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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 15 • I NSIGH T | 37 downtown Appleton a place to be, sparking supporting commercial and retail development that continues to draw additional people and opportunities downtown. At first glance, it may seem downtown Appleton is taking a bit of a breather aer several years of rapid development surrounding the performing arts center. With ongoing discussions related to high profile projects such as the proposed exhibition center and a new library, a pause could be expected. Yet, the city and downtown are on a record pace for development projects, says Karen Harkness, Appleton's community development director. ere have been more site plans filed so far in 2015 than for all of 2014, she says. "We are still seeing a lot of redevelopment and repurposing of underutilized space in the downtown," Harkness says. As the development matures, she says the city is experiencing a growing interest in multi-family housing closer to the downtown core. It's a trend being driven by both retiring boomers and up-and-coming millennials. "ey are all about being around the hub and avoiding the drive," Harkness says. "ey are all about the walkability and how close they can be to entertainment and other amenities." ere's no reason the same dynamics can't work for Menasha, those involved say. e Menasha City Council approved a project agreement with the developers in May, with the start date contingent on receipt of a $500,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Once that is in place, Hogerty expected construction to begin immediately and the project timeline calls for completion by spring of 2016. For the city of Menasha, the tower could be the crowning jewel in what has been a very hectic — and successful — series of projects including a new downtown grocery story, Oak Park Place and the Boys & Girls Club. Not all are downtown, but represent a welcome spurt of economic activity. "We've got a lot going on and it's all good," says Greg Keil, community development director for the city of Menasha. Two Neenah Center, Fifth Floor, Neenah, WI 54956 | 920.967.5020 A secure financial future can bring your dreams into focus. Legacy's dedicated professionals believe that successful wealth management starts with learning about you—your goals and priorities, your financial concerns and your dreams. Let us help you realize your vision for the future. www.lptrust.com INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | WEALTH PLANNING | TRUST SERVICES 15181_LPT_Insight_HalfAd_Wealth_Jun2015_final.indd 1 5/13/15 1:58 PM [continued ] » "For Faith (Technologies), this is going to be a showplace where they will bring clients from all over the country to downtown Menasha to show them what they do." – J o h n Ho g e r t y, exe c u t i ve v i ce p re s i d e nt a n d g e n e ra l co u n s e l f o r B e rg s t ro m Co r p.