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Contact: Dave Eckmann President, Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. 715 845 6231 For Immediate Release March 31 2021 Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. Continues Launching Transformational Plans for Wausau Downtown A key part of downtown Wausau begins a new chapter with the official closing of the Wausau Center Mall during the week ending Saturday, April 10, 2021. The closing clears the way for the new mall owner the Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. to begin transformation of the property into a vibrant and thriving urban hub complete with housing, boutique retail, hospitality and gathering spaces. The first phase of the demolition process is anticipated to begin in May 2021 HOM Furniture and the two parking ramps adjacent to the mall will remain open. Those consumers intending to shop at HOM Furniture should plan to use the east parking ramp (former Sears parking ramp) and access the store at that entrance. “The Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. will continue to work closely with our community partners, such as the City of Wausau, Wausau River District, the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce and the downtown business community to ensure a collaborative process as we move through our next steps in our collective efforts to build the Best Small City in America.” said Dave Eckmann, president of WOZ Inc. WOZ bought the mall in February 2020 with funding from a pair of local foundations, the Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation and the Judd S. Alexander Foundation, in partnership with the City of Wausau. A collective vision has been e stablished to create a downtown destination which integrates with the rest of downtown and improvements along the Wisconsin River. Wausau Opportunity Zone has engaged Chuck Ghidorzi to act as Managing Director, leading the planning process for redevelopment of the property. In the coming weeks, more information addressing frequently asked questions including design renderings and future updates on the project will be available at GreaterWausau.org/WOZ.