DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A transformation for De Pere’s downtown is possible as a plan to redevelop the former Shopko site has been unveiled to the public.
De Pere development officials warn the plans are only conceptual at this point, but a proposal including five privately-owned buildings would create $60 million in new tax base for the city.
For businesses in the strip mall next to the vacant Shopko building, like Freshair Salon, the past four years have been quieter since the big box retailer shut its doors.
“People came over here because of the Shopko, and with that being gone, we’re not seeing any more walk ins or new customers,” said Celena Fordham, the owner of the salon.
That missing foot traffic could be returning in a big way. A De Pere-based group purchased the property and plans to tear down the 60,000 square foot Shopko building by the end of this year, making way for development that would reshape the city’s downtown.
“These are all individuals who have a stake in the region and who want to see De Pere thrive and, as a result, purchased the former Shopko facility for the direct purpose of redevelopment,” said Dan Lindstrom, development services director for De Pere.
The conceptual plan includes six- and four-story mixed-use buildings with 116 market-rate apartment units between them, a six-story mixed-use building with 20 condos averaging $800,000 a piece, a seven-story boutique hotel, a two-story retail and office building, and a public parking ramp with more than 230 spaces. Ten to 20 new retail and restaurant establishments would help fill the mixed-use buildings.
“I think that really kind of spurs on the opportunity for kind of growth and more retail as people start to see we’re more of this accumulation of interest into our downtown,” said Lindstrom.
The plan is to phase construction of the buildings. Work on the first building is tentatively slated to start by June of next year. The final building would be completed by the end of 2028.
“Buildings will continually be constructed over time, but the market will sort of drive how quickly some of these projects will come on line,” said Lindstrom.
“Basically, it would be great for my business because it would build up the area,” said Fordham. “I’m glad there is a parking garage possibly going in because parking has been a little bit of an issue here in East De Pere.”
The estimated cost for construction of the buildings is upwards of $80 million dollars, according to Lindstrom.
Lindstrom says the plans include $5 million to $6 million in upfront financial assistance grants. Another $6 million to $7 million in public money could come as expenses are made on the projects.
The development team operates as De Pere 230 Development Partners LLC.
Click here for more information on plans to redevelop the former Shopko site in De Pere.
