In Oshkosh, a new chapter may be unfolding for a central piece of the city’s downtown area. The city is contemplating the acquisition of the former Park Plaza Mall, now known as City Center, with the aim of transforming the site into a mixed-use development featuring retail outlets, housing, and dining options.
Constructed in 1967 along the Fox River, City Center originally thrived as a shopping mall. However, as retail development shifted toward the Interstate 41 corridor, the mall experienced a decline. Today, the Oshkosh City Council is taking steps to revitalize this space.
Recently, the council voted 5-2 in favor of a resolution that enables city staff to draft an offer for the properties at 101 Commerce St. and 201 Pearl Ave., which comprise the City Center.
Describing the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to enhance the riverfront and downtown, the city highlighted its potential impact. As stipulated in the resolution, the purchase price must not exceed $12.5 million, and further approvals from the Oshkosh Plan Commission and City Council are necessary for the acquisition to proceed.
Should the purchase go through, the city would gain control of the more than 16-acre property, paving the way for a phased redevelopment that could span several years, according to a presentation by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp.
While specific plans for redevelopment have yet to be finalized, potential uses for the site include retail, housing, restaurants, office spaces, and community areas. Alicia Wenger, project manager at the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp., emphasized the site’s potential, stating, “Large scale redevelopment opportunities in the heart of a downtown do not come around often, especially sites with this kind of visibility, riverfront access and potential to reconnect key areas of our community.”
Currently, City Center hosts a variety of businesses including restaurants, a daycare, and other establishments, despite the absence of major national retailers like JCPenney. Ken Osmond, owner of Planet Perk Café at City Center, highlighted the community benefits provided by existing businesses, urging the council to consider these in their plans.
“We partner with the public library to provide community gathering events, book clubs, we do all those things,” Osmond stated. “When you’re doing your calculus for this, throughout the process, think about what you’re buying and think about how you have to protect and preserve what’s already there.”
The city plans to honor current leases in the immediate future, notifying tenants of any changes.
Council debates risks and opportunities
The proposal has sparked a debate among council members, with some seeing it as a vital investment in downtown Oshkosh, while others question the redevelopment costs and the appropriateness of city involvement.
Alder Paul Esslinger, opposing the resolution, expressed concerns about the city’s involvement, suggesting that the property should be handled by private entities instead. He said, “I think it’s time that we, as the government entity, say, ‘We should not be involved in this.’ This is something that should be bought and sold by private people.”
Conversely, Alder Joseph Stephenson argued that the City Center property is underutilized and has potential for greater development, despite acknowledging “successful portions of it.” He expressed hope for collaboration with current businesses to enhance the facility.
Mayor Matt Mugerauer, who also voted against the resolution, noted that discussions about the site have been ongoing for about 18 months. While he recognized the site’s potential as a catalyst for downtown growth, he expressed reservations about the timing and financial implications of the acquisition.
“I believe that the city will one day own this property, but I don’t think that has to be today, and not at this price and not with the conditions that are being prescribed,” Mugerauer remarked. He suggested the city could potentially acquire the property for less than $12.5 million and emphasized the risks of acquiring it now outweigh those of waiting.
Mugerauer also indicated a preference for the city to acquire riverfront land rather than the existing mall structure, noting that demolishing the facility would incur additional costs. “We’re not necessarily being asked to approve $12.5 million tonight,” Mugerauer stated. “In my opinion, we’re being asked to approve much more than that, upwards of $30 million all-in before we could even potentially redevelop it.”
The city has scheduled upcoming meetings to further discuss the project, allowing public input. The plan commission will review the purchase offer and provide recommendations to the council, which may vote on the offer on May 26.
