APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Lawrence University is furthering its plans to expand past its campus footprint.
56,000 square feet of space on the first floor of City Center East was just donated to the university.
“We’ve been in talks for a little while, but that initial moment? Absolutely, it was a surprise,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Christyn Abaray.
The space was donated by John Pfefferle, Paul Hoffman and Tom Janssen, the owners of three local investment firms. Pfefferle says Lawrence was the obvious choice for the space after seeing their expansion to West Campus and Fox Commons.
Abaray says they’re not quite sure what the space could be used for yet.
“We really are figuring that out collaboratively across the campus and with partners,” she replied. “Just to figure out what’s the best use. Again, for us, it’s about furthering our mission. Providing the best opportunities for our students.”
Lillians, right across the street from the donated space, caters to an older crowd not typically found in Lawrence students. Owner Kara Manuel said it’s an uncertain change.
“Definitely, that hurts a little bit, not having that retail. But those moms that come to visit their kids, hopefully they’re going to see Lawrence is great and they’re going to come in and shop with us,” she said. “It’s going to slow it down a bit. Traffic and parking, I mean, all those things that we talk about. Those are the things that I would worry about.”
Abaray said Lawrence’s continuing expansion into downtown Appleton is part of a larger vision.
“The more that we’re able to insert ourselves into the spaces where our Appleton community generally goes, hopefully more folks understand that our doors really are open. We are partners in growing Appleton,” Abaray explained.
While the purpose of the space is still undecided, it’s clear it will bring change to the downtown landscape.
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