Green Bay Development News

[Tower Park]

Originally Posted by fld200

You lied! Hahaha!

I guess I concluded there's nothing more to be said about the Bears. I thought the Vikings' stadium plans are interesting and an interesting comparison with how the Packers are doing things. A billion-dollar project. Financing split about 50-50 private and public. Maybe or maybe not a retractable roof. Looks to have related development around the stadium. And the Vikings will stay in Minneapolis, not potentially moving to some other city like Los Angeles. This will be the last of the big stadium upgrades of recent years in the NFC North.

Originally Posted by Night Rider

"WHEDA in April did award $634,000 to an 84-unit apartment project called "Green Bay Family Apartments," but no public word yet on what that's about or whether it might be connected to redevelopment of the Hotel Northland building. ?

It better not be for the Northland Hotel. We don't need another low income housing area at that location. I hope the goal is for something a little better for downtown.

I disagree with you on the use of WHEDA credits for the project. But beyond that, I thought it was interesting Green Bay had two larger apartment projects under consideration in the same round. There's no public identification I can find yet for the other project, and I don't know whether it's the Hotel Northland or some other project in the works. It'll be interesting to see if a Plan B financing plan can be found for Larsen Green or possibly the project's backers would have to wait a year and apply again for WHEDA credits in the 2013 round??

P.S. On second thought, the 84-unit project looks to be too big for the Northland. It looks to be a separate project.

[Tower Park]

The website for the Hotel Northland project has been updated. Contacts for the project are listed as the city's economic development department and Cardinal Capital Management of Madison. Below are a project description and "factoids" and an executive summary of a market analysis recently completed. Also below are an entry on the building's condition, a map and some historic newspaper headlines. All is taken from the Northland website. http://www.hotelnorthlandgb.com/

The Project

The City of Green Bay, WI is seeking expressions of interest from developers interested in renovating an historic 1920s era hotel in the heart of the city’s Downtown . The Northland was the “grand dame” of Green Bay hotels for over 50 years before being converted to senior apartments in the late 1970s. The city’s goal is to see the property returned to a working boutique hotel with a range of amenities and appointments not currently found in the Green Bay market. The City is marketing the vacant hotel in cooperation with a 3rd party owner.

Project Factoids

•147 - room, luxury hotel constructed in 1924
•Building currently vacant, mothballed. Excellent structural condition
•Adjacent to a pending $50 million new corporate office building and research center
•Two blocks from Green Bay’s downtown convention center
•Two blocks from Fox River esplanade “CityDeck”
•8 minutes to Lambeau Field
•Within an existing TIF district
•New Markets Tax Credits eligible
•National Register eligible (not currently listed)
•$25-$30 million estimated renovation
•Excellent ground-floor retail opportunities
•Upper floor housing optional

Hotel Northland Market Analysis: Project Feasibility Executive Summary (Source: IDM Group 2012)

Overview

 Green Bay has central access from the region’s corridors and accessibility from within the state. Easy access from the region’s southern corridors offers a good location for residential and commuter housing the greater MSA. The areas visibility and awareness is strengthened by its proximity to the popular tourist destination of Door County, northeast of the city of Green Bay and entrance to the Door County Peninsula.

 Tourism is a regional industry in which travelers are driven based on value, location, price, and amenities. Total tourism-related spending and revenues from travel in Wisconsin is estimated to have been $12.3 billion during FY10. Tourism spending in Brown County was up 1.89% to $498 million in 2010, with a 1.8 % increase for the State of Wisconsin to $12.3 billion.

 Of 72 Wisconsin counties, Brown County ranks 5th in the state for traveler spending, accounting for 4.05% of revenues collected, totaling $498,309,819. Green Bay trails behind the Milwaukee MSA and Madison MSA in tourist spending.

 Green Bay is perceived as an affordable midsized Midwestern city, from its housing market, employment base, and retail positioning. The community is a suburban market at a value, and the area has seen significant economic growth. The city has a long tradition of football heritage and is widely known due to the NFL and the Green Bay Packers.

 Tourism is a key sector of Wisconsin’s economy and the economy of Green Bay, comparable to agriculture in its contribution to the gross state product.

 Green Bay is the county seat, located near the center of the county. It is a destination for commerce, tourism, and is the central retail shopping district for county residents and travelers to the county.

 Green Bay hosts a variety of regional conventions, sports-related economic drivers and special events year-round, attracting visitors to the county. Green Bay has an acknowledged history as a tourist destination.

 Green Bay resides at the entrance to one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, Door County. The Peninsula of Door County had a tourist economic impact of $382 million in 2010, 7th in the state. Travelers pass through the City of Green Bay to get to this popular destination, giving it a high sense of visibility.

