The South Wood County YMCA and Wisconsin Rapids area Boys and Girls Club are now in the process of buying the Rapids Mall. The sale was announced at a meeting Monday night where business owners located inside the mall were told they will need to relocate.
Marge Fockler works at the Senior Craft Shop inside the mall, she said she is disappointed with the city and mayor for not supporting the small businesses and going through with the sale.
"This really puts us in a bind not being able to know a head of time so we could have tried to save up and put down a deposit on another location," said Fockler.
Bret Salscheider the CEO of the Wood County YMCA said he sympathizes with business owners but believes the new facility will benefit and revitalize the entire community.
"We will be engaging with the community on a fundraising campaign that will help us get over our campaign goal which we hope then to build the starting in spring of next year," explained Salscheider. "There will be an aquatic center, gymnasium, wellness center, community spaces, stem rooms, learning classrooms for kids and teen center. "
Once the sale is complete in late November of 2017 all businesses inside the mall must be gone by Dec. 31, 2017.
Mayor Vruwink issued a statement on Tuesday about the sale:
"The Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area and John E. Alexander South Wood County YMCA have long histories responding to community needs in various locations throughout our area. I commend the two organizations for thinking big picture about where the best location might be to serve the community's needs and doing so together. Today's announcement to collaboratively address the many dimensions of community health and well-being in a facility to be built at the Rapids Mall site is extremely exciting. Just over 40 years ago, the City led a redevelopment of a rail yard into a regional shopping mall. What a difference time makes! It goes without saying, this property has held a prominent role in the lives of residents for decades. With current national and local trends substantially changing the landscape for 'brick and mortar' retail shopping malls, a new strategy must
be employed.
Recently the city consulted to perform feasibility and highest and best uses analysis of the Rapids Mall property- to include the viability of retail and non-retail uses of the site. It was recommended that civic uses for the property presents the highest and best opportunity for portions of this property; and civic uses can serve as a productive center to broader economic revitalization efforts in Downtown and community-wide. Given the current status of the Rapids Mall occupied by a mix of small businesses and national tenants, retention is a priority of the City. The analysis also considered market absorption for current Rapids Mall tenants, even to potentially promote greater visibility and access.
The City understands the Mall provides for the livelihoods of many residents, business owners and therefore is ready to discuss relocation options. With City ownership of the Centralia Center, public interest in infrastructure and an overall vision of greater vibrancy, the siting of a YMCA & Boys and Girls Club facility in our Downtown Waterfront District is undoubtedly exciting. The City has long invested in renewing our community's 'Central Place' and this investment and redevelopment is unquestionably part of a chapter where we consider our assets not only for what they are but also for what they can be.
Realizing a vision of a healthier community is far more than buildings and infrastructure, however, it is our people. Moving forward authentically with an inclusive and approachable mindset is imperative to achieving better for our families. The City looks forward to working with the YMCA/BGC Partnership, existing and future downtown stakeholders toward a vision that no singular uniqueness or interest will prevent someone from reaching their economic, social and physical potential."
