February 26, 2026
New award will support planning for redevelopment of the former Nagel Sawmill site in Land O’ Lakes
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation(VCEDC) announced today that it has been selected as one of ten communities statewide to participate in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Thrive Rural Wisconsin program. VCEDC is serving as the lead applicant on behalf of the owner of the former Nagel Sawmill to redevelop that property in the Town of Land O’ Lakes.
This marks the second Thrive Rural Wisconsin grant awarded to VCEDC to help advance major redevelopment opportunities in Vilas County. The first grant, awarded in 2024, supported planning for the redevelopment of the former Lillian Kerr Hospital site on 5.2-acres overlooking North Twin Lake in the Town of Phelps. Architectural renderings and a site plan have been completed, and the project team is now seeking potential developers.
Through Thrive Rural Wisconsin, participating communities receive up to $50,000 in grants, two years of technical assistance in planning and grant-writing, and access to tools and resources typically available only to larger municipalities. The program is designed to help rural communities accelerate economic development, strengthen long-term planning, and build the capacity needed to bring transformative projects to life.
“Building an economy for all means investing in our entire state, especially our rural communities,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “Small communities often have big goals and big ideas, but they don’t always have the staff or the experience to make those plans a reality. The goal of the Thrive Rural program is to help them build their economic development muscles so their communities will thrive.”
A Transformative Opportunity for Land O’ Lakes
VCEDC’s newly awarded project focuses on a comprehensive planning process to determine the future redevelopment of the former Nagel Sawmill, a 160-acre site with significant potential to drive economic innovation and sustainable regional prosperity. The vision is to create a development that complements the natural environment, enhances quality of life, and strengthens the economic vitality of the Northwoods.
“We are honored to receive a second Thrive Rural Wisconsin grant and proud to lead this effort on behalf of the property owner and the Town of Land O’ Lakes,” said Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director. “From Phelps to Land O’ Lakes, these projects represent once-in-a-generation opportunities to shape the future of our region. With WEDC’s support, we can thoughtfully plan developments that respect our pristine Northwoods environment while creating new economic pathways for residents, businesses, and future generations,” she said.
The first half of the Thrive Rural Grant will be used to conduct a market analysis of the site.
“Receiving this WEDC Thrive Rural Wisconsin grant is an important step in understanding the full potential of the former Nagel Sawmill site,” said Dave Mattson, property owner. “This land has deep meaning for our family, and we see this project as an opportunity to create a legacy that honors its history while contributing to the future of Land O’ Lakes. A comprehensive market analysis will give us the data and direction needed to make informed decisions about how this property can best serve the community and support long-term economic growth. I deeply value the expertise from the VCEDC and our project leadership team, and I’m grateful to be part of such a collaborative, forward-thinking effort.”
The VCEDC Thrive Rural Project Land O’ Lakes Team is:
- Kathy Schmitz, VCEDC Executive Director
- Richard Nelson, VCEDC Board Vice-Chair
- Dave Mattson, Owner, Nagel Mill Site
- Carolyn Ritter, Vice Chair of the Vilas County Board & VCEDC Board Member
- Dan Balog, Town Chair, Town of Land O’ Lakes
- Jim Rosenberg, Regional Director, WEDC
- Jim Cleveland, Rural Development Specialist, WEDC
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has a mission to build a strong Northwoods economy with an entrepreneurial mindset. For more information or to donate, visit www.vilascountyedc.org.