 2011 competitive market performances showed strong lodging demand increases after recent years’ decreasing occupancies. Our analysis of the market resulted in a recommendation of a 135-room lodging facility, with event space offering 4,000 to 7,000 net square feet of flexible meeting space. The facility would respond to the majority of market demand currently displaced by the lack of additional quality facilities in close proximity to the KI Convention Center and Hyatt Hotel.

 The city study on the KI Convention Center referenced in the market analysis suggested expanding the existing facility from 45,000 to 75,950 square feet—capturing 79% of the available lost business opportunities. It was also noted that the expansion of the convention center needed to be done in conjunction with significant upgrades to the adjacent Clarion Hotel, improvement to the Green Bay waterfront, and the development of addition housing/lodging and restaurants. The identified need for additional lodging facilities in the downtown area, in conjunction with the planned expansion of the KI Center, identified the opportunity for redevelopment of Hotel Northland.

Project Market Statistics

 In 2011, at 54% and $81.84, the greater market of Green Bay ran a higher occupancy and slightly lower ADR than the state averages of 53.1% and $82.77. The subject market and competitive set ran a higher occupancy, 60% and $99.51 ADR than the state and city averages.

 The market has seen combined average rates of growth from 2006 to 2011 as follows: occupancy up 3.8%, and increases in ADR up 0.5%, and RevPAR up 0.2% and room revenue up 4.3%—higher than state and regional trends.

 Regional competition is mostly limited-service and economy properties, although in the competitive set, we have full-service meeting facilities. It is estimated that the full-service hotels in the immediate subject market run a higher occupancy and ADR than the market and state averages.

 A new property entering the market has the potential to grow in occupancy and average rate—positioned at the higher end of the market.

 The subject market’s competitive set identified in the market study has an average rate of $99.51 and occupancy of 60% year-end 2011 is just above the overall state average rate and yet exceeds the state’s occupancy.

 Economic sectors are recovering in industrial, educational, and healthcare sectors within the county. Tourism is an economic driver in the area through the spring, summer, and fall seasons, as identified earlier in the study.

 The subject hotel will likely run occupancy upon opening in the mid-40% range and exceed 55% by Year 3 of operation, market average, at a likely rate of $125 (low) to $135 (high) range, based on services and amenities, in Year 3.

 Occupancy should be expected to reach a five-year average of 63% (low) to 66% (high) and stabilize occupancy in the mid-50% range by Year 3.

 Redevelopment project costs were estimated at $25 million not including the cost of the existing building.

 In the DCC Valuation proforma, the subject project has a gap of $3.6 million between the Discounted Cash Flow valuation of the project and the amount an investor might be willing to invest at the market return rates used in this investment.

Building Condition

The building is in excellent structural condition and is being sold in “as is”. A 2009 appraisal estimated the building’s current fair market value at $7 million. Estimated renovation costs are in the range of $25-$30 million. The City of Green Bay makes no warranties as to the condition or current value of the building.

Project Guidelines

A. Architectural and Urban Design Character

• Every effort should be made to preserve the historic look and feel of the building
• The overall project should incorporate pedestrian friendly amenities

B. Permitted Uses

• A full-service high-end hotel including possible conference space
• Sub and first floor retail and restaurant space
• Residential condominiums will be restricted to two floors within the project

C. Investment Expectations

• It is expected that the minimum investment needed to restore the hotel is $30-35 million.

Expansion Possibilities

There are expansion possibilities for the Northland Hotel to increase space to the north. There is currently a vacant department store building that will be demolished to provide additional space for meeting rooms, fitness center, and additional amenities for hotel guests.

Economic Incentives

There are several sources for economic assistance for this project. Both State and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits and New Markets Tax Credits can be sought for this project. In addition, this property is located within an existing TIF District with financial incentives available through the City of Green Bay.

[fld200]

Very interesting newspaper clippings, are there any pictures of when the Hotel Northland opened?

Also, it would be nice if the back half of it had the same outside as the front half

[Tower Park]

Originally Posted by fld200

Very interesting newspaper clippings, are there any pictures of when the Hotel Northland opened?

Also, it would be nice if the back half of it had the same outside as the front half

Below is an early photo of the Northland, from the Neville Public Museum. Looks like it was taken about the 1920s.

I don't know what they call it, but years ago when they constructed buildings, sometimes the side(s) of a building that faced the street(s) was enhanced and the other sides were not. Two that come to mind downtown in addition to the Northland are the Northern Building and the Bellin Building. The Bellin looks much different from the bridge than it does from the north or east.

