On Broadway announces Public Market in downtown Green Bay

GBPM

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Plans were announced Wednesday for a Public Market and apartments at Old Fort Square in the Broadway District of Downtown Green Bay.

On Broadway, Inc., announced details of the $30 million redevelopment project and plans to fund it.

On Broadway Executive Director Brian Johnson says the idea was inspired by public markets across the world, including the famous La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain. The Public Market in Milwaukee, however, was the main inspiration. Milwaukee’s public market brings in two million visitors per year.

“It’s the one that we feel most closely reflects what will be successful here in Green Bay,” Johnson said.

The market will be food-focused, according to Johnson.

Construction on the Public Market is expected to cost $10-12 million.

“When people come to Green Bay, when they come to the Broadway District, we are extending the amount of time that they spend here, and of the course extend the amount of money that they spend here, as well. And it is our hope and anticipation that this will become one of the top destinations here in the city of Green Bay,” said Johnson.

Some of the prospective tenants spoke at Wednesday’s news conference. Those businesses include Voyageurs Bakehouse, West Coast Seafood and Chowder, Gather, and One Barrel Brewing Company.

A second phase includes apartments on the city-owned parking lot behind Old Fort Square. The project is estimated at $21 million. The Broadway Market Apartments will include 90 units and retail on the ground floor.

“This two-part project is estimated to cost $30+ million and will greatly impact the surrounding area and businesses in a positive way. It is anticipated this development will attract more than a million tourists annually,” reads a statement from On Broadway, Inc.

WBAY