A look at the recently cleared land on South Barstow Street which could
eventually hold the Confluence Project.

The Eau Claire City Council once again overwhelmingly voted to back the Confluence Project – the mixed-use, performing-arts focused development slated to be built on the riverfront in downtown Eau Claire. This time, the support came in the form of a 9-2 vote on a resolution that supported the creation of Eau Claire Confluence Inc., a new nonprofit group that is seeking a $25 million grant from the state to fund UW-Eau Claire’s share of the performing arts center’s cost. (The other half of the cost will be funded by donors and local governments.) The City Council also requested that the city be given a seat on the board of the new nonprofit, which will own and operate the arts center. “I think it’s really important that a public body says, ‘Yes we are interested in joining this 501(c)(3) organization, yes let’s put it in writing, and yes let’s make a commitment, and yes we want a voice at the table,’ ” City Coucilwoman Catherine Emmanuelle said. On a separate 8-3 vote, the council approved an amendment to downtown’s Tax Incremental District No. 8. That special tax district will pay for the city’s commitment to the project.