[Tower Park]

De Pere. The former James St. Inn in downtown De Pere at 201 James St. is reopening as Chateau De Pere, and its former Andrew's restaurant is reopening as Café Chanson. The property has been purchased by Harp & Eagle Ltd., owners of St. Brendan's Inn in Green Bay, County Clare Irish Inn & Pub in Milwaukee, and Ashling on the Lough Irish Pub & Restaurant in Kenosha. The 36-room hotel and a bar could open as early as June, while the restaurant will open later. The hotel will have new flooring, furniture and accessories and include five extended-stay rooms. The restaurant will feature what's being called French country faire, but Harp & Eagle president Rip O'Dwanny says "it's not going to be a fine-dining restaurant." The menu and brochures will feature information about the history of the French in the area, including the influence of the Jesuits. Chateau De Pere is on the Fox River and is near the new De Pere Riverwalk, Voyageur Park and the De Pere Lock and Dam. One river channel runs under the property. James St. Inn photo. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...rench-makeover



Downtown-O-Meter. The final grade from the Green Bay Development News downtown-o-meter for the Schreiber Foods project is in: B-. The project rated +7.5 on a 50-point scale of -25 to +25. Love having Schreiber consolidate its offices and invest in downtown, architecture not spectacular but considered by most to be fine, height generally okay - not as low as once feared, green space generally favored, but a big problem with parking part of the office building on N. Adams St. and foreclosing on reuniting Adams with Main.

Local Politics. Amid the controversy of recall elections, the Republican Party of Wisconsin held its 2012 state convention this weekend at Shopko Hall and the KI Convention Center. Gov. Walker addressed delegates and spoke to reporters. . . . Meanwhile, the new occupant of the former N.E.W. Contracting Services Inc. building at 118 S. Chestnut Ave. in the Broadway District is the Democratic Party of Brown County. Move-in should be completed by June.

Brown County. County Executive Streckenbach and new County Board Chair Patrick Moynihan Jr. vow quicker resolutions to county issues, less gridlock and a better relationship between the legislative and executive branches. "We'll have a great relationship, not always agreeing on things, but I would like to think we're going to turn the ship around," says Moynihan, elected chair in April to succeed Guy Zima. Issues that could be discussed by the County Board in upcoming weeks and months include possible repairs and upgrades for the Arena, Central Library and Resch Center and renewal of a contract for management of the Veterans Memorial Complex, due to expire at midyear. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...xt|FRONTPAGE|s

UW-Green Bay. More than 900 UWGB students were eligible to participate in Saturday’s spring commencement, including a record number of undergraduate-degree candidates. The average age of undergrads was 26; of graduate candidates, 32. Of the undergrads, 64% were women; 70% of master's candidates were women. Most popular programs among undergraduate candidates were business administration, interdisciplinary studies, human development, psychology and human biology. Master’s candidates came from four programs: environmental science and policy, social work, management, and teaching and learning. High schools in Northeast Wisconsin with the most undergrad candidates this semester were Green Bay Preble, Bay Port, Green Bay Southwest, Green Bay East, Marinette and Luxemburg-Casco. Photo of Saturday's graduation ceremony at the Kress Events Center from On Broadway Inc. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...llege-in-ne-wi



St. Norbert College. Many St. Norbert College faculty members and graduates wore rainbow-striped ribbons on their gowns Sunday, the only visible acknowledgement of lingering controversy in the school's selection of Chicago archdiocese Cardinal Francis George as its commencement speaker. The Press-Gazette says about three-quarters of the college’s 123 faculty members and a quarter of its 469 graduates wore the ribbons as a sign of solidarity with gays. George made no reference to the controversy in his address. Press-Gazette photo of Sunday's commencement inside the Schuldes Sports Center on campus. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.wbay.com/story/18369211/2...t-commencement



Downtown. Ninety-three students graduated today (Sunday) from Bellin College. The school's commencement ceremony was held at the Meyer Theatre. Of the 93 graduates, 66 were women with a bachelor's degree in nursing, 18 were women with a master's in nursing and 9 were men with a bachelor's in nursing. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE



Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. NWTC will spend less next year but students attending the school can expect to pay more. The college's board of trustees has approved a $108 million operating budget for 2012-13, down 3.6 percent from the current $112 million. Tuition and fees will increase about 4.5 percent, from an average of $124 per credit to $129. Changes include an expansion of health sciences programming, a redesign of a student center and new programs in environmental engineering-waste and water technician, and digital photography. The school is reducing its jewelry-making offerings but doesn't plan on other program cuts. Enrollment is expected to be the equivalent of about 7,400 full-time students. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...o-up-next-year

