By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — City officials are asking for proposals to redevelop two privately owned properties on Grand Avenue.
Wausau Pilot and Review asked Economic Development Director Chris Schock whether the city has so far discussed plans for a Tax Increment District for Grand Avenue, which is dotted with vacant buildings and is considered a major city thoroughfare. But Schock said no such plans have been discussed.
The properties at 2220-2222 and 2202 Grand Avenue represent 0.42 and 0.37-acre parcels, both zoned for business, which could potentially be combined. The properties, one of which is the former site of a Midas auto shop, lie on the west side of Grand Avenue between Kent Street and Eau Claire Boulevard.
Both parcels contain existing buildings that could either be reused or demolished.
Proposals must include a proposed property purchase price, estimated proposed construction and taxable value, architectural renderings and/or examples of the proposed construction and any request for city participation.
An official cooperative request for proposals (RFP) will be issued this week and will be due Feb. 2.
City leaders will review any proposals and rate each one on a point system. Ratings are based on whether the proposal maximizes land sale value to the owners, maximizes taxable value to the city and is offers a mix of uses that complements the area, according to city documents.
The properties at 2220-2222 Grand Avenue have an assessed value of $356,900 and generated $8,831 in taxes in 2016, $3,452 of which went to the city, according to Marathon County land records. The property is owned by Gus Wirth of Cedarburg.
For the 2202 Grand Avenue property, owned by Annette Malone of Eau Claire, the assessed value is $311,000. That property generated $7,685 in taxes in 2016, with $3,008 going to the city of Wausau.
Both owners have the right to reject any or all of the offers received.
