Downtown Masterplan overview
Down Town Master Plan Overview
Goals for Downtown Development
- Unite the City. Downtown is the bridge that unites the east and west sides of De Pere, and links the district to regional access routes. Downtowns are often viewed as common territory belonging to all citizens.
Link downtown's destinations. Downtown's assets include two traditional business districts with destination businesses; a public riverfront with features such as the Fox River Trail and Voyageur Park; St. Norbert College; the iconic Claude Allouez Bridge; major public facilities; and, in the future, a unique RiverWalk and canal interpretative district. These features will be even more valuable when connected by a fabric of new private investments, pathways, and public spaces.
It should serve business by increasing ease of access and convenience, and should be a "friend" rather than a source of anxiety to users. Transportation facilities should be thoughtfully designed and occasionally inspiring (exemplified by the new Claude Allouez Bridge) and should contribute to the health of individuals and sustainability of the environment. Our largest single public investment should do more than serve only as a conduit for cars, especially in Downtown De Pere. Effective transportation is a key to linking and unifying two business centers separated by a river.
Capitalize on key business niches. Downtown De Pere should build on a base of existing iconic retailers to both sustain these businesses and attract new, complementary enterprises. Destination businesses like Seroogy's Chocolates are widely known and bring customers Downtown. St. Norbert College is also famous as the training facility for the Packers, opening other business possibilities. Potential niches for retail growth include specialty retailing, home furnishings, eating and drinking establishments, the arts, sporting goods, and quality hospitality.
Add life to the district. Downtown should combine basic services with features and amenities that make the district more convenient and entertaining. Activating underused sites elevates downtown's climate as a destination for business, entertainment and culture. Emerging markets, such as tourism, housing, retail and office niches should be encouraged.
Create new neighborhoods in the downtown. Residential development has helped revitalize Downtown De Pere, creating a growing neighborhood on both sides of the river. An even stronger residential component supports a mix of retail uses and services in the downtown, and creates an atmosphere that customers from outside the district find comfortableand attractive. Future housing developments should mix incomes and occupancy types, and fully use downtown's assets of water, culture, and convenience. De Pere's past residential development has included both reuse of historic buildings, like the Lawton Foundry, and development of new ones, like Nicolet Highlands.
Contact the City
- Phone: (920) 339-4050
- Fax:
(920) 330-9491 - Staff Directory