National Railroad Museum. More on the pending loan of the Dwight D. Eisenhower locomotive to Britain's National Railway Museum in York. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...zed-locomotive

Bay Beach Amusement Park. Video coverage of the new Golden Memories Ball at Bay Beach, held Friday night in the park's pavilion. Years ago dances were held at Bay Beach on a regular basis. WLUK image. http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...s-at-bay-beach



Milwaukee FYI. "Dark Days at Mitchell" is the headline today in the Journal Sentinel for a piece about recent developments with passenger traffic and airlines at Mitchell International Airport. "Fares are up and destinations are down at the airport, which like many others has been pinched by recession-driven capacity cutbacks, airline consolidation, high fuel prices and the industry's continuing financial struggles," says the paper. The airport also has lost its hub status. Nonstop destinations will drop from 54 little more than a year ago to 36 in June. http://www.jsonline.com/business/dar...151280165.html

Just In. Journal Sentinel coverage of upcoming public informational meetings on converting Highway 41 to an Interstate highway. "Fox Valley business leaders believe the mystique of an interstate would help lure new companies and travelers who wouldn't consider communities along a mere state highway," the paper says. State officials are studying whether the new Interstate number should extend south along I-94 to the Illinois state line. http://www.jsonline.com/news/wiscons...151325935.html

[Tower Park]

Downtown. Six restaurant projects are anticipated or in the works downtown within what WFRV calls a one-block radius. 1. Gyro Kabobs is expected to open in June at N. Washington & Pine in the former Fetaz Bistro & Lounge. Gyro Kabobs is also located at 337 Main Ave. in downtown De Pere. 2. A yet-to-be-named pizza restaurant is expected to open near or next to the Children's Museum. 3. Republic Chophouse on N. Adams St. has purchased additional property downtown for what could be eventually a second restaurant. No details. 4. Fox Heights Pub & Grill is expected to open in July in the former Filmore Pub & Café after some remodeling. It has the same ownership as the nearby Fox Harbor Pub & Grill on S. Washington St. Fox Heights will have a similar menu but more space for private parties. 5. Koko Sushi Bar & Lounge is building an outdoor dining area (seen in image below). 6. Hagemeister Park opens in June. WFRV image. http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=129102



Fox River. PCB cleanup of the lower Fox River is now full-steam ahead, as dredging resumed today (Monday) and is expected to continue into November. If the estimated $1 billion-plus cleanup project stays on schedule, it's expected to be completed by 2017. WLUK image. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...leanup-resumes and http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=129132 and http://www.wbay.com/story/18375763/2...-river-resumes



Veterans Administration Clinic. New entry today on the city's economic development website. City of Green Bay photo. http://greenbaywi.gov/EconomicDevelopment/

Full Steam Ahead for New V.A. Clinic
Green Bay Economic Development Website
Monday May 14, 2012

Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the $45 million VA Clinic is maintaining its planned construction pace. More than 100 people are employed for the construction project. Once completed, the facility will employ 200 people; servicing about 20,000 regional veterans annually.

Passersby have noted that they can see the building progress, almost on a daily basis. All told, the 161,000 square foot clinic at 2800 University Avenue will offer ambulatory surgery, diagnostic imaging, a women’s clinic, a specialty clinic and a mental health department. The project groundbreaking for the clinic was October 20, 2011.

Northeast Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. The first in a series of informational meetings hosted by the American Transmission Co. on a proposed new transmission line from the Green Bay area to the Ishpeming area plus other related work was held today at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Ashwaubenon. A reported hundreds of people turned out for the six-hour open house. Some were property owners looking to see where transmission line-work and a new electrical substation just west of Green Bay might be located. If approved, construction would be scheduled to begin in 2015 and completed by the end of 2016. The entire project could cost up to $900 million. WLUK image. http://www.wbay.com/story/18394702/2...nsmission-line and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...ect-open-house



Resch Center. Van Halen is coming to the Resch Center for a concert Sunday, Sept. 23, as part of its North American tour. It’s the band’s first trip to the Resch since 2004 and its first with David Lee Roth back onstage next to guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Reggae singer Ky-mani Marley will be the opening act. Marley is the son of Bob Marley. Van Halen will also play the Bradley Center two days later. http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgaze...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...tember-23-2012

