Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/320427
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u n e 2 0 14 • I nsIgh t | 37 the works: a detailed downtown parking study scheduled to begin later this year. "By 2017, the landscape of our downtown will be changed dramatically. All of these developments will attract both new people and new money to our district," says Jennifer stephany, executive director of Appleton Downtown Inc. With the $40 million library project, a new 120,700-square-foot facility would be constructed. e current library site could then be used by the city for other possible uses. e goal is to complete the project in 2017. "e new library will also bring a heightened image to the downtown and our community. e library is not just a collection of materials, but it's really a community gathering place," stephany says. "e site has a lot of visibility. We like the opportunity of looking at synergy between the YMCA, (Lawrence University) and the new library." As for the convention center, an updated market study shows the 62,000-square-foot facility would generate $6.5 million in economic impact annually, says Pam seidl, executive director of the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. e $28 million center (the costs have crept upward since the project was first announced because of increased costs associated with construction and rising interest rates) fills a valuable need in the area, seidl says. "We really need a flat, open space for trade shows. When you look at how meeting planners [continued] » "The library is not just a collection of materials, but it's really a community gathering place." – J e n n i fe r S te p h a ny, exe c u t i ve d i re c to r o f Ap p l e to n D ow ntow n I n c. Races are filling up fast! Don't delay... REGISTER TODAY! foxcitiesmarathon.org marathon & weekend of events sept. 19-21 | appleton, wi | full | half | relay | 5k | kids fun run | expo foxcitiesmarathon.org