In a run-down electric building in downtown Wausau, city leaders see an opportunity

WAUSAU - An abandoned brick building sits on the edge of downtown behind the train depot and overlooking the river, covered in overgrown branches. It was once used as a power plant for local electric companies, but has been vacant for over a decade now and shows signs of wear.

One December day, the building caught Jon Roberts` eye as he walked along the riverfront. Roberts, an Austin-basedconsultant who has three decades of experience in economic development, had been hired by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce to help create a long-term economic development strategy for Wausau and Marathon County....

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Ken Notes: These project are fun but you need some creative local innovators to manage the space. I have seen many great build-outs sit empty. Also using existing brick and mortar can be pricey -- get a expert like Gorman & co. to give you some ideas...