STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The city is moving ahead with plans to create a promenade on the west waterfront, between the Michigan and Oregon street bridges.
“We want to make this an attractive place to be,” said City Administrator Josh VanLieshout.
“It’s really the first visible step for the public to see enhancements being made to the waterfront for them to enjoy so it’s really exciting.”
He tells FOX 11 the council approved the concept plans Tuesday night.
“The common council has asked to see the plans at 20% complete, 75% complete, and of course at final completion before it goes to bid. So there is still time for adjustments but the approval we got last night really sets the plan in motion.”
The final cost has not been determined but is expected to be about $1 million. A state stewardship grant will pay for about half the project, with the city funding the rest, VanLieshout said.
The promenade will include a deck overlooking the canal, seating terraces, landscaping, and other features. An area that’s currently gravel and parking lot will become green space which will remain ‘unprogrammed’ for now but could be developed in the future.
It incorporates the area around the Door County Maritime Museum and the historic granary, as well as the John Purves boat exhibit and the area used by the working tugboats.
Van Lieshout says the hope is to have it done by October, as well as another waterfront project happening in the area.
“A private donor came forward and said they want to donate $300,000 worth of improvements to a waterfront park on the other side of the Bay. That project will have gaming tables, nice pieces of public art and landscape so there is a lot to look forward to.”
The final designs for the promenade project should be ready for city approval in April or May.
