Artist rendering of proposed townhomes along Thomas Street in Wausau
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) –Residents along Thomas Street are encouraged to attend an outdoor public input session on Monday evening regarding a proposal to build new townhomes and office space between Cleveland Street and the bridge.
District 3 Alder Tom Kilian, who represents the area, says it’s their chance to have a say in the process with city economic development officials and the developers. “Any areas of concern could potentially be revised to maybe be more appropriate for the neighborhood or consistent with whatever feedback they receive.”
According to documents from the city’s economic development office, the plan calls for up to 34 townhome units in a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floorplans spread amongst three different buildings. Units would be two stories in height with attached garages. A separate storage building with additional garage space would also be built. Plans also include a small amount of retail and office space.
The land would be sold to the developers for $1. Construction value for the project is estimated to be $7 million. Developers have also previously requested some TIF financing for the project, but Kilian says the existing Tax Increment District for the area was closed out in May of this year and it’s uncertain if a mini TIF district could be created.
Kilian adds he spent much of the day Sunday letting residents know about the session, and in those conversations, many did bring up concerns they had about the area.
“The [proposed] architecture is not really consistent with the neighborhood here, and there are concerns about affordability. Working and middle-class families simply couldn’t afford those rental rates,” he said.
Land for the project comes as leftover parcels from the Thomas Street Phase 2 project that was completed in 2019.
Monday’s meeting will be held in Riverside Park near the picnic area at 6:30 PM. Kilian says representatives from the development group, economic development office, and himself will be on hand to listen to resident’s concerns.
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