Pet Project Wednesday: Meet Micah
Posted: 05/15/13 - It's Wednesday and time to meet this week's adorable Pet Project. Micah is a 7 year old cat. He's neutered and knows how to use his litter box too. Read More
The corner of 3rd and Washington Streets in downtown Wausau is rich in historical significance.
Built in 1902 and 1903, what's now known as Washington Square was most known as Winkelman's Department Store. Owner Sam Winkelman opened the doors in 1911.
"That was really the center of all the commerce for this area, as he developed his department store," said Mark Craig, general manager of Compass Properties, the business that owns the square.
Back in 1936, the two story building was elevated to three stories in the middle of the depression. Craig says it shows how well the businessman was doing.
The building was the first in central Wisconsin to have air conditioning and an elevator.
The Winkelman family sold it to Johnson Hills in 1970. In 1983, 300 3rd Street was transformed into Washington Square.
Nestled in the square are boutiques, a coffee shop, restaurant and spa. The business district appears to be thriving.
"Keeping your downtown healthy and vibrant is a reflection on your overall community. So if we have a healthy downtown people view Wausau as a place of progress and growth and will continue to come and visit," Craig said.
What began as the heart of the city, remains. And it hasn't lost much of its original charm.
"The hardwood floors, the brick walls downstairs, a lot of the structure is still in tact from what Sam Winkelman did in 1936."
Washington Square is now considered part of the 3rd Street Lifestyle Center which includes Jefferson Street Inn, the visitor's bureau and several apartments.
Posted: 05/15/13 - It's Wednesday and time to meet this week's adorable Pet Project. Micah is a 7 year old cat. He's neutered and knows how to use his litter box too. Read More
Updated: 05/08/13 - Every Wednesday we meet an adorable animal from the Humane Society of Marathon County in need of a loving home. This week, we met Hayden. Read More
Updated: 05/08/13 - The United Way of Portage County is hosting "No Child's Wet Behind Diaper Drive." It kicks off May 10th and runs through Father's Day weekend. Read More
Posted: 05/01/13 - It's Wednesday and time to meet this week's Pet Project from the Humane Society of Marathon County. The Executive Director of HSMC introduced us to Holly. She's a 6 year old cat. Read More
Updated: 04/24/13 - It's Wednesday and time to meet our Pet Project! This week, we met Brandy. She was really excited about her television debut! Read More
