HOM Furniture has called Wausau home since opening its 17th location in 2019. The Minnesota-based business is one of the largest furniture retailers in the nation, with the Wausau hub being an ideal location within their distribution network. It originally opened in the Wausau Center Mall and has since become a destination that draws shoppers into the city.
Currently on Forest St., HOM Furniture is the latest building in Downtown Wausau's redevelopment zone to see changes. Demolition work on the north facade began in mid-June and is expected to be completed soon.
The new storefront facing Third St. will reflect contemporary design and enhance the store's image, aligning it with the modern tone of the developing area. "Improving the visual aesthetic not only benefits the business but also boosts the appearance of our business district, making it a more vibrant environment," said Dave Eckmann, president of Wausau Opportunity Zone. “The updates will truly reflect the future look and feel of the redevelopment.”
HOM is also updating the building's foundation wall and structural systems to meet current building codes.
“Wausau is fortunate to have such a partner in the business community who shares our commitment and dedication to improving this region,” said Eckmann.
HOM has been collaborating with the project development teams for the updates to the north facade. John Pierce, real estate director of HOM, stated that they are currently waiting for the arrival of windows and doors, which will give them a better idea of when the project will be completed. "The goal right now is to have everything buttoned up by the end of August or early September for both the HOM Furniture north facade and the Children's Imaginarium's north facade," he said.
Set to open in the fall, Children's Imaginarium will rent nearly 14,000 square feet from HOM in the north end of the building. “The Children’s Imaginarium appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with HOM furniture through a tenant agreement that demonstrates our shared commitment to the continued revitalization of downtown,” said Maggie Gordon, president of Children’s Imaginarium. Click here to stay informed on progress.
Fortunately, the north facade work will not disrupt access to HOM. The only temporary disruption expected will affect the docks and customer pickup access, starting at the end of July and finishing in August.
Additionally, street construction has begun this week for the area's underground utilities and temporary roads. HOM is working to minimize disruptions for its staff and customers. "We are committed to decreasing inconveniences and effectively communicating any potential changes along the way," said Pierce.
Ample parking is still available in the former Sears parking ramp on Fifth St. and Forest St.
Two-Way Traffic Heading Downtown
Implementing two-way streets started this week, as crews install sewer and water at Second and Forest Streets and move northwards in the coming weeks. The temporary roads, spanning 78 feet wide, will be ready in early fall. They’ll be pedestrian friendly and provide extended parking options in the downtown area into 2024.
Redevelopment Progress of 2023
Wausau Opportunity Zone and the downtown redevelopment teams are making significant progress across the four key initiatives of 2023:
- Temporary Streets
- HOM Furniture Façade
- Children’s Imaginarium
- Foundry on 3rd Planning
Happenings Around Wausau
- Saturdays and Wednesdays - 7 a.m. - until sold out.
Wausau Farmers Market
River Drive in Wausau for fresh vegetables, fruit and more. Visit here - Sunday, July 23 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Jazz on the River, featuring The Bob Kase Jazz Quintet
Join The River Valley Jazz Society concert at the Kickbusch Plaza behind the Marathon Country Library. Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket. See the summer schedule here - The Wausau Water Walkers - Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
Free show on Lake Wausau at 1800 South 3rd Avenue, Wausau. See a dazzling show for all ages. Bleacher seating is provided and a full concession stand is available. Visit the website for more details - Wednesday, July 26 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Concert on the Square, featuring the Hucksters
Enjoy a free concert on the 400 Block and different food vendors each week. For a full summer schedule, visit Wausau Events - Wausau 24 Bike Race and Wausau Trail Run - July 28 – 30
The Midwest's largest 24-hour mountain bike race at Nine Mile. It also includes the Wausau Trail Run event on Friday, an exhibit, a food and beverage area for participants and spectators, and live music on both nights. For more information, go to Wausau24.com - The Hmong Wausau Festival - July 29 – 30
This festival features the Hmong culture, with food and merchandise vendors from all across the country and a variety of sports competitions, singing, dancing, and a Mr. Hmong Royalty Talent Pageant. Held at the People’s Sports Complex at 602 East Kent Street, Wausau. Click here for more information
Be Wausome and Enjoy Wausau!
With the convenience of the Passport Parking app, finding a parking spot downtown has never been easier and the first two hours are free. Parking is also free in the evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends.
Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. is leading the charge to inform residents of progress made during the development phases of Downtown Wausau. WOZ is collaborating with Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, local governments, businesses and organizations to involve and engage the community.
Refreshing changes are happening in Downtown Wausau. Make sure to sign up for regular emails at downtownrefresh.com, and for more information, email info@downtownrefresh.com.