Rendering of the Shipyard district's upgrades (Image courtesy City of Green Bay)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — There are a lot of exciting projects for Green Bay residents to look forward to in 2025.
The Broadway District is celebrating its 30th year and kicked it off with their “State of the Broadway” event Tuesday morning.
About 300 people gathered in person and virtually for the event. Public art, events and the effort to make Green Bay more walkable were all celebrated.
However, the biggest project on the Broadway District’s radar is the Green Bay Public Market, located at 211 North Broadway, which has been in the works for three years.
“We’re really making sure that we’re doing this the right way so that it has the impact that we want to see long term, and not just the fast way, because we clearly don’t want to make mistakes with this type of investment,” Broadway District President & CEO Brian Johnson said.
The Public Market is now expected to open in early 2026, a shift from its original spring 2025 deadline. Construction for the 48,000-square-foot building will continue throughout 2025.
The market will be a gathering spot for people to get fresh produce, meat and even prepared foods.
“We really want to make sure the balance is right. This isn’t just about taking the first tenant; it’s about making sure that you have the right balance so that you have long term success,” Johnson said.
The market will add about two dozen new businesses to the Broadway District.
Despite the longer wait, area businesses like Copper State Brewing are excited about what this project will bring to them and the community.
“We understand that they take a little longer than people sometimes think, but it’s going to be worth it — and it’s neat to be in an area where they’re thinking forward into what could be, even though it’s going to take a while,” Copper State Brewing Co. owner Missy Martens said.
The other big project is the Shipyard District. Phase one is complete with floating docks, a fishing pier, kayaking launch and more. Phase two began Tuesday, with discussion on design. The goal is to have a Great Lawn for events, a dog park, urban beach, playground and splash pad.
“We know that when they’re complete, they’re going to be amenities that the community gets to benefit from for generations,” Johnson said.
Phase 2 will cost $10 million. The National Park Service awarded the project a $5 million grant, which the city will match. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be finished in 2026.
Phase three of the shipyard project will include a commercial plaza for food, drinks and shopping.
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