Menomonie (WQOW)- Plans move forward for a new development in Menomonie.
On Monday, the Menomonie City Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve plans to develop the former Leever's grocery site downtown.
"The nice thing about this particular project is that it's close to downtown so it's easy living for people," says Mayor Randy Knaack, City of Menomonie.
Plans for a new 100,000 square foot development in downtown Menomonie include residential and retail space, which could become the home to the Menomonie Market Food Co-op.
"The co-op will be on the main floor. It will be four stories high so above the co-op will be one and two bedroom units and to the southwest of the co-op will be two story townhouses," says Joanie Dulin, director of Main Street Menomonie.
A different development was planned for the site last year, but was vetoed by the mayor. The new development is smaller and has more parking.
"There is now significant parking adequate enough for all the residents of this complex. And it's not quite as dense so instead of housing 250 people this one approximately 97 or 100 beds will be available," says Mayor Knaack.
Cost of the project is estimated at 12 to 15 million dollars and could help give the downtown a boost.
"In order for a building to become a new fresh look it has to have some potential behind it and I think that this is the potential that we were looking for," says Mayor Knaack.
"This will set a precedence saying that the downtown of Menomonie is ready to grow it will open up that for other developers to see that, that we are supporting that," added Dulin.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the project September 17. If the plan is approved construction could start in the spring.
