Economic Development Updates

Homenext-icon

Economic Developmentnext-icon

Economic Development Updates

  • Oshkosh Public Library and Wisconsin DWD partner on JobPod
    • The partnership between the Oshkosh Public Library (OPL) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is set for its grand openings and ribbon cutting on January 9th. This partnership will provide job seeker services which includes a dedicated JobPod on the library’s second floor. This collaboration is part of a broader, statewide effort by the Wisconsin Public Library System and the DWD to assist residents with job searching and workforce development. The agreement aims to provide both online and in-person job search assistance tools to anyone in need of help, making these essential services readily available within the community. The library’s participation aligns with its strategic planning goal of being community-driven and responsive to new challenges, such as those arising from the pandemic and changing job market dynamics.

The Oshkosh Chamber EDAC group was afforded the opportunity to take a site tour of the phase 1 building at the new Mill on Main development in the Sawdust district on S Main St. The five-story building features 115 residential units, a clubhouse with amenities such as: a communal space, a gym, and a golf simulator. The property also includes five commercial spaces and an additional 2-story waterfront commercial space. For more information, visit their website: https://twallenterprises.com/properties/mill-on-main/

  • The new ThedaCare Medical Center at 250 W 6th Avenue officially opened on January 19, just under 2 years after a groundbreaking in March of 2024. The 114,000 square-foot health campus will offer services such as; 24/7 emergency care, outpatient surgery, primary care, pediatrics, specialty care, a drive-thru retail pharmacy, and numerous lab services. Froedtert ThedaCare believes that their new location is vital for the community, as 73% of Oshkosh residents live east of Interstate 41. This development greatly complements the major redevelopment and revitalization efforts along the Fox River and downtown Oshkosh area. 
  • Keeping with the medical center updates, the new Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) facility is nearing completion and is expected to open this spring. This will be a 27,000 square-foot standalone facility at 200 S Oakwood Road and will expand access to patient-first care. The clinic will feature 20 patient exam rooms, the latest X-ray and MRI technology, an on-site lab, along with infusion suites for treating rheumatic disease and other conditions. The facility will also be equipped to handle procedures like carpal tunnel release that can be formed under local anesthesia and will also offer physical and occupational therapy. 
  • In other local development news, 7 Brew will be opening in April of this year in the Tommy’s Plaza at 2100 Omro Road. 7 Brew is a rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain founded in 2017, known for its high-energy service, double-lane drive-thru, and extensive menu offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations. Serving espresso, 7 Energy, smoothies, and teas. They focus on speed, quality, and community interaction. This will mark the 14th 7 Brew in Wisconsin and should bring around 30-50 new jobs to the area.  
  • Another restaurant development of note is that Foodies Mediterranean BBQ is now open for carry-out and delivery options from their location at 2350 Wisconsin 44. They specialize in healthy Mediterranean and Persian-influenced dishes and boast a menu free of deep-fried food and microwaves. The owners are unsure when they will open for full service with their double drive-thru, but in the meantime their hours of operation are updated weekly on their Facebook page. 
  • Winnebago County recently approved a $4.5 million Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for housing developments in the area. The county maintains that at least 10,000 new housing units are required to attract new families, support the aging population, and sustain local businesses. The RLF will offer low-interest gap financing for housing development. Winnebago County would work with municipalities to streamline approvals and remove barriers, enabling projects to move forward efficiently. Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz will oversee the fund on a board with several other stakeholders.
  • The new Mill on Main multi-family unit officially received residency from the city on February 5th, they are officially leasing for Spring 2026. The completion of Phase 1 of the luxury apartment building comprises of 114 units, featuring studios to 3-bedroom units. There has also been strong interest reported by T.Wall Enterprises in the commercial spaces for lease in the complex, including a Letter of Intent submitted for the large restaurant space facing the Fox River. Representatives of Mill on Main are still searching for potential commercial tenants. There will be a ribbon cutting and a Grand Opening on April 23rd. The total project will bring roughly 300 units to the area by 2030. 
  • Leeco Steel has broken ground on an expansion of its Oshkosh distribution and processing center, including a 78,000 sq-ft space to the existing facility. The upgrades at their 2900 Atlas Avenue location will also include new processing equipment and a new rail in order to improve efficiency for regional customers. These enhancements are part of a broader, company-wide initiative to increase value-added processing services across North America, as seen with similar upgrades in their Canadian and Indiana facilities. 
  • The renovations of the old Oshkosh Northwestern building continue as T.J. Rogers’ group, now rebranded as a Rogers Company (aRc), work to bring a boutique hotel to downtown Oshkosh. The property will bring 31 rooms and a 1930’s feel throughout the space. The hotel will serve breakfast, feature a large lobby bar open to the public, and will be connected to the Truffle Pig restaurant. Completion likely coming a bit behind schedule in Spring of 2027, but the lobby bar may open sooner than that target date. The team is currently to include a coffee shop, candy store, a tailor, a hair salon/barbershop, an Italian market, and a high-end women’s boutique. We will continue to keep out finger on the pulse as more updates come through. 
  • In other local development news, 7 Brew officially opens on Monday March 2, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for Tuesday March 3rd at 10am at Tommy’s Plaza at 2100 Omro Road. 7 Brew is a rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain founded in 2017, known for its high-energy service, double-lane drive-thru, and extensive menu offering over 20,000 unique drink combinations. Serving espresso, 7 Energy, smoothies, and teas. They focus on speed, quality, and community interaction. This will mark the 14th 7 Brew in Wisconsin and should bring around 30-50 new jobs to the area. 
  • Winnebago County recently approved a $4.5 million Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for housing developments in the area. The county maintains that at least 10,000 new housing units are required to attract new families, support the aging population, and sustain local businesses. The RLF will offer low-interest gap financing for housing development. Winnebago County would work with municipalities to streamline approvals and remove barriers, enabling projects to move forward efficiently. Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz will oversee the fund on a board with several other stakeholders. 

Want a quick glimpse of all the economic updates in 2024? Click the button below.

Website Banner Ad