By Josh Staloch
Staff Writer
GREEN BAY – Optimism was the key word Tuesday, March 15, during the State of the Shipyard District event at the Tarlton Theater in Green Bay’s downtown,
The nonprofit Shipyard District was formed a year ago with the goal of revitalizing Green Bay’s south Broadway business community.
The idea of turning the western edge of the Fox River into “The Shipyard,” was first proposed more than six years ago.
With renewed motivation following a handful of setbacks, some because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials shared details about the district’s future plans, while stressing the importance of fundraising for them.
“We are currently out for bid on some public improvements to the area,” Neil Stechschulte, community and economic development director for the City of Green Bay, said. “Amenities like the trail, the brand new marina, kayak launch and some of the landscaping that will be along the public area – we could possibly have those things under construction as early as this summer. So, you’ll actually see some construction, some activity there for the first time in quite a long time.”
Stechschulte said the city is supportive of the efforts.
Tarl Knight, director of the Shipyard District, Inc., said the district includes a 1 1/2-mile stretch between Mason Street and Lombardi Avenue and includes more than 50 businesses and more than 1,000 residents.
Knight said the area’s facade and walkability/bikeability is being prioritized in the Shipyard District’s future planning.
Pole signage, which is in the works, will feature red, white and blue branding with the district’s container-ship logo.
Knight said the district is also planning to enlist the help of local artists for planned murals, sculptures and other creative endeavors around the area.
“We are going to be employing muralists and sculptors down here,” Knight, co-owner of the Tarlton Theater and candidate for District 9’s Green Bay City Council spot, said. “We’re going to be paying them a fair wage to do great work so that we have the opportunity to create a really vibrant area for years to come.”
Other projects in the works include:
• Four buildings with 225 market-rate apartment units on the southeast end of the district, with construction set to begin in early fall of this year.
A planning option is being considered for a nearby site, which Stechschulte said could potentially bring another 200-plus apartment units to the area.
“Certainly, the addition of 400 housing units in a pretty short amount of time presents some challenges to the area, but also some tremendous opportunities,” he said. “We look forward to the businesses in the area embracing those folks and welcoming them into their establishments.”
• All Bands on Deck, one of Green Bay’s largest live music festivals, sponsored by Nicolet National Bank, will be held Sept. 9-10.
The event will feature more than 100 performances by local bands and performers at more than 20 venues in the district.
For more information on the district and its future plans, CLICK HERE.