WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — After more than an hour of public input the Wausau City Council has approved a developer’s agreement for the former Wausau Center Mall site on a 6-3 vote
The decision clears the way for T Wall Enterprises to begin work on the multi-story structure.
The vote came after a lengthy public input session that featured several business leaders who voiced support for the measure citing a need for housing for prospective employees. Others said the development would help them attract a younger workforce.
Among those who spoke were Wausau School Superintendent Keith Hilts, UWSP Chancellor Thomas Gibson, Dave Eckman of the Greater Wausau Chamber, and former Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple. Others who spoke included leaders from Polito’s, Marshfield Clinic, Aspirus Health, and Greenheck.
Rendering of the proposed Foundry on 3rd development in Wausau. Image courtesy: City of Wausau
The proposal, currently known as Foundry on 3rd, calls for a mixed-use development featuring office and retail space along with over 150 apartment units in a five-story structure. The building would be constructed in a horseshoe shape with green space in the middle featuring patio seating, three roof terraces, a firepit area, and a pavilion.
The development is known as the Block 4 building. A second building, called Block 5, is also in the works.
The council was agendized to discuss the matter in closed session, but Alders Lisa Rasmussen and Lou Larson both questioned the need. Community Development Director Liz Brodek informed the council that there was no new information to be presented, leading the council to vote down a motion for a closed session.
FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXPAND
The City Council also followed the Finance Committee in approving the acceptance of more than $3 million in grant dollars to fund the hire of nine new firefighter/paramedic positions.
Alder Lisa Rasmussen called it the best news that the committee has gotten in months. “It’s huge, and a lot of work went into [it].”
The grant comes from FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response fund and comes alongside the three positions that the city previously approved. With a total of twelve new positions set to come online, the city will be able to increase staffing on each vehicle to improve service and help improve the department’s standing with the ISO. Chief Bob Barteck has also touted the expansion as a way to help control overtime pay and boost department morale because time off will be easier to grant.
It’s the first major expansion of the city’s fire department in decades.
