WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- With a new Riverlife project development agreement in place, Wausau Mayor Robert Mielke says there's renewed optimism for the project aimed at revitalizing the city's riverfront.
Mielke says waterfront property is desirable these days, and other cities similar to Wausau have found success in marketing the asset. "Every other city in America, every other city in Wisconsin is rediscovering their waterfront," said Mielke.
He compared Wausau's situation to Green Bay, which over the last decade has reinvested in its waterfront. "It was amazing the transformation that was done. That's something that we have been trying to do here as part of that vision. Watch what happens here in the next 8-12, 15 years."
He adds that projects like Riverlife are needed to help sustain future success. "I'm convinced of that."
The agreement with Madison-based Gorman and Company also calls for the city to pay off nearly $2.5 million in liens against the foundation. Mielke emphasized that the city will see that money again. "We're getting paid back, most of it. It was money that had already been set aside. Obviously, it's not what we wanted to spend it on, but in order for the project to move forward this is what we needed to do."
As for why the city didn't simply cut their losses and move on from the project after Barker Financial went belly-up, Mielke said it made sense to move forward because the city already had money invested in the development and the foundation had already been poured. A little competitive spirit didn't hurt either.
"I've discovered in my last two and a half years of being Mayor, and this is not to be disrespectful, but whenever the negative bunch [says something can't be done,] I love proving them wrong. I actually enjoy that."
A rededication for the project will be held later this spring, just before construction will restart. Mielke says the city has worked with Gorman and Company on other projects, adding that they have a strong reputation statewide.
Other topics Mielke discussed with WSAU's Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- New Riverlife developers and what it means for the project.
5:20- Interest in a downtown dog park and the next steps to getting that project completed by spring 2020
8:50- Federal study showing Wausau as #1 in the state for job creation
11:00- The Mayor's thoughts on new Packers coach Matt LaFleur
Comments