The last several years have seen plentiful announcements of new developments in Stevens Point, and in 2020, many of these plans are becoming finished projects. That these projects aren’t limited to one industry or sector is a testament to the city’s strong business climate and overall vibrancy.

In early spring, Worzalla Publishing expects to complete the expansion it announced last October. The book printer is adding 50,000 square feet to make room for another printing press and binding machine. The added capabilities and jobs are expected to result in growth of 20% to 25% for the company.

Meanwhile, Marten Machining’s new headquarters in the Portage County Business Park will be up and running this summer. The company broke ground in April 2019 on the 40,000-square-foot facility that will house its machining, engineering and design divisions.

It’s not all business—the region is making room for play as well. Two new craft breweries are already open, and Sentry Insurance plans a new boutique hotel adjacent to its SentryWorld golf course. District 1 Brewing Co. has already opened, and Back Country Brewing Company opened this month in a 4,800-square-foot space in Plover’s Duralum Building Center.

On the retail and housing side, two mixed-use developments are in the works. The first is a $25 million project on the former Kmart site just north of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. The first phase of the project, expected to be completed in August 2020, includes housing for 220 residents and will be marketed toward the student population.

WEDC has provided a $250,000 Community Development Investment Grant for the second downtown development. North Side Yard includes plans for 211 residential units and 30,000 square feet of retail. The project will be breaking ground in October.

(Adapted from “2020 vision: See what developments are in store for Stevens Point this year,” Jan. 7, 2020, Stevens Point Journal)