Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/133826
"Our market research indicates that there is a demand for senior housing, as well as market rate apartments for all ages." –Randy Stadtmueller, developer project plans this summer," he says. Kimberly officials are looking at several options for the 100-acre parcel, which they hope is a mix of commercial and residential use. In addition, there is interest from another developer to turn a vacant 300,000-square-foot warehouse space on the property into a wood pellet manufacturing plant. Appleton's city center gets new look Construction continues as the City of Appleton redevelops Houdini Plaza. The plaza, which is used for numerous community events, as well as a casual gathering space, will feature enhanced green spaces, specialty benches and a raised terrace that can be used as a stage. "This is a very exciting development for our downtown," says Karen Harkness, Appleton's director of community and economic development. "We hope to finish up by the end of summer. The project is really about creating a welcoming space not only for visitors, but also for attracting and retaining businesses." While the Houdini Plaza project moves ahead, another planned development for downtown Appleton is still in a holding pattern. The Fox Cities Exhibition Center remains on hold as a new buyer is sought for the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, which will manage the center. In addition, other steps need to be taken such as the city finalizing the purchase of land from Outagamie County. Behind the name Developer Randy Stadtmueller is calling the redevelopment of the Eagle Mill and surrounding property in Kaukauna the Grand KaKalin (pronounced Kah-Kay-lin) project. The name dates back long before the city now known as Kaukauna existed. Early descriptions from settlers of the area included a nearby 50-foot drop in the Fox River called KaKalin Falls. "We have every confidence this project will get completed," Harkness says. "It's a very important economic development project for our area." Along the riverfront, two projects are moving ahead: Tanesay Development plans to build 35 apartments and 2,500 square feet of retail space this year on its RiverHeath project along the Fox River on Banta Court while Stadtmueller is seeking to build 10 townhomes across Lawe Street from his Eagle Flats development. "There continues to be a lot of excitement in taking these former industrial sites and finding new uses for them," Harkness says. Public transit is an integral part of economic development in the Fox Cities. Photo: Michael Leschisin Image Studios It helps to retain jobs, provide access to healthcare and education, and support a high quality of life. We provided more than 1.27 million rides with our services last year. More than 40% of those trips were for employment purposes. www.myvalleytransit.com 920-832-5800 w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m Valley Transit Connecting the Fox Cities J u n e 2 013 • Insight | 41