The mall's last chance | The Weekly Wausonian
The mall's last chance | The Weekly Wausonian
Wausau news for the week of Oct. 12, 2023
City leaders had a message for the mall redevelopers as it approved an extension with them on their first project there: This is your last chance.
The city council on Tuesday approved extension agreements with T. Wall Enterprises and site manager Wausau Opportunity Zone to build a 150-unit apartment complex on one site of the former Wausau Center mall. Work is expected to begin early next year and be completed by the end of November.
But Wausonians have heard that before. T. Wall in its original agreement was to start construction this year and complete the project by the end of 2024. Instead, when work was supposed to begin, The Wausonian learned that T. Wall had been soliciting investments from local investors for the project. That signaled that they didn’t have the financing to complete the project. After The Wausonian revealed that information, WOZ and T. Wall announced they needed to delay the project.
City council members and even the mayor said, before voting to approve the extension, that no more delays will be accepted. And, Mayor Katie Rosenberg said, no litigiousness toward city council members would be tolerated either.
The Wausonian has requested emails between T. Wall owner Terrence Wall and Rosenberg, and Wall and Community Development Director Liz Brodek. That request is being worked on.
Our new writer, Devon Welsh, for his first story for The Wausonian got the scoop on Avelo’s new direct flight, and how Avelo has started and ended services in less than a year at other airlines:
Plus a look at Everest Metro’s police and fire commission acting to not charge its chief - and its silence around other recommendations from the investigation it commissioned.
What else in Wausau news?
Police make arrest in west side bar shooting: Wausau Police have arrested a man on suspicion of shooting a gun outside M&R Station last month. Joseph Slater, 42 of Wausau, faces charges of first-degree reckless endangerment and weapons charges after police say he shot a gun outside M&R Station last month. Police are still investigating a shooting outside Marathon Park in which someone shot at a vehicle after harassing its inhabitant.
Approval Bantr: Though most of the attention was on the mall project Tuesday, the city council also approved apartment company Bantr’s request to allow it to provide hotel-length stays at its Wausau apartment structure. The building also houses Velveteen Plum. Bantr already has short-term stay options that are great for traveling business executives and traveling nurses, but they also have a need for shorter stays.
Riverlife approval: The city council on Tuesday approved a 200-unit apartment building on the Riverlife area, in the spot T. Wall Enterprises failed at recently. S.C. Swiderski will build the complex along with a parking garage (when?). The project passed 7-3, with some saying the seven-story project is too tall, overwhelms the park, and that not enough green space was dedicated to the area.
Around the metro
Balanced budget: North Central announced it will have a balanced budget this year. That follows years of shortfalls following the pandemic, and cuts made to programs last year including the Community Corner Clubhouse, which was an unpopular decision.
Business
Fuzzy taco logic: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Weston opened last Monday, according to company reports. The business opened up in the former Wendy’s location, which struggled to stay open amidst worker shortages and, staff alleged, mistreatment of workers.
Sponsored by
Venado Cerveceria has expanded its incredible inventory to offer you an even more diverse and delightful array of choices in wine and spirits, bringing you the best! We invite you to experience the epitome of indulgence at our location, 209 Grant Street, Downtown Wausau. Operation Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 4-8 PM Friday and Saturday: 4-9 PM. Our bar exudes a fantastic vibe that guarantees a memorable time. Step into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you're winding down after a long day or looking to kick off a great night out, our welcoming atmosphere and outstanding selection promise an unforgettable experience.
Entertainment
Saturday, Oct. 14: It’s a benefit for a child with two different types of kidney disease, but it also looks like it’ll be just a rocking party. Check out bands CASHED, Purging Paradise, Un-Broken, Sunday Rebellion and Wings of Halcyon for a head-banging good time full of heavier music at Coral Lanes. Starts at 1 pm. Check out the event listing for more.
Friday, Oct. 13: Oh, Friday the 13th - SPOOKY! But what’s not spooky is this show at Whitewater Music Hall Friday. Americana Eau Claire act Them Coulee Boys blends bluegrass, punk, folk and rock into a unique offering. Their four-part harmonies are like conversations, and really set the band apart. With three records under their belt, including one produced by Grammy-winner Brian Joseph (who won his Grammy from producing Bon Iver’s self-entitled Album), this is a band you want to put on your radar. 8 pm. $20. Check out the event page for more.
Saturday, Oct. 14: Want to buy some soup and support a worthy cause? Empty Bowls will now be held at the new Community Partners Campus. This year’s Empty Bowls event will have ceramic bowls for sale, a food truck rally, art on display, a raffle and even a chance to make your own art. Free, but some activities cost money. 11 am. Check out the event page for more.
Looking for kids/family events? Check out the family-oriented listing from The Wausonian’s partner Wausau Mama, who puts together a weekly listing of children/family activities.
Sports
Football: It’s not looking likely that Wausau West will be able to finish on top of the conference. West beat Hortonville 14-6 Friday but remains 5-1 behind SPASH’s 6-0 record. West would have to win Friday against crosstown rival D.C. Everest and SPASH would need to lose against last-place Appleton West in order for the Warriors to finish tied for first in the Wisconsin Valley Conference at the end of the season.
Volleyball: D.C. Everest sent Wisconsin Rapids packing in straight sets Tuesday and finds themselves on top of the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Everest leads Marshfield with an 11-1 record (Marshfield’s is 10-1). But, the Evergreens are likely to end up tied as Marshfield’s last game is today (Thursday) against 2-9 Wausau East.
Boys Soccer: D.C. Everest remains atop the Wisconsin Valley Conference after beating SPASH 2-1 in pool play. The Evergreens will host Wisconsin Rapids today (Thursday) to cap off the season.
Girls Tennis: Lilly Witwer of Wausau West is seeded fourth in the individual state tournament starting today (Thursday). She’ll take on Jordan Domnick of Ashwaubenon. Mia Bailey of Wausau West is seeded 33rd and Alexis Kloth is seeded 51st in the tournament.
Thanks for reading The Wausonian! If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up for free to get this roundup sent to you every Thursday. Or, consider a paid subscription to get all The Wausonian’s content.
Feel free to respond directly to this email to offer any tips or corrections. Thank you!