Economic Development
Business Opportunities
(Hospitality, Specialty Retail, Commercial Office, 
and Residential)


Specialty Retail
Specialty retail fits perfectly into our long-range strategy for success.  Downtown Appleton has created a Neighborhood Specialty Retail District with clusters of like and supporting businesses. They include: Furniture, Home Accessories, Women's Clothing, Bakery, Book Store, Specialty Gifts, Music, Arts and Crafts, and Spas.

A recent consumer survey has revealed the need for:

  • Additional Furniture/Home Accessory Stores
  • Additional Home Decorating
  • Additional Specialty Gift Shops
  • Additional Women's Boutique Shops
  • A Specialty Grocery (fresh and specialty foods)
  • A Specialty Bakery
  • Office Supplies/Support Services

Success factors:

  • High pedestrian and automobile traffic – 54,000 cars daily
  • Significant household incomes in nearby neighborhoods – 35% are above $50,000
  • Ample and convenient parking
  • 7,000 downtown employees

Commercial / Office
There is a strong base of commercial offices in downtown Appleton, and they are integral to our long-range strategy for success. Downtown Appleton has created a Central Professional District that includes a wide array of businesses and offices employing up to several thousand people.

Success factors:

  • Close proximity to shops and restaurants
  • Safe and clean urban environment
  • Highly motivated labor pool
  • Ample convenient parking at reasonable rates
  • Easy access to major highways
  • Strong regional airport
  • Centrally located with easy access to Milwaukee, Madison, Door County and Wisconsin's northwoods

Residential Development
Residential development is vital to our long-range strategy for success. Downtown Appleton has created a Residential District for the purpose of increasing residential density downtown.

Success factors:

  • Close proximity to shops and restaurants
  • Easy access to medical and professional services
  • Safe and clean urban environment
  • Fun and exciting special events and activities
  • Museums, library, YMCA, transit center
  • Centrally located with easy access to Milwaukee, Madison, Door County and Wisconsin's northwoods


116 N. Appleton Street | PO Box 2272
Appleton, WI 54912-2272
920-954-9112
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