Ashwaubenon. Travel Channel host Adam Richman has selected Kroll’s West Restaurant's prime-rib sandwich as one of 30 contenders in his new series “Best Sandwich in America.” The 11-episode show premieres at 8 p.m. June 6 on the Travel Channel. . . . Bates City Bar-B-Que at 2330 S. Oneida St. in Ashwaubenon appears closed. A hand-written sign on the door reads "Closed. Thanks for your patronage!!" http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgaze...xt|FRONTPAGE|s and https://twitter.com/#!/NathanPhelpsP...50365276291072

Neenah FYI. Plexus Corp. will build a $50 million, 410,000-square-foot high-tech manufacturing plant in Neenah that will retain 1,000 jobs and add as many as 350 new jobs. http://www.postcrescent.com/article/...text|FRONTPAGE

[StinkyRiverGB]

Got word from an employee -- Gallagher's Pizza is rumored to be the pizza place looking to move downtown to serve the late-night crowd.

[900]

Odd, I'm aware of a second pizza place that may be coming downtown.

[Tower Park]

Well that's interesting. Can't imagine more than one pizza restaurant is coming. Gallagher's years ago was located near Broadway.

[fld200]

Originally Posted by Tower Park

Gallagher's years ago was located near Broadway.

I remember that, it was that large building with the glass facade near the museum i believe.

Do we have word that Bates has closed?

[Tower Park]

Green Bay & Allouez. The Ecumenical Partnership for Housing is commemorating its 20th anniversary this month. The partnership operates seven duplexes and two single-family homes in Green Bay and Allouez for homeless families. In its 20 years, the group has served more than 1,400 adults and children in 391 families. All services are free and clients can stay in their home or apartment as long as necessary. The Salvation Army of Brown County helps to identify families in need and provides case-management services. The partnership now includes 14 congregations but is looking for more and wants to acquire additional properties. Twenty-five families are currently on a waiting list. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ousing-program

Green Bay & Door County. Permits to construct new homes in Green Bay and Door County increased 28.6% in April from April a year ago. Through April in the state's five biggest metro areas, housing permits are up about 11% this year - to 854 from 769. From the accompanying Journal Sentinel chart and last five paragraphs of http://www.jsonline.com/business/new...150951485.html



Downtown. Gyro Kabobs announces that its new location downtown at 229 N. Washington St. should be opening mid to late June. http://www.facebook.com/DowntownGree...57124087636015

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. An estimated 650 students and 170 faculty and staff members participated in the NWTC graduation ceremony Monday night at the Resch Center. The participating graduates represented a fraction of NWTC’s spring class of 2012, which included about 1,490 associate degree and technical diploma graduates, plus 300 students who graduated from certificate programs. Press-Gazette photo. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ext%7CGPG-News



St. Norbert College. Plans to renovate the former St. Boniface Church at Grant and Fourth streets into the Dudley Birder Hall. The hall will hold about 200 seats and be used for recitals, chamber concerts and public lectures and include rehearsal space for the Dudley Birder Chorale. The project is estimated to cost $1.7 million and is supported by donors. It's expected to start in July, with a projected finish date in December. Birder is retired from teaching at St. Norbert and continues as conductor of the chorale and artistic director for the college's Music Theatre. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ext|GPG-News|s and http://www.snc.edu/communications/pressrelease/?i=2038

Northeast Wisconsin & Upper Michigan. The Press-Gazette says another series of informational meetings on transmission-line work between the Green Bay area and Upper Michigan is expected to be held in October and again next year as specific routes for lines are outlined and proposed. Some residents yesterday expressed concerns about stray voltage, impacts on wetlands and potential interference with cellphones and the Internet. The American Transmission Co. says it invited 35,000 people - anyone who lives on or adjacent to the transmission-line corridors - to this month's six public meetings on the project. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...xt|FRONTPAGE|s

Green Bay Packers. Construction crews this week began installing video panels on Lambeau Field's new north end-zone scoreboard and have about three weeks of work remaining. Work on the south end-zone board will follow. Both are scheduled to be operational for the Packers shareholders meeting on July 24. . . . Packers Family Night will be Friday, Aug. 3, at Lambeau Field. A fireworks display will cap off the event . . . . The Packers annual Tailgate Tour got under way today with a surprise visit to Omro High School. WLUK photo of the north scoreboard. Packers photo of the tour bus. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sport...rns-august-3rd and http://www.wbay.com/story/18425852/2...ro-high-school





Wrightstown. WisDOT will hold a public meeting May 22 about replacement of the Highway 96 bridge over the Fox River in Wrightstown and improvements to the roadway near the bridge. The meeting will be 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wrightstown High School cafeteria. Resurfacing work east of the bridge is to begin in August, and road reconstruction and bridge replacement are slated to begin in 2014. Bridge work is expectd to continue into 2016. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...bridge-project

[Tower Park]

Originally Posted by fld200

I remember that, it was that large building with the glass facade near the museum i believe.

