Innovative Placemaking for Community Revitalization: The Journey from Blighted Mall to Thriving Downtown

Elizabeth “Liz” Brodek, Director of Community Development for Wausau, WI, faced a significant urban planning challenge: the closure and demolition of the city’s central mall. This case examines the complexities of downtown revitalization in a mid-sized city, highlighting the economic, social, and political considerations involved in repurposing a large commercial space. It explores the roles of municipal leadership, stakeholder engagement, and long-term economic planning in shaping the city’s future. As Wausau sought to balance historic preservation, economic development, and community needs, Liz had to navigate competing interests while fostering a vision for a vibrant and sustainable downtown. How should city leaders work with private landowners to maximize the economic and social benefits of a key redevelopment while maintaining public support?