Wisconsin Farmers Union is in the midst of renovating a historic building in downtown Chippewa Falls. It’ll not only be their new headquarters, but a community space.
The 128 W. River Street building, which historically housed the Chippewa Valley Mercantile Co., is adjacent to the Spring Street building that has housed WFU’s headquarters since the 1940s. WFU purchased the 45,000 square foot building last spring when Machine Tool Camp outgrew the space. The organization plans to turn the stately brick building into a downtown destination, featuring a food hall, meeting spaces, and apartments.
Facilities director Jackie Boos says the first floor won’t house just any food hall — this one will support WFU. Food vendors will be required to become WFU members and purchase 15 percent of their goods from WFU members.
WFU hired Boos in March to coordinate the management of its properties, including its current state headquarters on Spring Street, Kamp Kenwood youth camp and event venue, and Market on River project. Prior to signing on with WFU, Boos was the Tourism Director at the Chippewa Falls Chamber, overseeing efforts within the Go Chippewa County tourism division.
She tells Mid-West Farm Report this project aims to bolster the downtown economy, leverage the new downtown Riverfront Park, support small businesses through financial opportunity and incubator space, and help farmers access markets to improve their bottom line.
The project is set to be finished in July of 2024 before Chippewa County hosts Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.
Leave a Reply