DE PERE – This year’s State of De Pere attendance at the Mulva Cultural Center “shattered records” with more than 220 people who signed up to receive free tickets, breaking the previous record of 170 by almost 30%.

In his address, Mayor James Boyd described De Pere as a city that’s “growing with purpose,” emphasizing downtown redevelopment on the horizon, citywide housing expansion, and a major transportation-route overhaul in the near future.

He kicked off his talk with updates on two recognizable facets of De Pere — the former Shopko site and the White Pillars historical landmark.

At the former Shopko site, a five-story, 90-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott, will open this year and, at 500 William Street, a new 60-unit market-rate multi-family building with first-floor retail space is nearly finished.

“These developments are part of a $70 million investment that also includes De Pere’s first structured public parking ramp, which will have 224 stalls and provide convenient access to our downtown for residents, visitors, and businesses,” Boyd said. “This project is funded through tax incremental financing, not the general fund, and is expected to be completed this July.”

Also coming this summer is the completion of the De Pere Historical Society’s new Heritage Center, not far from the site of the former Shopko.

He announced a $70 million mixed-use redevelopment of the 100 block of Broadway along the Fox River waterfront that the Common Council recently moved forward. The project, led by Milwaukee-based New Land Enterprises, would include a six-story building featuring 198 residential units — including 33 condominiums and 165 market-rate apartments — along with nearly 12,000 square feet of commercial/retail space and indoor parking for more than 250 vehicles.

Boyd said the rest of the city is continuing to see growth, including expansion in De Pere’s business and industrial parks, and he pointed to progress on the South Bridge Connector project, calling it a “transformational regional transportation investment” that comes on the heels of more than 60 years of discussion and planning.

“The South Bridge Connector project has moved from planning to active construction, making a significant step forward after decades of discussion and advocacy,” Boyd said.

Construction has begun on several parts of the project, including on the new I-41 interchange.

“(It) will reduce congestion, improve safety, and support economic development across the region…” Boyd said. “When complete, (it) will create a long-needed second Fox River crossing in De Pere, yes, a second bridge; improve east-west mobility; and strengthen regional connectivity between I-41 and I-43, supporting both local growth and a broader economic vitality of Northeast Wisconsin.”

One change people may start seeing soon is the street renaming of Southbridge Road, Red Maple Road, and Rockland Road to a unified Generations Boulevard.

The renaming honors the First Nations and Menominee tribes’ seven generations earth ethics philosophy, which recognizes the first documented inhabitants of De Pere and their belief that every decision should benefit those generations in the future, Boyd said.

Housing continues to be a major factor in the city’s growth. In 2025, the city processed 135 building permits for new residential units, including 67 single-family homes, eight duplexes and 60 multi-family units.

The city recently approved the final plan for the second phase of the Bungalows along Lawrence Drive and, in the coming months, will issue a request for proposal for a new 58-development site in recently annexed land on the southwest side, Boyd said.

He also mentioned the recent approval of terms for an 82-unit apartment building near Lawrence Drive and South Bridge Road/Generations Boulevard with the aim of breaking ground in 2027.

The city continues to take a proactive approach to housing affordability, he said, citing the recent approval of the redevelopment of the former Humana campus to include four multi-family buildings of 42 units each, with at least 20% of units reserved for those earning no more than 80% of the county median income.

The first building is already underway.

“Also, to address affordable housing, we have created options like our housing affordability fund and home-improvement loan program,” Boyd said. “These provide residents with access to low-interest financing to improve their homes and remain in the community.”

Even De Pere’s Facebook page is growing, he said, saying it just last week reached the milestone of 20,000 followers, becoming just the sixth city in Wisconsin to hit that milestone out of 124 cities with populations of 30,000 or fewer that the city has tracked in recent years.

“Among all Wisconsin communities with populations of 30,000 or fewer, De Pere is currently the most followed community on Facebook,” he said.

For context, the average population of the state’s 20 most followed cities is more than 61,000. The only cities with larger Facebook followings in Wisconsin currently are Madison, Appleton, Green Bay, Waukesha and West Bend, according to Boyd. “I mean, that’s just incredible company.”

Definitely De Pere

Definitely De Pere Executive Director Tina Quigley announced a summer lineup of events including two new ones: Alley Art Night Market on Fridays, June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21, and the as of yet date to be determined Makers Market.

“This open-air market will bring together 100 artisans, vintage curators, and specialty food vendors — creating a dynamic and engaging downtown experience,” Quigley told the crowd. “Visitors can browse handmade goods, discover unique finds, and enjoy interactive activities and music throughout the day.”

In 2025, with the help of 165 volunteers, Definitely De Pere produced 14 signature events across more than 40 event days, welcoming over 55,000 attendees downtown, she said.

Quigley also unveiled her organization’s rebranding efforts: Definitely De Pere will become Downtown De Pere in the coming weeks.
“This isn’t just a name change — it’s a move to create greater clarity and connection,” she said. “When people hear ‘Downtown De Pere,’ they immediately understand who we are, what we represent, and where we’re focused.”

De Pere Chamber

In his address, De Pere Chamber’s Executive Director David Vander Bloomen, took the opportunity to promote the new membership tiers that the Chamber is offering its members.

The Chamber moved away from the traditional employee-count model to a more flexible model that “better reflects the needs of today’s businesses,” Vander Bloomen said.

“This new approach serves the member who wants to be involved in everything, the business that may not always be able to attend but still needs visibility and exposure, and the organization seeking highly curated opportunities to connect with the right people,” he said. “It is a model built around choice, value, and impact.”
He said the Chamber also reimagined one of its networking mainstays.

“Our After-Hours Business Mixer has evolved into the After-Hours Community Mixer,” he said. “This is no longer just a business event; it’s a community gathering. Families, children, grandparents, business professionals, and neighbors all come together to share experiences.”

In January, they enjoyed an evening with puppies and kittens at the Humane Society, with go-karting at Midwest Super Speedway next on their itinerary.

The Sandwich Sessions series has evolved into a new, invitation-only Focus Forum Lunch series.

“These intimate gatherings allow leaders to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations around the issues that matter most, from workforce challenges to economic development and strategic growth,” Vander Bloomen said.