Streets and Sidewalks to be Ready by Mid-October, Paving the Way for New Children’s Imaginarium
While Wausau welcomes new businesses to the River District, progress continues around the downtown development zone to improve infrastructure and create a more accessible environment for these and future establishments destined to call Wausau home.
The new businesses include:
Dave Eckmann, president of Wausau Opportunity Zone, is inspired by the growth and improvement of downtown Wausau. "It showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that thrives within this community," he said.
The active presence of new businesses also demonstrates a commitment to serving the local market. Amy Yanzer, Forward Beverage Co.'s owner, is preparing her new taproom at 303 North Third Street. She provides non-alcoholic beverages suitable for people of all ages.
"Our menu ranges from soft cocktails that my kids love to social seltzers that help adults relax without alcohol. We ensure our beverages are delicious and free from additional or artificial sugars, sweeteners or dyes," she said.
The new establishments will decidedly complement Wausau's current urban landscape, aligning with the upcoming opening of the Children's Imaginarium and housing options on the horizon.
This week revealed what's transpiring inside the museum as windows were installed in the building's façade. HOM Furniture, the adjacent building, also received new windows. Starting Monday, September 25, KidZibits will install the highly anticipated exhibits in the museum. The St. Paul-based exhibit fabricator created six interactive displays firmly rooted in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
One of the exhibits ironically replicates real construction scenes reminiscent of those ongoing in downtown Wausau. "The Construct It gallery invites guests to put on their hardhats and explore the building process with various tools and materials," said Julie Bollmann, new executive director of Children's Imaginarium.
Bollmann, a mother of two, has lived in Wausau for about 17 years and held various leadership roles within the Wausau School District and UW-Stevens Point. She also served for three years on the museum's board of directors.
The daily transformation of Children's Imaginarium has been exciting for Bollmann since starting in August. "This opportunity breathes life into this part of our community and will bring more foot traffic to downtown Wausau," said Bollmann.
Road construction around the museum should be wrapped up before the doors open later this fall. "The contractor is currently working on installing the storm sewer system and grading the roadway for the pavement and sidewalk installation," said Allen Wesolowski, city engineer.
For lasted video updates on the street and museum progress, watch 2-Minute Drill: Episode 20.