Outside of Appleton's City Center Plaza May 24, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Work to transform Appleton’s City Center Plaza into Fox Commons is set to begin next week. Interior demolition will take place first.
The project will see the creation of a new mixed-use facility with housing, health care and retail space. It’ll likely be a year until the project is complete.
The Fox Commons will bring a new look and new life to College Avenue.
“I think once it’s all said and done it’s going to be pretty amazing,” Owner of Joseph’s Shoes Perry Vanderloop said. “I think downtown Appleton is going to be sweet.”
Vanderloop been in the same spot for nearly 40 years, and has seen the building undergo several changes in that time. He said this time, he’s confident it’s going to be an improvement.
“The mall’s been declining the past couple years, especially with COVID,” Vanderloop said. “It’s pretty desolate in here. This mall used to be packed, there used to be a ton of people down here with Herberger’s and Younkers and stuff. It’s gonna be good. I’m very hopeful.”
But it’s not all positive for the building’s existing tenants.
“Mixed feelings to be honest,” Vanderloop said. “I’m excited about what’s gonna happen it’s just getting through the construction phase.”
The building has already been closed off to the public. And although College Avenue traffic won’t be affected, City Center Street just behind the building, will.
“It’ll probably be worth it in the end — get some new stuff out here,” Hunter Levanetz of Greenville said. “I think it will be good for the area for sure.”
For Levanetz, getting something new into that space is long overdue.
“I’m excited because it’s going to drive more people into Appleton,” Levanetz said. “I’ve heard they’re putting new living quarters over here and then downtown. I think it’s gonna be good because it drives more traffic down to the college.”
He’s particularly excited about the addition of new Lawrence University housing units. In early June the university, along with Mosaic Family Health and Prevea Health, all announced a commitment to Fox Commons.
“I think it’s only going to help,” Vanderloop said. “Just having people doing the PTs, the physical therapists and the clinic and Lawrence students. I mean there’s gonna be a ton of kids around here.”
Appleton’s common council unanimously approved the redevelopment in June. The city will cover $4.4 million of the $33.5 million total.
One of the City Center’s old tenants, Valley New School, had to relocate when the building was sold. The school has since completed it’s relocation to the east side of the building. They’ll stay there for a year as the district looks for a permanent site.
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