Do we have word that Bates has closed?

Here's some follow-up. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...appears-closed

[Tower Park]

Survey illustration.

Downtown Green Bay Consumer Survey

A Downtown Green Bay Consumer Survey conducted last year by Downtown Green Bay Inc. and Olde Main St. Inc. shows a growing interest in living downtown, according to the two groups, with 25% of respondents saying they would consider the move. DGBI and OMSI also say the survey shows a consumer demand for retail and service businesses — such as a grocery store or dry cleaner — and 83% of respondents working downtown like working there. DGBI and OMSI conducted the survey in late summer 2011, and UW-Green Bay’s Center for Public Affairs analyzed results from 1,799 respondents. Some other results from the survey:

• In answer to the question “What do you think are downtown Green Bay’s strengths?” 83% said the waterfront, 71% said the Fox River Trail and outdoor recreational opportunities, and 47% said the Meyer Theatre.

• When asked how downtown could improve, 75% said more shopping/retail, 66% more services (grocery store, dry cleaner, etc.) and 40% more development and filling vacancies.

• 76% and 64% have attended the Farmers' Market On Broadway and the City of Green Bay Farmers' Market, respectively.

• When asked how they spend their leisure time downtown, 78% said attending events, 72% dining and 38% trails and recreation.

• 25% would consider living downtown; 7% already do; 9% not sure.

• In answer to “What would make downtown Green Bay a more exciting place to visit?” the top response at 17% was more retail.

• In answer to “What do you like about having your place of employment downtown?” (respondents could check their top two choices), 41% liked the proximity to the waterfront and 41% liked the atmosphere/ambiance of downtown.

• 44% of respondents lived in the City of Green Bay.

• Ages of respondents were evenly divided, from about 20 to 60 & over.

• 64% of respondents were female.

• 67% of respondents were married.

• The top highest level of education, at 49%, was a four-year college degree.

• The top annual household income among respondents was over $80,000, at 43%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Brown County in 2007 was $50,926.

• 52% of respondents were downtown employees.

More results and coverage here:

http://downtowngreenbay.com/consumersurvey
http://downtowngreenbay.com/sites/de...y%20Report.pdf
http://www.wbay.com/story/18440333/2...-place-to-live

[StinkyRiverGB]

Originally Posted by Tower Park

Survey illustration.

Downtown Green Bay Consumer Survey

A Downtown Green Bay Consumer Survey conducted last year by Downtown Green Bay Inc. and Olde Main St. Inc. shows a growing interest in living downtown, according to the two groups, with 25% of respondents saying they would consider the move. DGBI and OMSI also say the survey shows a consumer demand for retail and service businesses — such as a grocery store or dry cleaner — and 83% of respondents working downtown like working there. DGBI and OMSI conducted the survey in late summer 2011, and UW-Green Bay’s Center for Public Affairs analyzed results from 1,799 respondents. Some other results from the survey:

• In answer to the question “What do you think are downtown Green Bay’s strengths?” 83% said the waterfront, 71% said the Fox River Trail and outdoor recreational opportunities, and 47% said the Meyer Theatre.

• When asked how downtown could improve, 75% said more shopping/retail, 66% more services (grocery store, dry cleaner, etc.) and 40% more development and filling vacancies.

• 76% and 64% have attended the Farmers' Market On Broadway and the City of Green Bay Farmers' Market, respectively.

• When asked how they spend their leisure time downtown, 78% said attending events, 72% dining and 38% trails and recreation.

• 25% would consider living downtown; 7% already do; 9% not sure.

• In answer to “What would make downtown Green Bay a more exciting place to visit?” the top response at 17% was more retail.

• In answer to “What do you like about having your place of employment downtown?” (respondents could check their top two choices), 41% liked the proximity to the waterfront and 41% liked the atmosphere/ambiance of downtown.

• 44% of respondents lived in the City of Green Bay.

• Ages of respondents were evenly divided, from about 20 to 60 & over.

• 64% of respondents were female.

• 67% of respondents were married.

• The top highest level of education, at 49%, was a four-year college degree.

• The top annual household income among respondents was over $80,000, at 43%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Brown County in 2007 was $50,926.

• 52% of respondents were downtown employees.

More results and coverage here:

http://downtowngreenbay.com/consumersurvey
http://downtowngreenbay.com/sites/de...y%20Report.pdf
http://www.wbay.com/story/18440333/2...-place-to-live

Where did that picture come from? Is it a rendering or a picture of another city? Why not just use a real one from DTGB...

