Wausau
Wausau 400 Block Bandshell
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The 400 Block bandshell was dedicated June 20, 2011. Its prominent soaring fabric roof canopy by Tensions Structure overlooks the 400 Block of downtown Wausau. Red granite (for which Marathon County is known) forms a curved base and is etched with the major donors from the community. Cedars line the back of the stage.
Free Concerts are held every Wednesday during the summer. Various businesses and groups sponsor these events. Other events are held here, such as the annual Chalkfest, where artists use the sidewalks as a canvas. |
"Edgar" greets visitors at the southwest corner of the 400 Block.
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The rich history of the 400 Block begins in 1853 when the first of four Marathon County Courthouses was built. The fourth one lasted 63 years (1892 until 1955); it was builit of Marathon red granite and with a six-story clock tower and the site was called Courthouse Square. In 1955 the courthouse was razed and the Square was sold for the development of three commercial buildings. The retail buildings successfully operated for 40 years, but by the mid 1990s, the same fate occurred as in many other downtowns - they were mostly vacant.
At that time, a group of citizens had a vision to make the Square back into a public space. Thus the Courthouse Square Committee was formed, a public private partnership. Of the three large commercial properties on the site, one made an unrestricted gift which in turn, helped to gain more community support. In 1997, the City Council voted to purchase the other two.
By May 2000, the City approved a consultant's recommendation to make the entire Square a public place. It was not until 2009 that a design for the block was adopted by the Council - a challenge that took nine years and many public hearings. The Council voted to raise $1,200,000 for the cost with $1,000,000 to come from private funds, and $200,000 from the City, through in-kind works.
The Square Up Committee was formed and Mayor Jim Tipple appointed Joe Mella as chair to raise the funds. It was jump started with $123,000 from the balance of the Courthouse Square Fund and also by a gift from Dwight and Linda Davis of $390,000. It took less than a year to raise the remaining $487,000. Within the $1,000,000, there was an wonderful anonymous donation of $350,000 for the bandshell, which included funding for lighting, a sound system, and all other elements.
Prior to the the bandshell completion, the vacant square had hosted a Concerts on the Square, outdoor movies, seasonal festivals, and a weekly farmers market.
At that time, a group of citizens had a vision to make the Square back into a public space. Thus the Courthouse Square Committee was formed, a public private partnership. Of the three large commercial properties on the site, one made an unrestricted gift which in turn, helped to gain more community support. In 1997, the City Council voted to purchase the other two.
By May 2000, the City approved a consultant's recommendation to make the entire Square a public place. It was not until 2009 that a design for the block was adopted by the Council - a challenge that took nine years and many public hearings. The Council voted to raise $1,200,000 for the cost with $1,000,000 to come from private funds, and $200,000 from the City, through in-kind works.
The Square Up Committee was formed and Mayor Jim Tipple appointed Joe Mella as chair to raise the funds. It was jump started with $123,000 from the balance of the Courthouse Square Fund and also by a gift from Dwight and Linda Davis of $390,000. It took less than a year to raise the remaining $487,000. Within the $1,000,000, there was an wonderful anonymous donation of $350,000 for the bandshell, which included funding for lighting, a sound system, and all other elements.
Prior to the the bandshell completion, the vacant square had hosted a Concerts on the Square, outdoor movies, seasonal festivals, and a weekly farmers market.
Grand Theater, across from the 400 Block.
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At the 400 Block, a criss-crossing promenade intersects in the middle where a circle of bricks with donors engraved names has been laid. At the east side, there is a splash park, and in the winter an ice rink.
The 400 Block is surrounded by many restaurants, shops, and the historic Grand Theater. |
Splash park at east side of 400 Block.
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