Downtown Master Plan
The City is excited to begin the creation of a Downtown Master Plan. This plan will be the culmination of outreach/stakeholder engagement efforts and will identify overarching themes, catalytic projects, and opportunities, which will result in a detailed implementation plan.
Previous planning for the downtown includes the 2009 Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Waterfront Plan. Many of the goals and objectives outlined within the plan have been realized since its completion.
The Plan will be developed as a collaborative effort between the City and the consultant, Bolton & Menk. The City will work with Bolton & Menk on stakeholder outreach and public engagement activities.
Online Public Engagement
Visit our online engagement tool here https://wisconsinrapids.mindmixer.com to participate in the creation of the plan! Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate in surveys, respond to posts, and provide feedback and ideas for the Downtown Master Pan.
In Person Public Engagement
Bolton & Menk's team of planners visited Wisconsin Rapids on May 29th and 30th to engage the public at community events and meet with focus groups. City Staff attended various community events during the summer of 2024, such as Lunch by The River and the Downtown Farmers Market to encourage the participation of community members in the Downtown Master Plan planning process.
Bolton & Menk's team of planners are returning to Wisconsin Rapids on October 9th, 10th, and 11th. During their visit, several open house events will be held, where the public will have the opportunity to review preliminary findings, and provide feedback. See event information below or click here to view the flyer.
Wednesday, October 9th, 5-7 p.m.
McMillan Memorial Library, 490 E Grand Ave
Thursday, October 10th, 8-10 a.m.
From the Ground Up Coffee House, 250 W Grand Ave
Thursday, October 10th, 5-7 p.m.
B’s Tap House, 140 E Grand Ave
Friday, October 11th, 8-10 a.m.
From the Ground Up Coffee House, 250 W Grand Ave
Final Draft (not adopted) - March, 2025.
Links:
View RFP here.
View submitted Q and A regarding the RFP here.
Wisconsin Rapids Comprehensive Plan
Wisconsin Rapids Interactive Zoning Map
Wisconsin Rapids Riverfront Park Plan
City of Wisconsin Rapids Housing Study and Needs Assessment
Wisconsin Rapids Recovery and Redevelopment Plan
Wisconsin Rapids Public Art and Creative Placemaking Plan
April 2023 UniverCity Alliance article
Safe Routes Project Wisconsin Rapids
Safe Routes Project Wisconsin Rapids webinar
The City is excited to begin the creation of a Downtown Master Plan. This plan will be the culmination of outreach/stakeholder engagement efforts and will identify overarching themes, catalytic projects, and opportunities, which will result in a detailed implementation plan.
Previous planning for the downtown includes the 2009 Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Waterfront Plan. Many of the goals and objectives outlined within the plan have been realized since its completion.
- Development - successful mall redevelopment project, expansion of the Wood County Campus, and facade improvements
- Placemaking - successful planning and installation of a comprehensive wayfinding signage project and installation of riverfront park improvements
- Bike-Ped Infrastructure - colored and textured pavement along sidewalks and in crosswalks, installation of two roundabouts (Baker Street and Jackson Street), and creation of a defined pedestrian route to connect downtown to the newly expanded Witter Park
The Plan will be developed as a collaborative effort between the City and the consultant, Bolton & Menk. The City will work with Bolton & Menk on stakeholder outreach and public engagement activities.
Online Public Engagement
Visit our online engagement tool here https://wisconsinrapids.mindmixer.com to participate in the creation of the plan! Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate in surveys, respond to posts, and provide feedback and ideas for the Downtown Master Pan.
In Person Public Engagement
Bolton & Menk's team of planners visited Wisconsin Rapids on May 29th and 30th to engage the public at community events and meet with focus groups. City Staff attended various community events during the summer of 2024, such as Lunch by The River and the Downtown Farmers Market to encourage the participation of community members in the Downtown Master Plan planning process.
Bolton & Menk's team of planners are returning to Wisconsin Rapids on October 9th, 10th, and 11th. During their visit, several open house events will be held, where the public will have the opportunity to review preliminary findings, and provide feedback. See event information below or click here to view the flyer.
Wednesday, October 9th, 5-7 p.m.
McMillan Memorial Library, 490 E Grand Ave
Thursday, October 10th, 8-10 a.m.
From the Ground Up Coffee House, 250 W Grand Ave
Thursday, October 10th, 5-7 p.m.
B’s Tap House, 140 E Grand Ave
Friday, October 11th, 8-10 a.m.
From the Ground Up Coffee House, 250 W Grand Ave
Final Draft (not adopted) - March, 2025.
Links:
View RFP here.
View submitted Q and A regarding the RFP here.
Wisconsin Rapids Comprehensive Plan
Wisconsin Rapids Interactive Zoning Map
Wisconsin Rapids Riverfront Park Plan
City of Wisconsin Rapids Housing Study and Needs Assessment
Wisconsin Rapids Recovery and Redevelopment Plan
Wisconsin Rapids Public Art and Creative Placemaking Plan
April 2023 UniverCity Alliance article
Safe Routes Project Wisconsin Rapids
Safe Routes Project Wisconsin Rapids webinar
