WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The northern entrance into Wisconsin Rapids looks much different these days, as crews are completing demolition of the former paper mill.
Mayor Matt Zacher says that will leave a 220-acre blank canvas for future development, something the community should be excited about. “We have to look to the future and we have to make sure we are excited about what’s coming, and the work that it takes in order to make that happen. There is a balance between the two, and sometimes we are a little bit stuck in the past,” said Zacher. “That could be good for the memories and the honor, but it could also be bad. If we don’t keep up with the times, we could be left behind.”
There are no plans for the site at this time, but Zacher says the wide open space, combined with power from the nearby Consolidated Water Power Company (CWPCo), will make the site attractive.
He also wants to make sure that the past isn’t lost. He says one way to honor the mill’s legacy could be in the name of the new business park, which could include some form of the word “consolodated.” Other groups have collected artifacts unique to the mill for a possible public display.
“People are gathering parts that are very unique to the mill. So when people drive by [the potential display] they would think ‘Oh, I know what that was used for,'” added Zacher.
Other topics Zacher discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Property tax payment time
3:30- Public engagement survey
6:20- Snow operations update
10:50- Goals for 2026, including the mill site
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