Greater Wausau

Downtown Wausau’s upcoming Foundry on 3rd housing and commercial building is taking shape with foundational work planned for the upcoming months. If the schedule holds, framing on the south side of the building could begin as early as September 30. “That’s when you’ll really see results happening from the outside looking in,” said Nick Patterson, project manager for T. Wall Enterprises, who helped launch this significant project.

The five-story, multi-use apartment complex aims to boost the regional economy and will serve as a cornerstone of Wausau’s revitalized city center.

T. Wall Enterprises, the City of Wausau and construction crews began working on the Foundry on 3rd in May with site excavation, removing more than 18,000 tons of dirt from the property. Currently, PGA, a contractor based in Weston, is on-site installing the underground utilities. In the weeks ahead, foundation work will continue with the installation of precast and poured concrete, setting the stage for framing. A pedestrian skywalk connecting the building to the parking ramp on Forest and Fifth streets is slated for October. Some units are expected to be ready for occupancy before the 2025 holiday season.

Patterson is also preparing marketing banners that will soon appear along Washington Street to promote the 153 apartments and approximately ten commercial units. The apartment options include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. To join the waitlist, call 608-575-1018 or visit www.twallenterprises.com. For information about commercial properties, email [email protected].

Future Investments and Housing Opportunities

“We are all very excited about this project because we saw the potential when visiting Wausau years ago,” said Patterson. “We toured the mall with Dave Eckmann, president of Wausau Opportunity Zone (WOZ), and it was eerily vacant. But then we walked down Third Street and saw great businesses in a vibrant downtown. There’s a lot happening with the 400 Block concerts and events, the River Walk and whitewater rafting events along the river. Wausau has the right components in place and just needs more housing downtown to support the existing local businesses and the retail we’re developing with the Foundry on 3rd.”

Patterson views this project as a critical first step in revitalizing downtown Wausau. “This will generate interest, not only for housing but for future investment in Wausau,” he said. “Wausau Opportunity Zone, along with local foundations and businesses, shows a passionate commitment to improving this city. You don’t see that everywhere.”

Meet Lane Brown, Director of Construction

Another key member of the development team delving into this project is Lane Brown, who oversees daily construction activities. He works closely with city officials, architects, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure projects meet established standards, timelines and budgets.

As the project progresses, Brown will become a familiar face in downtown Wausau. He regularly visits the site and serves as the main point of contact for Stevens Construction, the general contractor for the Foundry on 3rd.

Brown values collaboration with local contractors and appreciates their contributions. “Working alongside these professionals fosters a sense of community and creates the necessary dynamics for achieving exceptional results for Wausau,” he said.

Local and regional companies involved in the Foundry on 3rd construction include:

• REI Engineering of Wausau for surveying and engineering
• PGA of Schofield for earthwork, utilities and plumbing
• Lewis Construction of Schofield for foundation and flatwork concrete
• Kowalski Masonry of Wausau for concrete masonry units
• SC Swiderski of Mosinee for vinyl windows and patio doors
• Disher Electric of Stevens Point for electrical

Both Brown and Patterson introduced themselves to several merchants near the development, distributing their business cards to encourage direct communication. “We understand that active construction zones can impact the surrounding area. If there are any concerns, please reach out to us and we’ll address them as soon as possible,” said Patterson.