APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The city of Appleton is moving one step closer toward a major redevelopment in the downtown area. The plan would convert the existing City Center Plaza into a multi-use facility to be called “Fox Commons.”
After years of discussions, the plan finally has some momentum.
“We really want to make this a community asset,” Boldt Vice President of Real Estate Alex Brewer said. “However we can make tenants that will fit well together work — we’ll do so.”
Developers expect the Fox Commons to cost $33.5 million. It will likely include retail space, office space and housing units. The design is the result of discussions by city leaders, Dark Horse Development and Boldt Construction.
Brewer believes these ideas would be a better utilization of the space.
“How do we find one tenant that serves another? Or even a nearby use. It’s kind of like why this is so central to all that’s happening not only within City Center Plaza itself but the rest of what’s happening in downtown Appleton.”
Some have raised concerns about what would happen to those who already lease space in the City Center Plaza — including Valley New School, which is located on the second floor.
“My understanding of the agreement is one tenant would be taking over all that space? Have you been in discussion with them as well?” Alderperson Denise Fenton asked.
“We’ve been in touch with their leadership to again find a way to find them a new home that’s comparable to what they have currently,” Brewer said.
The City Center Plaza currently has some retail space but has overall seen a decline in foot traffic over the past several years.
Though the project’s completion is years away, city board members like Israel Del Toro want to look at specific needs that the space could be used for.
“I recognize some of this is intended to be developed as retail space,” Del Toro said. “Is there any discussion or preliminary planning on some of this retail space being considered as a grocery store for downtown? This really, really, really needs it.”
The city of Appleton would commit about $4.4 million to the project as part of the development agreement. It would be funded primarily through a tax increment financing (TIF) district.
Appleton’s Community and Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to suggest approving the development agreement. It will go to a vote by the full common council on June 7.
