GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – If you take a look inside 211 North Broadway, formerly known as Old Fort Square, it looks much different than it did nearly six months ago.
On Tuesday, the city’s Common Council approved the creation of a Tax Incremental District to support the Green Bay Public Market project.
Brian Johnson with On Broadway, Inc. says it will provide just over $2 million for the project. Another $1 million is coming from a state trust fund loan, which will be completely repaid by the project. Leaders have already raised more than $6 million dollars in private funds.
The project is now expected to cost roughly $18.3 million. With more financial backing secured, the next step in the public market project is to complete exterior work before winter.
“That’ll include a new foundation wall and an exterior glass wall. So of course, now’s the time to get that done before things freeze over,” said Johnson.
Project leaders expect the Public Market to have an annual economic impact of $65 million dollars. Area businesses, like neighboring clothing store Besselli, are looking forward to what the market can do for the area as a whole.
“We’re really excited to have them as neighbors right next door. I mean, I think it can only be great for the Broadway District, for all the businesses,” said Besselli co-owner Megan Treml.
The hope is to have the Public Market open by the spring — though Johnson recognizes it may be difficult to be fully operational in time for next year’s NFL Draft in Green Bay.
“We’d love for it to be open for by the draft. I think the practicality of that has some challenges,” said Johnson. “Most notably, having all of your tenants in a good spot, ready to go. We think it can be constructed on time.”
Johnson would like to utilize at least some of the space at the market during the draft. One example offered was a pop-up event at the location.
Johnson says they’ve experienced issues with delays in shipments of materials, such as steel.
About 15 vendors have submitted a letter of intent to be part of the Public Market. Leaders say they cannot reveal who those vendors are. The market is expected to feature 20 vendors.
Comments