Construction on Sewer, Water and Streets to Start in July
As site preparation is underway for Foundry on 3rd (a five-story building with urban apartments, parking and retail spaces), Wausau is working on construction plans for sewer and water and temporary streets in the area.
Eric Lindman, director of Public Works and Utilities for Wausau, said Integrity Grading and Excavating of Schofield was awarded the bid on Tuesday to install utilities and temporary sections of Second and Third Streets. Second Street will be constructed from Washington Street to Forest Street, and Third Street will extend from Washington to Children’s Imaginarium, a creative museum with hands-on multimedia exhibits to inspire imagination and learning.
“The streets will be placed in temporary asphalt while the area continues to be redeveloped, but they will be fully functional,” said Lindman. They will be widened to have two-way traffic, parking, bike lanes and roomier sidewalks. He anticipates construction to start in July and be ready for the fall 2023 opening of the museum located adjacent to HOM Furniture.
The scope of the utility project includes installing a storm sewer, catch basins, pavement and sidewalks which could take until the end of summer to complete.
“New roadways bring a renewed sense of excitement,” said Dave Eckmann, president of Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. “Once the streets and sidewalks are in place, the public will gain a greater perspective on the depth and breadth of the downtown development.”
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.
Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. is leading the charge to inform Greater Wausau of progress made during the development phases of Downtown Wausau. WOZ collaborates with Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, local governments, businesses and organizations to involve and engage the community. Wausau is the place to be this season with Concerts on the Square, Dining on the Street and 400 Block events and festivals.