster innovation. Here, we build strong families and community. Together.

Why Invest?

In 2023 the Foundation launched a $16M+ investment in the Collective and surrounding campus (80+ adjacent acres along the Rock River on the south side of Watertown). The project, which repurposes the former Bethesda Corporate Center, is an exciting next step toward the Foundation’s vision of vibrant communities where everyone enjoys health and wellbeing.
The Collective is a multi-phase project that addresses key priorities including housing, early care and education, and strengthening our Every Child Thrives network with all the benefits of co-location to a shared nonprofit hub.

Phase 1: Corporate Center Reopens

The former Bethesda Corporate Center reopens as the Collective, providing a vibrant home for 6+ nonprofits and businesses with an entire floor dedicated to early learning and education through YMCA and Head Start and a satellite Express YMCA known as the Ehlinger Center.

Phase 2: Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility

A second campus building is repurposed as a much-needed Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility for short-term residential placement. With only two other such facilities in Wisconsin, this collaboration with Jefferson County benefits children and families with much-needed care close to home.

Phase 3: Full-Service YMCA

A new, full-service Watertown Area YMCA will be located on-site, where currently a satellite Express YMCA (the Ehlinger Center) provides affordable fitness opportunities.

Phase 4: Neighborhood Development

Planning is underway for a housing development on 48 acres of the property closest to the Rock River. The City unanimously approved plans for a model neighborhood that provides a full continuum of housing to bring people at all stages of life together in one thriving community that is walkable, promotes connectedness, and highlights the scenic beauty of our area.

Phase 5: Additional Development

This phase will include development of the 35 acres on the Western section of the property.

strategy

Our investment in the Collective provides benefits to families, agencies and the community. It also furthers important priorities identified by the Every Child Thrives network: early care and education and housing.

Children and families

  • 126 new, five-star early care and education slots through the YMCA Early Care and Education Center
  • Access to a variety of services and supports at one convenient location

Agencies and Nonprofits

  • Innovation co-working space for community changemakers
  • Reduced operating costs (economies of scale, affordable office space, shared services)
  • Broadened capacity (professional development, collaboration, operational support)

Community

  • Vibrant new civic spaces
  • Wellness programming at Express YMCA
  • Future neighborhood development to address housing shortage
  • Volunteer opportunities coordinated through a common hub

The Collective Community

The Collective is a community asset made possible through “braided investment,” or co-investing the resources of many organizations to achieve a shared vision. Jefferson County and Dodge County have each allocated $200,000 and the City of Watertown has allocated $400,000 to support the Collective’s goals of increasing access to quality childcare across the region.

co-investors icon
Watertown Area YMCA is currently raising funds to develop a full new facility at the Collective. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2024. Currently, the Y operates an on-site Early Care and Education Center and satellite Express YMCA.


jefferson county
Able Light
Community Action Coalition
safe families
jefferson county
Other agencies and nonprofits on-site include Jefferson County Head Start, AbleLight (formerly Bethesda), Community Action Coalition, Safe Families for Children, and Jefferson County Human Services.
The Collective logo

Get Involved


Flexible memberships, dedicated desks and office space available. Membership includes access to collaborative space, video conferencing suites, cafe with complimentary beverages, access to networking and personal development, and more.


Deb Portman

Contact Deb Portman, Collective Community Manager

Email: Deb@wttncollective.com | Call: 920.390.4686

The Collective is designed to inspire collaboration, with professional and comfortable conference rooms to host between 10 and 34 guests. Available for hourly, half-day and full-day bookings.





learn more about the collective