Lawrence University will introduce new living-learning communities while offering upper-level students off-campus housing options as part of Fox Commons, a new development in downtown Appleton.
The latest installment of Appleton’s downtown revitalization will continue with significant renovations beginning this summer to City Center Plaza. The property, located at 10 E. College Ave., will be renamed Fox Commons, a 180,000-square-foot health care, housing, retail, and mixed-use community hub. Dark Horse Development and Boldt have partnered to re-develop this former shopping mall to create a renewed community destination offering an array of quality services and amenities.
“The Fox Commons development will allow Lawrence to create a living-learning community unlike anything we have done in the past...it allows the blending of apartment-style living with the opportunity for collaboration and mentorship with the partner organizations.”
President Laurie A. Carter
Coming alongside the Fox Commons team are three prominent Appleton institutions that will take space in the project, including Lawrence University, Mosaic Family Health, and Prevea Health, the developers announced June 5.
“Thanks to the partnership with Lawrence, Mosaic, and Prevea, and the invaluable support from our community, such as the City of Appleton staff, Appleton Downtown Inc., and Fox Cities Chamber, Dark Horse and Boldt are excited to bring forward this development that promises to enhance our downtown area,” said Sam Schmidt, vice president of business development for Dark Horse.
Lawrence will be spearheading an expansion of its student housing offerings by adding approximately 190 student beds within Fox Commons, seamlessly integrating with the core of downtown Appleton. This strategic expansion is exciting growth that will continue to provide high quality offerings to Lawrence students and the greater Lawrence community and one of many ways Lawrence is maintaining its position as one of the premier higher educational institutions in the country.
“The Fox Commons development will allow Lawrence to create a living-learning community unlike anything we have done in the past,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “For seniors, and perhaps some juniors, who desire to live off campus, it allows the blending of apartment-style living with the opportunity for collaboration and mentorship with the partner organizations. Shared spaces within Fox Commons, for example, will allow students who are pursuing business and entrepreneurship and pre-health majors to study and work alongside organizations in their field of study. We’re excited to see how interactions in a community such as this will bolster student engagement and foster greater academic success while offering new housing options for our upper-level students.”
Find out how Lawrence creates a space where students can pursue their passions while getting real-world experience to build their skills.
The Fox Commons apartments are expected to be open by Fall 2024.
Mosaic Family Health will relocate its existing practice, currently at 229 S. Morrison St., to Fox Commons, enhancing its services and expanding urgent care capabilities. Prevea also be a key anchor tenant. They will offer physical therapy, health and wellness services, and behavioral care including counseling and psychiatric consultations.
In addition to the existing and new anchor tenants, Dark Horse and Boldt will begin a marketing campaign to attract new synergistic users to be a part of this downtown hub.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.