The city of Appleton continues to see new development and redevelopment in its beautiful downtown. Ongoing planning and investments are also opening up new opportunities on the northside and in Southpoint Commerce Park. It is exciting to see recent projects come to fruition, just in time for the next one to begin. These projects are adding housing, bringing jobs and enhancing quality of life in the community.
Notable projects that will wrap up or near completion in 2024 include Rise Apartments, Fox Commons and Southpoint Commerce Park Phase 4. These projects have already proven to be catalysts for additional development throughout the city.
2024 project highlights include:
U.S. Venture making positive impact on the community
U.S. Venture is moving into the heart of Appleton’s downtown which will be an investment that will impact downtown businesses and individuals alike. With at least 600 employees expected to work onsite, not only will existing businesses feel the love, but it will promote new development downtown. The company has plans to renovate the Historic 222 Building into its corporate headquarters. In addition to interior office renovations, modern and exterior elements are slated to make the space an inviting atmosphere for onsite employees. U.S. Venture wants to make a positive impact on the community and this move will do just that. Bringing U.S. Venture downtown is a great success that will bring jobs downtown, grow the tax base, generate additional revenue for the parking utility and result in spinoff development in the surrounding area.
RAISE grant awarded for Joint Development ProjectÂ
The city will receive a $25 million grant through Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), which is a program through the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant will enable the city and Valley Transit to replace the current transit center and support affordable housing through a joint development with a private developer. The project will be a new, more energy-efficient facility that includes 14 bus bays, public restrooms, covered waiting areas, indoor waiting areas, a police dispatch substation and affordable housing built above the transit center. The city of Appleton is extremely grateful and excited for this project. The Appleton Common Council has proactively set aside $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support the affordable housing component of the project. A request for proposals will be released, and the developer will be chosen through specific criteria in partnership with Valley Transit.
Thrivent campus development planning underway
The city of Appleton has been working closely with Thrivent and Land by Label Development Co. on their master plan for the development of the 580-acre property owned by Thrivent. This large property is situated along Interstate 41 and Ballard Road on the city’s northside. After a considerable amount of community engagement in late 2023, Thrivent has prepared a concept master plan that is compatible with existing, adjacent properties. As proposed, the property will be converted into a mixed-use development featuring a wide range of residential units and commercial uses, as well as a variety of open spaces and trails. This development will likely be completed in phases considering its size and may evolve over time. It is a tremendous opportunity for growth and development within the community.
Contact
Lily Paul, Economic Development Specialist
lily.paul@appletonwi.gov •  920-832-6463 •  appleton.org
InDevelopment Conference 2024
KI Convention Center, Green Bay • Tuesday, Sept. 17 • 2–7 p.m.Â
For event agenda and details on presenters, read the 2024 InDevelopment Report
