Innovation Today.
Prosperity Tomorrow.

The Center for Business and Community Engagement at:

A Heritage of Innovation

A Far Away Place

At the heart of our legacy is a visionary coalition of local
leaders who transformed our city into a thriving economic
engine in the early 20th century.


The Wausau Group envisioned and forged a foundation
of innovation, collaboration, resilience, and a strong
sense of community spirit. This spirit binds us together.


Their transformative dedication to progress and
development brought to life some of the most influential
companies and innovations, shaping our local economy
and leaving a lasting impact on industries nationwide.

The Vision

A central hub where local professionals and
community stakeholders can collaborate, innovate,
and build strong connections, fostering an
environment of growth and shared success.

Location

Built in 1904, the WPS Powerhouse on Clarke Island,
once powered city lights, enabled business growth, and
connected communities via streetcars. Today, it’s become
central to Wausau’s growing business community.

Programming

With a focus on talent and innovation, the PWRHOUZ
will offer impactful activities that drive economic
growth and enhance the community.

  • Business and Community
  • Powering Innovation Resources and Lecture Series
  • Central Wisconsin AI Resource Center Lecture Series
  • Public Policy Forums and Townhall Meetings
  • Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce Youth Council
  • Workforce Hub – Business/Education Partnership Program
  • Outdoor recreation program content (IronBull)
  • NTC Audio Visual Connect Center
  • Conferences, Education, and Events Center
  • Job Fair, Talent Recruitment, and Retention Events
  • Professional Engagement & Enrichment
  • After-hours networking and educational events designed by
    and offered to subscribing members of the WPS PWRHOUZ
    - Young Professional Focused
  • The AI Branch – Post-Secondary AI Skills Accelerator
  • Community thought leadership conferences
  • Transformational Leadership Program
  • Next Wave Social Engagement Program
  • Fun@Five after hours business socials
  • Coworking Membership Model
  • Off-Campus Corporate Engagement

Examples of potential programming:

$9.6M

Total

Raising $9.6M to renovate the WPS Powerhouse,
designed to educate & support entrepreneurs, offer
coworking facilities for remote workers, and provide
essential business services to regional industries.

Capital Campaign

$5,550,000


Levels 3 and 4

• Exterior Vestibule

• Energy Efficiency Roofing

• Grounds & Parking Lot Improvements

• 2,000 Sq Ft Deck

• HVAC Systems

• Elevator Service to all 4 Levels

• Furnishings, Fixtures, Equipment (FFE)

• Bathrooms (3), Windows, and Doors

Phase 1 Buildout

Phase 1 Buildout

• 2,176 Sq Ft

• Flexible Event & Education Center

• 2,000 Sq ft WI FI Enabled Deck

• 2 Rentable Private Offices

• 1 Rentable Conference Room

• 1 Restroom

• Elevator Access

• NTC Connect Center (Audio-Visual)

Level 4 - The Workshop

• 2,340 Sq Ft

• Collaborative Work & Social Space

• Two Restrooms

• Welcome Desk

• Administration Office

• Lower Patio Access

• Elevator Access

Level 3 - The Hub

Spring 2025 Campaign Kickoff

Summer 2025 Phase 1 Buildout

Fall 2025 Grand Opening

2026 Phase 2 Buildout

2027 Phase 3 Buildout

Donate Today

Timeline

Construction slated to begin in Summer of 2025.
Buildout of Phase 1 is estimated to last seven
months to grand opening.

Donation Naming Rights Opportunities…

  • The (named donor) Center for Business and Community
    Engagement at the WPS Powerhouse
  • The (named donor) Workshop: Education Center (Phase I)
  • The (named donor) Workshop: Conference Room (Phase I)
  • The (named donor) Workshop: Training & Events Space
  • The (named donor) Hub space
  • The (named donor) Elevator
  • The (named donor) Health and Wellness Deck – WiFi
    enabled deck overlooking the Wisconsin River
  • The (named donor) Garden Patio
  • The (named donor) Whitewater Gathering Space
  • The (named donor) Eastside Patio
  • The (named donor) Conference Room (Phase II)
  • The (named donor) Turbine Room (Phase III Event Center)

Health and Wellness Deck + 2,000 Sq Ft Deck













Eastside Patio













From Water Looking South













Front + Exterior Vestibule













Back of Building - Turbine Room













The Hub — Social & Coworking













Donate Today

Preserve the past.

Fuel the future.

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