The Buzz: Octoberfest crowds will see glimpses of downtown Appleton’s evolution – Appleton Post Crescent

Peek behind the Octoberfest’s beer trucks and bear claw booths this upcoming Saturday to see what the permanent downtown Appleton businesses are up to. 

Downtown is starting to evolve beyond its longtime reputation as a place to eat, drink and work.

It’s starting to grow as a place to live.

Six new apartment buildings have been approved or are in the proposal stages in the greater downtown area. 

The first development underway is Gabriel Lofts, the former Gabriel Furniture building at 201 E. College Ave. It will be finished in the spring, and will have retail shops or offices on the ground floor of both its historic and new sections. 

“We will be keeping all of the exterior brick of the historic portion of the building, and it will be cleaned and fully restored yet this fall,” said Jack Klister, partner in Fore Development. “We will be releasing floor plans and pricing this winter on our website and Facebook page.” 

Three more city-approved projects are Avant (East Washington at North Durkee streets), Block 800 (West College Avenue) and Tadych Investment Partners (300 block of East College). Beyond that, two more proposed projects are Crescent Lofts (West Washington at Superior streets) and an apartment project attached to the proposed new Appleton Public Library. 

More: Appleton weighs request for $823,500 to support fourth apartment project this year

More: Downtown areas seeing boost in Appleton housing — but at what cost to tenants?

More: Appleton housing project could spark additional investment on west side of downtown

More: The Buzz: P-C building sale details spelled out

More: The Buzz: Q&A on Gabriel building redo in downtown Appleton

More: Appleton’s mixed-use library project promises shared costs, added tax base

In addition to apartments, recent and future College Avenue retail and restaurant projects include: 

Openings

Doughlicious (322 W. College), a dessert shop serving cookie dough, ice cream and shaved ice, is poised to open in the former Pages & Pipes.  

•Fika Tea Bar (207 W. College), a tea lounge that opened in June, received a beer and wine license to expand its drinks menu. 

•Nice Time (125 E. College) is a bar/lounge/event space that opened in April. 

•Fress Restaurant & Bar (511 W. College) opened in March. 

Coming

•University Rx (133 E. College) is a new pharmacy in the works. 

Moved

•Shear Chaos Hair Parlour (now at 111 S. Appleton St.) left the Zuelke Building. 

•Coventry Glassworks (514 W. College) moved its stained glass business to Studio K Stained Glass, 2125 N. Richmond St. 

Rebranded 

•Mill Creek (417 W. College) was renamed The Bent Keg under its same owners. 

Closed 

•Il Angolo (527 W. College) closed June 29. 

Contact reporter Maureen Wallenfang at 920-993-7116 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @wallenfang.

More: The Buzz: H&M is known for fast fashion, recycling and clothing for the entire family

More: The Buzz: Family icon Chuck E. Cheese to redo look, menu, tokens

Let’s block ads! (Why?)