Library alley to be renovated

STEVENS POINT — The Stevens Point Downtown Business Improvement District announced it has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to support the Library Alley Activation Project, a transformational downtown initiative.
The project is three years in the making and led by the Stevens Point Downtown BID Design Work Group. Planned improvements include restoration and enhancement of the historic mural display through a newly painted artistic backdrop, improved lighting throughout the alley corridor and surrounding public spaces, decorative wayfinding and placemaking features connecting Main Street and Clark Street parking, interactive public features encouraging creativity, exploration, and engagement for all ages, additional artistic enhancements and colorful design elements throughout the corridor, native landscaping, pollinator-friendly gardens, and beautification improvements, concrete replacement and accessibility improvements at alley entrances and decorative streetscape elements designed to improve visibility, safety, and the pedestrian experience.
The project’s timeline spans from June to July 2026. In June, the removal of existing murals will begin, the surface will be prepared for the mural restoration project, initial landscaping and garden preparation will begin, along with continue concrete work. In July, local artist Jessie Fritsch of Buzz in Art Studios LLC will begin painting the mural’s backdrop, crews will begin the installation of native plants, grass, and flowers, lighting upgrades and electrical improvements will take place, and the installation of interactive public features will begin.
Additional project improvements will include upgraded lighting in partnership with Bushman Electric and Sign & Crane, along with the replacement of a portion of the existing wall at the east entrance of the alley with a decorative lamp post designed to create a more open, visible, and welcoming gateway into the space.
While the $70,000 has already been raised for the project, approximately $30,000 in additional community investment is still needed to complete the full scope of the project.

The Stevens Point Downtown BID is inviting businesses, corporations, foundations, civic organizations, and individuals to become partners in this effort through financial contributions, sponsorships, volunteer support, and in-kind services.
Investment opportunities include:
• Community Impact Leader – $50,000
• Keepers of the Heart – $10,000
• Experience Creators – $7,500
• Light the Alley Partners – $5,000
• Center Stage Champions – $3,500
• Creative Visionaries – $2,500
• Artistic Lamplighters – $1,000
• Bloom Builders – $500
• Moment Makers – $25-$400
The BID is also seeking volunteers interested in assisting with landscaping projects, installation activities, beautification efforts, and ongoing stewardship of the space.
“The WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant has provided us with an incredible opportunity, but community participation will determine just how far we can take this project,” said Margelofsky, Executive Director of the Stevens Point Downtown BID. “Whether someone contributes financially, volunteers their time, provides professional expertise, or simply shares our story, they become part of creating a lasting legacy for Stevens Point Downtown.”