Community

FEELING DIZZY YET?

As it has for more than 120 years, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair drew folks of all ages to Chippewa Falls from July 12-17. From animal contests, to face painting, to rides, live music, and plenty of good eatin’, fairgoers had a blast at a cherished local event.

FROM .ORG

Developers Buy Final Two North Barstow Plots

words by tom giffey

NEARLY TWO DECADES AFTER REDEVELOPMENT BEGAN IN THE ONCE-NEGLECTED NORTH BARSTOW STREET NEIGHBORHOOD, the final two parcels there owned by the city’s Redevelopment Authority have been sold.

On July 20, the RDA’s board approved purchase agreements on two pieces of property: the northern half of Block 7, now a city parking lot, and the so-called “liner site remnant” next to the future Children’s Museum of Eau Claire.

The Block 7 site was purchased by Eau Claire developer Geoff Moeding, who intends to build a five-story building with 111 to 115 apartments, underground parking, and a small amount of commercial space. Moeding was part of some of the first development projects in the neighborhood more than 10 years ago. The southern half of Block 7 was sold in May to Menomonie Market Food Co-op, which plans to build a new grocery store there.

Meanwhile, Iowa-based Merge Urban development group has purchased the lot next to the future Children’s Museum. Merge’s plans also include a five-story building, with commercial space on the ground floor and 52 apartments above. Merge is also developing the five-story Andante apartment building which is rising on the other side of North Barstow.

While purchase agreements were approved, the sales haven’t official closed, and still require City Council approval.