U.S. Venture sees 'some degree' of public access for pocket park in downtown Appleton

APPLETON — The vacant downtown lot between the 222 Building and Copper Rock Coffee Co. could be redeveloped with an upper deck for U.S. Venture employees and a lower deck for live music with public access.

The vision for the space became clearer last week when U.S. Venture unveiled a series of architectural drawings showing what the renovated 222 Building might look like as its new corporate headquarters.

U.S. Venture plans to spend $75 million to $80 million to purchase and renovate the iconic 222 Building on West College Avenue for its use. The purchase included the open lot next to Copper Rock.

Mercedes Bereza, vice president of marketing for U.S. Venture, said the upper deck shown in the architectural drawings will be reserved exclusively for U.S. Venture employees.

"We are exploring options for some degree of shared public access to the lower level, though those plans are in the early stages of development," Bereza told The Post-Crescent. "We are working collaboratively with the city of Appleton and Copper Rock to explore options that will benefit the neighborhood and enhance the experience of visitors downtown."

The lot has served as a pocket park through an agreement between Appleton Downtown Inc. and the property's previous owner, Pfefferle Properties.

ADI provided the tables and chairs, curated the mural and installed the Edison lights.

"The plan is still to provide public access on the ground floor, just like it is today, but probably a lot prettier than what we were able to do," ADI Executive Director Jennifer Stephany said.

The space has served as a performance venue in the past, most notably for Mile of Music.

Kaitlyn Shimon, shift lead at Copper Rock, said the pocket park is frequented by Copper Rock customers, particularly during the summer months. She said it has potential for more programming and appreciated U.S. Venture involving Copper Rock in the discussion.

"We see a lot of people really enjoying that space," Shimon said.

The pocket park was created in 1985, when Aid Association for Lutherans razed the former Campbell store at 212-214 W. College, according to information located by David Buss, a member of the Appleton Historical Society research team.

AAL purchased the property in 1972 but never used the two-story building for operations.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.