Eau Claire offers redevelopment opportunities ranging from downtown infill sites and underused commercial properties to larger sites within areas targeted for long-term reinvestment. The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division works with developers, property owners, and community partners to identify opportunities, navigate the development process, and connect projects with resources that can help move them forward.
Redevelopment allows Eau Claire to create new opportunities by reinvesting in places that are already part of the community. Rather than focusing growth only at the city’s edges, redevelopment can bring new life to vacant and underused properties, make better use of existing infrastructure, strengthen established neighborhoods and business districts, and create opportunities for new housing, businesses, jobs, and public spaces.
Build on What’s Already Here
Redevelopment makes productive use of existing streets, utilities, buildings, transportation connections, businesses, neighborhoods, and community assets rather than starting from scratch.
Engage the Community Along the Way
Redevelopment works best when the people connected to an area have opportunities to be involved. The City engages residents, businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders throughout planning and major redevelopment efforts to share information, gather feedback, work toward consensus on plans, and help shape decisions.
Partner to Solve Difficult Sites
Some properties face challenges that make conventional development difficult, from obsolete buildings and fragmented parcels to infrastructure needs or environmental conditions. The City works with property owners, developers, and other partners to identify practical paths forward.
Create Lasting Community Value
Successful projects should contribute to the surrounding area as well as the individual property—whether through new jobs, housing, commercial activity, public spaces, stronger connections, or an expanded tax base.
Grow Without Losing What Matters
Redevelopment should respond to the people and places already surrounding a project. Eau Claire seeks investment that strengthens neighborhoods, limits unnecessary displacement, preserves meaningful community character where possible, and creates opportunities that can be shared broadly.
For decades, redevelopment has helped transform underused properties across Eau Claire into places for businesses, housing, recreation, employment, and public use. See how coordinated public and private investment has helped reshape these areas over time.
Riverfront & Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Established in 1995 / Redevelopment Still in Progress
Former residential, commercial, and industrial properties were assembled and repositioned as part of a larger transformation of Eau Claire’s downtown riverfront. Over time, redevelopment brought new housing, businesses, offices, parks, trails, and public spaces that helped turn North Barstow into one of the city’s most active mixed-use districts.
Commercial & Riverfront Redevelopment
Established in 1997 / Redevelopment Completed in 2000
Former residential, commercial, and publicly owned properties were brought together to create new opportunities along the Eau Claire River. Redevelopment led to new office buildings and municipal parking while extending the recreational trail along the river, combining private investment with improvements to the surrounding public realm.
Community & Public-Space Redevelopment
Established in 1994 / Redevelopment Completed in 1997
Residential and commercial properties near Half Moon Lake were assembled through a partnership between the City, Redevelopment Authority, and Eau Claire Area School District. The land was ultimately repurposed for public use, creating space for an elementary school and recreational trail while supporting broader reinvestment in the surrounding area.
Redevelopment sites in Eau Claire take many forms, from publicly owned parcels ready for new development to privately owned properties positioned for reinvestment. Explore the different ways developers can invest in existing neighborhoods, commercial areas, and properties throughout the city.
Redevelopment
Districts
Explore areas where the City has adopted a long-term redevelopment plan to guide future public and private investment. Each district offers its own mix of development sites, existing assets, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities for reinvestment.
City-Owned Redevelopment Sites
The City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority own select properties available for redevelopment. These sites offer opportunities to work directly with the City on projects that advance community and district redevelopment goals.
Private Redevelopment Opportunities
Many redevelopment opportunities exist on privately owned properties, from underused sites to vacant buildings ready for new investment. Our division can help developers identify opportunities, understand site considerations, and connect with resources.
Redevelopment Districts
Explore areas where the City has adopted a long-term redevelopment plan to guide future public and private investment. Each district offers its own mix of development sites, existing assets, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities for reinvestment.
City-Owned Redevelopment Sites
The City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority own select properties available for redevelopment. These sites offer opportunities to work directly with the City on projects that advance community and district redevelopment goals.
Private Redevelopment Opportunities
Many redevelopment opportunities exist on privately owned properties, from underused sites to vacant buildings ready for new investment. Our division can help developers identify opportunities, understand site considerations, and connect with resources.
Dive into resources that can help you evaluate a site, understand City requirements, and move your project forward.
Plans & Studies
Download the plans and studies guiding Eau Claire’s future development.
Property Search
Search available commercial buildings, development sites, and vacant land.
Planning & Zoning
Understand zoning, land use, and development requirements for your site.
Community Data
Explore the data behind Eau Claire’s economy, workforce, and community.
Funding Sources & Assistance
Explore City financing tools available for qualifying development projects.
State & Federal Resources
Explore outside programs and incentives that may support your project.
Redevelopment Authority
Learn how the RDA supports and advances redevelopment projects.
Redevelopment
Process
Learn how to move your project from concept through construction.
Find an Opportunity
Start by identifying a redevelopment site, district, or existing property that could be a good fit for your project. Consider the location, surrounding uses, adopted plans, zoning, available infrastructure, and other factors that could shape what is possible.
Connect With Our Team
Reach out to the Economic Development Division to introduce your project and discuss what you’re looking to accomplish. We can help you better understand the site, connect you with the appropriate City staff and community partners, and identify potential resources or considerations early in the process.
Develop Your Concept
Begin refining your project based on what you’ve learned about the property and development requirements. City staff can help you identify necessary approvals, evaluate potential financial assistance, and work through site-specific considerations as your plans become more detailed.
Submit Your Project
Once your concept is ready, provide the plans and project information needed for the appropriate review process. Depending on the property and project, this may include review by City staff, the Redevelopment Authority, Plan Commission, City Council, or other applicable bodies before moving toward final approvals and construction.
Connect with our Economic Development team to discuss your site, project goals, available resources, and the next steps for bringing your vision to life.