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36 | I NSIGH T • M a y 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT "Everything is on the table," says Martin Olejniczak, community development director for the city of Sturgeon Bay. "It could be mixed use or retail. At one point, there was discussion of a public market for that space. We've not tried to lock ourselves into anything." Proposals are due in early June. Depending on the complexity of the projects, city planners would like to see work on this phase of the development completed in 2018. e city has three key objectives for the overall development: » Opening up the waterfront area to the public » Promoting waterfront activities, amenities and commerce » Creating a unique destination complementing the existing facilities and amenities in the area In addition to the developments directly on the waterfront, Olejniczak says two adjacent sites not owned by the city have attracted private developers and could further bolster the area. Other related projects include the Maritime Museum's plans to construct a 100-foot observation tower. Public access will be an important aspect of the overall development, and the city will retain ownership of the 1.5 acres of waterfront that will host the festival pier, event stage and other amenities. As it has in the past, the water has been key to sparking new development. Aer decades of industrial development along the water, the city began using the waterfront as an asset for public developments in the early 1990s when the Maritime Museum was built along with Stone Harbor and Bridgeport. A second round of waterfront developments began with the redevelopment of the Peterson Builders shipyard. at led to the construction of the marina and a condominium development that is still unfinished because of funding problems from the Great Recession. Olejniczak says the city is optimistic that project can soon restart. On the Water II Not be outdone by its neighbors to the north, Kewaunee County has also turned to the waterfront for new development opportunities. e city of Kewaunee and the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation recently sought statements of qualification for developers to take the lead in developing a 3.5-acre site within Kewaunee Harbor. e city would like to see a mixed-use development on the site. e intent of the request for qualifications is to find interested developers who can provide the experience and capacity to design, finance, develop and construct a project suitable for the site, which is the former Klockner Property, 97 Ellis St. e Perfect Climate for Business The Door County Peninsula may be best known for its natural beauty and hospitality, but it's also an appealing place to make a living.With a business development center, financial incentives, angel investors and a dedicated workforce, it's the perfect place to start or expand a business. And at the end of every workday, you can enjoy outstanding arts, culture and recreation, right outside your back door. The Door County Peninsula. It's an environment like no other. 800.450.3113 www.doorcountybusiness.com