Improvements have been gradually coming to the once-desolate 200 block of North Main Street in Shawano, but one of the last remaining eyesores at 205 N. Main St. could be disappearing.
Justin Penfold, co-founder of Sakom in Shawano, presented a proposal Aug. 26 to the Shawano Redevelopment Authority that would demolish much of the existing building and turn it into an entertainment venue called The Spot. Penfold estimated it would cost anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000. He said it could serve as something enticing on the north end of downtown Shawano that could attract visitors boating the channel between the Wolf River and Shawano Lake, as well as provide a space for teens in the city.
“We do a lot as it is for the community with my company, so it just made sense to continue to help out,” Penfold said.
The RDA approved having staff draft a developer’s agreement that would have the city commit $40,000 toward the demolition, on the condition that the project is completed no later than July 31, 2027, and that the property would have a value of $400,000. Penfold estimated the facility could be open by next Memorial Day.
Penfold laid out several uses for the facility, which would mainly be open air and would be open during the warmer times of the year. On the lower level would be a small Boba shop that wouldn’t compete with The Daily Drip, a neighboring coffee shop. An adult social area on an upper level with a view of Huckleberry Harbor is also being eyed, along with a container bar near the green space.
“We’re not looking to take any business away from The Daily Drip,” Penfold said. “They’ve done a great job, and I think we can work hand in hand.”
The lower deck would be open all day, according to Penfold, while the upper deck would be restricted to the evening hours.
There would also be outdoor and indoor games available to all ages, similar to what’s at Dave and Buster’s, along with space for food trucks. Penfold said there would be a different food truck each day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then coming back in the evening hours.
Plans also include a small stage area for karaoke and other community events, along with public access restrooms. The facility would also be made available for private events, Penfold said.
“The idea is a community area that suits all age groups,” he said. “We would be open for other events centered around the community like homecoming or wherever. We could make the facility weather-proof so we can carry on for longer periods, if need be.”
Penfold noted that plans include keeping as much green space as possible but providing a facade that attracts attention from the road and the waterways.
“We can use that for free games for people to play while they’re there,” he said.
The new structure would be made from steel, Penfold said, fabricated off site during the winter months and then put together on site once the weather warms up. He noted that The Spot is not looking for any loans from the RDA. Beyond the investment to demolish the current building, he said he’s mainly looking for input from city staff on noise levels, food safety and other necessary codes.
Penfold said The Spot would provide a space for teens to have something to do during the warmer months.
“We did speak to a lot of teenagers about what they would like to see,” he said. “They seem to be the biggest audience walking around town in small groups. There are a lot of facilities, but they’re looking for something new to do with their time.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Much of The Spot will feature an open-air concept where games can be played, along with space for food trucks and a small stage. The area can also be used for community events. (Contributed)
