The back story:
The Behrends grew up and have resided in Hartland / Delafield area and are deeply rooted in the community. The land that has become “The Park Way” was purchased with their mother, Ruth, by Jim, Rick, Bob, and Beth Behrend in 1996.
Since the 1940’s, The Behrend family has had a love for transforming land. They transformed an old Catholic girls’ camp on Nagawicka Lake into the Behrend Holiday Resort. After selling the ‘Resort’ in the 1960s, the property became the landmark 7 Seas Restaurant, now known as the Commodore.
After their father, Bill, passed in 1993, their mother continued the legacy with the guidance of her sons, focusing on single-family homes.
The Behrend family’s passion for protecting the land while enhancing the local economy is deeply rooted in their history and connection to Delafield. Over the past 60 years, their real estate investments have always balanced development with preservation, ensuring that each project respects the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. As a former mayor of Delafield, Jim Behrend led the 1990 land use plan, which preserved Delafield’s rural residential character while accommodating development at key highway interchanges.
As land developers, the Behrend’s aim to protect Delafield’s rural charm while allowing for carefully planned economic growth benefiting the community. They understand the importance of blending new development with the existing character of the community, ensuring that projects like The Park Way contribute positively to the area’s long-term sustainability.
The land itself that has become The Park Way is special. Its history goes back to being an original part of the farmland that stretched across where I-94 now exists. It remained farmland for decades, and the current development morphed into five separate parcels. This intentional merging of land has resulted in the foundation for a neighborhood that will raise families for years to come with walkability to Delafield, proximity to the lake, preserved trees, and organic park settings.
The family felt strongly that partnering with Miller Marriott would complete the vision of a high-quality, cohesive development that aligns with their vision of enhancing the community without compromising its natural landscape.