[OliverDP]

Better yet, why not build that downtown?

[Tower Park]

What’s Up Downtown. Latest edition. The Downtown Green Bay Consumer Survey. Leicht at Nite announces its summer lineup of concerts. And more. http://campaignbox.imagedistillery.c...AF2E34A2A5F#fr

Broadway District. PMI Entertainment Group will present five free Thursday night concerts in July and August as part of the Leicht at Nite concert series at Leicht Memorial Park. • Red Clover (country), July 12 for Armed Forces Night • Replica (rock), July 19 • Unity (reggae), July 26 for Corvettes of the Bay Car Show Night • Nashville Pipeline (country), Aug. 9 for Vandervest Harley-Davidson Night • Johnny Wad (rock), Aug. 23 for Power Sports 1 Night. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Music starts at 6:15 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Food and beverages will be available on the grounds; no carry-ins allowed. Leicht at Nite photo. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...concert-lineup and http://www.leichtatnite.com/ and http://onbroadway.org/news/pmi-enter...concert-series



Broadway District. A bit more on the planned Hinterland brewery expansion. http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=129752

Interstate 43. Traffic on the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge on I-43 over the Fox River will be reduced to one lane in each direction starting Monday under a $17 million maintenance project announced today. "Traffic will be more than significantly impacted during construction," WisDOT says. The lane closures are planned to continue through November and then resume next May through July. The bridge handles about 40,000 vehicles a day. In addition, the N. Webster Avenue interchange will be upgraded and require ramp closures, including the southbound off-ramp into downtown Green Bay from August to November, and work will take place at the Atikinson Drive interchange. WisDOT says the bridgework is being done now before Highway 41 reconstruction reaches the Velp Avenue and I-43 interchanges, slated to start in late 2014 or early 2015. Photo from boatnerd.com, website for Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping. http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/project...rigo/index.htm and http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.wbay.com/story/18438886/2...o-start-monday and http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...bridge-project and http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=129932



Appleton FYI. In a transaction announced today (Wednesday), the investment group Hicks Acquisition Co. II Inc. is purchasing Appleton Papers Inc. in a deal valued at $675 million. API will be renamed Appvion. API employs about 1,800 people. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-...16-707760.html and http://www.jsonline.com/business/app...151698305.html

Wisconsin. Three weeks before the recall election, four public polls announced over the past week show Gov. Walker opening a lead over Tom Barrett, most in the range of 4 to 6 points. A Marquette Law School Poll has it 50-44 Walker, Daily Kos/Public Policy Polling at 49-45, and Rasmussen Reports at 50-45. A We Ask America poll shows Walker up by 9, 52-43. Chart from the website Talking Points Memo shows averages on polling in the race over the past year, from May 2011 to May 2012.

[Tower Park]

Originally Posted by StinkyRiverGB

Where did that picture come from? Is it a rendering or a picture of another city? Why not just use a real one from DTGB...

The illustration was used in question six of the survey at http://downtowngreenbay.com/sites/de...y%20Report.pdf It's not Green Bay and I don't know where it was taken.

Originally Posted by OliverDP

Better yet, why not build that downtown?

Yes.

[gbmphillips]

I see the Bullfrogs are set to open the season May 30 with 4 of their first 5 games being played at home. For all of those attending games there are a number of great family friendly places to, eat, drink and shop at near the ballpark in the Main st and East Mason Street areas.

[StinkyRiverGB]

Pretty interesting story here -- a local police chief catching a big break with an NFL franchise.

From Fox11 (http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sport...urity-director)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Titans have hired Green Bay police chief Jim Arts as the team's new director of security, replacing Steve Berk who's retiring.

Arts spent 26 years with the Green Bay Police Department, including the last five as chief. He worked closely with the Green Bay Packers on planning and coordinating security for home games.

The Titians' CEO is former Packers executive Mike Reinfeldt. He said Thursday that Arts has the skills and experience that fits the Titans' needs by working with a team from the outside and understanding what works for a city and an NFL team. Reinfeldt says Arts has big shoes to fill replacing Berk, who worked for the franchise 16 years.

Arts is a native of Wisconsin and started as a cadet with the Green Bay Police Department in 1986.

Arts will start in his new role with the organization next month.

