Waupaca

Bridging a divide to create community gathering space

The Danes Hall had become a treasured destination event venue, restaurant, and bar in downtown Waupaca. However, an adjacent public green space and vacated former road did not reflect the quality of the venue, nor did it allow for events at the hall to take advantage of outdoor spaces and vice versa. In order to be functional, the green space required extensive improvements to address slope and drainage elements to create accessible and programmable spaces.

The historic Danes Hall before the renovation and new gathering space.

With the help of a Vibrant Spaces Grant from WEDC, the community revitalized a vacant 5,500-square-foot lot, transforming it into a plaza for Waupaca residents and visitors. Located next to the historic Danes Hall and adjacent to Rasmussen Park, this space was identified as ideal for gatherings and outdoor activities. Enhancements such as landscaping, seating, lighting, and electrical capacity, all while ensuring accessibility for people with mobility challenges, made the space suitable for a variety of events, from Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to live music performances, also providing a welcoming retreat for visitors during non-programmed hours.

Making places where people want to spend time

The plaza’s transformation has significantly improved the aesthetic and functional value of the area, making it a key asset for downtown engagement. The thoughtful design encourages diverse public and private gatherings.

Easily accessible and visible, the plaza invites pedestrian activity and encourages. Its flexible design, featuring movable elements, allows for spontaneous gatherings and activities. Positioned as a gateway to the business district, the space signals to passersby that the area is worth exploring.

The plaza also offers essential amenities such as electrical outlets, public Wi-Fi, and shaded seating areas, making it a favored spot for workers and students looking for a place to work or relax. It has also become the site for a community Christmas tree lighting and other major events. Year-over-year foot traffic is up 27% from last year, 48% from the prior year, and 67% from the year before that; several nearby property rehabilitations underway also attest to the district’s increased vibrancy.

Bringing more people downtown

The addition of outdoor tables and umbrellas has allowed nearby businesses to expand their dining options, particularly where street space is limited. This extra seating capacity enables restaurants to accommodate more customers, while the visible presence of outdoor diners enhances the perception of downtown as a lively dining destination. Increased foot traffic benefits individual establishments and contributes to the overall economic vitality of the area. By creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere, the plaza not only supports local businesses but also enriches the community’s dining and social scene.