By Joe Bachman

Mayor Zach Vruwink led the first swings in the demolition of two dilapidated buildings on the corner of 1st st. and Market St. on Monday.

“We will continue to work with other property owners in a site that can be clean and ready for redevelopment to bring a multi-story structure that could bring housing, business and retail space,” said Zach Vruwink, moments before the “first swings”. “There is a greater vision of capitalizing on a group of fronts, as well as the courthouse and other businesses in the area.”

This is the first physical step in an ongoing downtown rejuvenation project for Wisconsin Rapids. Mayoral staff will be working with developers in the coming months for business opportunities to grow the downtown area and bring new housing and retail space to the community.

Check back for updates, including video of the ceremonial first swings.