[Tower Park]

Neville Public Museum. In an issue that until now has received no coverage in the local news media, the Press-Gazette editorializes today that unless a new governing model for the Neville Public Museum is found, “the Neville will eventually close.” “The Neville has reached the cry-for-help stage. The response is pending,” the newspaper says. For at least six months the museum’s Governing Board has been discussing the possibility of proposing an operational change by which the Governing Board and not the County Board would direct the museum. The county would continue to own the facility, its collections and permanent exhibits and continue a base of financial support. “The time is fast approaching for the community to again decide whether it wants the Neville Public Museum of Brown County to survive,” the Press-Gazette says. “It's time to do something different if the museum can persevere despite declining financial support from the county's tax levy and decreasing attendance, especially among schoolchildren. . . . The goal is a governing model that will not only sustain the museum, but also will provide assurance that it will survive long after its centennial celebration in 2015.” The county executive has been participating in discussions. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...et-must-change and http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpo...postcount=7768

Downtown. What’s being called a complete renovation of the soon-to-open Fox Heights Pub & Grill is underway at 217 N. Washington St. Work includes a new roof, kitchen equipment, floors, brick facade and windows. The building has been empty for about four years. Fox Heights will have a similar menu as its companion Fox Harbor Pub & Grill four blocks away and will feature entertainment on weekends plus sports-oriented TVs. The second floor of the building — the former Oxford’s/Filmore — will host parties and groups of up to 80. An Aug. 1 opening is planned. Press-Gazette photo. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...re-party-space



Hotel Northland. In its redevelopment efforts for the former Hotel Northland, the city plans to approach about 20 developers known to specialize in historic hotel properties. Renovation of the nine-story building is estimated to cost $25 million to $30 million. Meanwhile, WBAY is doing a two-part series on the Northland. Part one linked here features the hotel’s history. Image is from about the 1960s and looks south at the Northland from the former location of Main Street. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ric-renovation and http://www.wbay.com/story/18441524/2...y-for-the-ages and http://www.hotelnorthlandgb.com



Hotel Northland. Part two of the WBAY report just posted. This week nearly two-dozen developers are expected to receive an invitation to develop the building, and one Wisconsin company has requested a tour. Mayor Schmitt is willing to propose “several million dollars in loans” from the city through a TIF district, the report says. He also wants NFL teams visiting Green Bay to stay at the Northland, as they did years ago. The mayor ideally would like financing in place by the end of the year, but it's “a goal described by others as optimistic,” WBAY says. http://www.wbay.com/story/18441606/2...otel-northland

Central Library. The County Board on Wednesday approved $1.5 million in bonding for design and engineering work on the proposed Central Library repair and renovation project. The board had given a preliminary okay for the bonding in March. Sidebar at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE

Highway 41. The Press-Gazette says Brown County municipalities have adopted a joint resolution supporting the designation of Highway 41 as I-55 when it’s anticipated the freeway will be converted to federal Interstate status in 2014. The roadway under that proposal would connect through Milwaukee and northern Illinois to the current I-55, which runs south from Chicago to Louisiana. Other numbering options reported include I-41, I-47, I-57, I-594 and I-643. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...ext|GPG-News|s and http://www.postcrescent.com/article/...xt|FRONTPAGE|s and http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=129972

Ashwaubenon. The parent company of Younkers, Boston Store and other department store chains continues to report losses. Bon-Ton Stores Inc. today reported a loss of $41 million the first fiscal quarter of 2012 compared with a loss of $36 million the first quarter last year. The company has posted an annual loss and its revenue has declined in three of the past four years. Bon-Ton has 272 department stores in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and Great Plains. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee and York, PA. http://www.jsonline.com/business/bon...151873945.html and http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UQF1500.htm

Howard. Human remains found last year at a new Harley-Davidson dealership construction site at Velp Avenue and Highway 41 in Howard are believed to be those of at least two Native American adults. The burial sites archeologist for the Wisconsin Historical Society is working with the Brown County medical examiner’s office to have the remains transferred to an appropriate tribe. No foul play is suspected. The skulls and other bones found at the site appear to have been buried at least 40 to 50 years ago. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/...text|FRONTPAGE

Metro Area. The Van Halen concert at the Resch Center on Sept. 23 has been what is called temporarily postponed. Rolling Stone reports more than 30 summer dates have been yanked abruptly, including the band's other Wisconsin concert in Milwaukee. A source with knowledge of the tour says band members "hate each other" and are "arguing like mad.". . . Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary will perform at Washington Middle School on Tuesday in an “Operation Respect” concert to promote anti-bullying efforts in schools. . . . The concert by Grammy-winning country singer Carrie Underwood at the Resch Center on Sept. 26 is “essentially sold out,” the Press-Gazette says. http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/...2012-postponed and http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgaze...text|FRONTPAGE and http://www.wbay.com/story/18503132/2...-middle-school and http://greenbayhub.greenbaypressgaze...text|FRONTPAGE