APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton’s City Council unanimously approved a major renovation project in downtown Appleton that would redevelop City Center Plaza.
The City Council voted 14-0 on a plan to convert the existing City Center Plaza into a new multi-use facility known as Fox Commons.
The City Center Plaza in downtown Appleton has had a history of struggles dating back to its opening in 1987. Yet city officials and developers believe the building can and will be a success.
“We’ve got some great businesses in the mall downtown- city center plaza, that contribute to the downtown however the overall square footage of that space is under activated and it has been for a long time,” Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford said.
The Fox Commons will be an 18,000 square foot, multi use facility with features ranging from living units to retail space. Alex Brewer with Boldt says they’ve worked closely with tenants who currently lease the space to ensure they’re taken care of.
“A lot of conversations centered around existing tenants in the building. Especially on the first floor, we don’t have to move any out at this point. We’re kind of in negotiations for what’s their short term plan to stay for a while or is there a long term strategy to make this continued permanent home.”
Woodford said the re-imagined space represents growth for the area.
“Our focus is on adding to the vibrancy of the downtown district, improving the connectivity between college avenue and the college north neighborhood, and we believe this project is going to accomplish those goals in the comprehensive plan.”
Three major tenants have already shared their commitment to the Fox Commons. Mosaic Family Health, Lawrence University and Prevea Health will occupy the space once it opens.
“That really speaks to the seriousness of the development and also the ability of those partners to sustain that development over time,” Woodford said.
The developers will get started with work yet this summer, and plan to have the majority of the work done in just under a year.
“Next step is to finalize purchase of building,” Brewer said. “Getting the construction and design basically on its way to break some walls in late July. Most of this has to happen in terms of construction by late next summer.”
The city will pay $4.4 million of the overall cost of $33.5 million. The agreement includes a TIF district, meaning as the property values rise, the city will use the additional tax money collected to pay for the city’s portion of the project.
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