On Broadway announces Public Market, apartments in downtown Green Bay
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Plans were announced Wednesday for a Public Market and apartments at Old Fort Square in the Broadway District of Downtown Green Bay.
On Broadway, Inc., announced details of the $30 million redevelopment project and plans to fund it.
On Broadway Executive Director Brian Johnson says the idea was inspired by public markets across the world, including the famous La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain. The Public Market in Milwaukee, however, was the main inspiration. Milwaukee’s public market brings in two million visitors per year.
“Our organization hosts a number of events throughout the year that attract over 400,000 visitors a year. The Farmer’s Market on Broadway is responsible for almost a quarter a million of those people, so if you think of those people just stepping into the Market on Wednesday nights, you already have a very solid base there to draw from,” said Johnson.
The project is expected to draw more than a million people every year, and positively impact everything around it.
“It’s the one that we feel most closely reflects what will be successful here in Green Bay,” Johnson said.
The market will be food-focused, according to Johnson.
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Johnson says On Broadway has asked for American Rescue Plan money to help fund the project. They’re also planning a capital campaign and selling naming rights.
Construction on the Public Market is expected to cost $10-12 million.
CLICK HERE for more information on the project.
“When people come to Green Bay, when they come to the Broadway District, we are extending the amount of time that they spend here, and of the course extend the amount of money that they spend here, as well. And it is our hope and anticipation that this will become one of the top destinations here in the city of Green Bay,” said Johnson.
Some of the prospective tenants spoke at Wednesday’s news conference. Those businesses include Voyageurs Bakehouse, West Coast Seafood and Chowder, Gather, and One Barrel Brewing Company.
“We are excited to be joining this space with a new brand that will be by Voyageurs,” said Celeste Parins, owner of Voyageurs Bakehouse.
New to the area, will be West Coast Seafood and Chowder, who will partner with a seafood vendor in town.
“We’re looking to bring some fresh, amazing seafood to Green Bay in a fresh and amazing new area,” said Rhenee Mady, owner of West Coast Seafood and Chowder.
One Barrel Brewing Company will open a three barrel taproom at the Public Market. The owner, Peter Gentry, says it will be a restaurant concept, “Which will be focused on hand-held foods, and really looking to welcome people in from the street or folks that are in shopping at the market.”
A second phase includes apartments on the city-owned parking lot behind Old Fort Square. The project is estimated at $21 million. The Broadway Market Apartments will include 90 units and retail on the ground floor.
“This two-part project is estimated to cost $30+ million and will greatly impact the surrounding area and businesses in a positive way. It is anticipated this development will attract more than a million tourists annually,” reads a statement from On Broadway, Inc.
TIMELINE
SPRING 2022: PURCHASE OLD FORT SQUARE
SPRING-FALL 2022: CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SPRING-FALL 2022: TENANT RECRUITMENT
SUMMER 2022: ENTITLEMENTS THROUGH THE CITY
FALL 2022: BEGIN CONSTRUCTION
SUMMER 2023: SUBSTANITAL COMPLETION
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