Menasha plans to continue its downtown revitalization efforts. Sept. 19, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The big word as Menasha plans its next decade – redevelopment.
“The biggest thing is just focused on redevelopment areas,” said Matt Larsen, Principal Planner for the city of Menasha. “With Menasha, we’re very unique. We have to get very creative with our in-fill development.”
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The residents expressed a desire for redevelopment around downtown’s historic buildings and waterfront property. Those are unique features that could make Menasha a destination within the Fox Valley.
“There’s mixed emotions of it,” said Larsen. “They’ve enjoyed the redevelopment that’s been happening in the downtown area, but they’d also like to see more.”
Mayor Austin Hammond says they’ll soon create a downtown group similar to Appleton Downtown Inc or Future Neenah, and then redevelopment would work out from downtown – starting just a block away.
“There’s a great opportunity in the city hall district with creating more density, more opportunity for folks to come and enjoy our downtown,” said Hammond.
Other areas targeted for redevelopment include the Lawson Canal, the Water Street Corridor, Germania Hall, Menasha Quarry, the Old UW-Oshkosh at Fox Cities campus, and the old Shopko building. The city is in the early stages – so they have no concrete plans yet with these spots, but housing is a priority.
“The biggest and most important hurdle for housing is making sure we’re looking for those opportunities to have a diversity of housing options here in the city of Menasha,” said Hammond.
The city said Menasha residents are asking for more parks and trail connectivity as well.
And as each individual project progresses, they’ll look for grants and private partnerships before public funds. The common council would need to approve taxpayer funds for each specific project.
Menasha will host an open house next Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.
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