BY NICK WOOD
ACTING EDITOR
GREEN BAY– Next time you cross the Mason Street Bridge, take note of the landscape either side of the bridge on the west bank of the Fox River – because it’s about to change.
The infamous black coal piles on the south side of the bridge are gradually disappearing, and the vacated “brownfield” surrounding the wharf on the north side is about to be transformed into the Shipyard, a public gathering space intended to be a magnet for future development.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, noting the fits and starts the site has gone through since the city purchased the property in the early ‘90s.
“But now, this is a change where people will start to see this as a destination for residents and visitors,” he said. “It’s created with recreation in mind.”
Phase I work is scheduled to begin this summer and include construction of a riverfront promenade and multi-use path, floating docks in the current wharf, a fishing pier, accessible kayak launch and habitat enhancement.
Phase II, scheduled for 2023, will include a great lawn for concerts, festivals and events; a dog park and an urban beach with splashpad and playground.
The third and final phase, which includes a unique commercial plaza with food, beverage and retail, will be phased in as surrounding private investment warrants.
Brian Johnson, Director of On Broadway, Inc., said the current brownfield site was undeveloped, and also felt unsafe.
He hopes the public investment in Shipyard Phase I will lead to a spillover effect of future private investment.
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