200 Block Project Continues Development Downtown
One of the City of Marshfield’s most talked-about projects in 2016 is the 200 Block Project, which will see construction begin as early as this spring.
Aiming to be a year-round community gathering space (also commonly called a “community square” or “green space”) on a vacated 54,000 square foot plot of land located in the 200 block of Chestnut Avenue, the project has made appearances in the City’s Master Plan since the 1990’s.
After years of community input and City planning, the project is now becoming a reality. With construction scheduled for spring/early summer of 2017, the 200 Block Project proposed design includes a splash pad, outdoor dining areas, an area for an ice rink in the winter, and a small performance stage with restroom facilities.
Named “Wenzel Family Plaza,” the project received a substantial financial donation through the Russell R. Wenzel Public Park Fund and from the Harry J and Violet Wenzel family, founders of Wenzel’s Farm Sausage.
With $400,000 of the $1.3 million already allocated through City contributions and matching funds from the Economic Development Board, and $450,000 raised from families and businesses, there are still opportunities to donate.
“We are still in fundraising mode to try and raise the $900,000 in private donations that will be required to construct the entire project in a single phase,” said Jason Angell, Director of Development Services for the City of Marshfield.
Next steps for the project include the Design Team continuing work with SEH, Inc to finalize the design and construction documents.
“The goal is to complete the final drawings by the end of February so the project can go out to bid,” said Angell. “In the near future, the Economic Development Board (EDB) will need to assess the fundraising level to determine if the project will need to be scaled back or certain elements held over to a later phase.”
With the goal of being a catalyst for further development downtown
Individuals wishing to make a contribution to the project are encouraged to contact Marshfield Area Community Foundation or complete a pledge/donation form and mail to MACF.
“Individuals may also choose to attend one of the upcoming public meetings where the final design will be presented,” said Angell, who added that dates are yet to be determined.
(Click here to download pledge/donation form.)
