Water Street is going to change. If things go according to plan over the next 20 years, one of Eau Claire’s prime leisure corridors may see new events, more pedestrian amenities such as public art, and the ambitious development of a multi-use access point to the Chippewa River.

In January, the city council adopted the Water Street Commercial District Plan, a document that, among other things, identifies growth in areas such as parking, recreation, commercial diversity, redevelopment, and public image. The plan, which outlines initiatives for the next five to 15 years, was a cooperative effort of property owners, businesses, the Historic Randall Park and Third Ward neighborhoods, the university, and the city.

The initiative that will garner the most public interest is river access, which should please the growing number of summer tubers. The Department of Natural Resources has already had input on the project that could involve gradual stairs or a pathway, a beach clearing, and a deck. The Business Improvement District has allocated $5,000 for the research and development of the project, which is in the five-year section of the Capitol Improvement Plan.

“We’re optimistic that it could go in this spring or summer,” said Lisa Aspenson, member of the BID board and co-owner of Mogie’s and Mona Lisa’s.

Aspenson’s estimation may be a bit hopeful, however, given the fact that the project hinges on design, engineering, and permitting processes coming together quickly. She added that it could also entail Fifth Avenue being closed off for parking; the inclusion of green space; and an overlook site and pavilion for fishing or picnics.

Pat Ivory, the city’s senior planner, said zoning is another key component of the document.

“Especially west of Sixth Avenue, where we could see additional commercial expansion in buildings two or three stories where there’s apartments on top and commercial spaces on the bottom,” he said, adding that some of the buildings currently residing there are old homes.

The zoning changes in the plan not only allow for commercial expansion (including the possibility of drive-thrus), but also the size of buildings (up to five stories with a conditional use permit).

To improve the blighted appearance of the area, the plan encourages the redevelopment of substandard housing along the river corridor, perhaps for open spaces and other amenities. It also cites poor alley conditions, litter, and recommends some façade improvements.

Among students, Water Street is most known for its bars and nightlife. The plan outlines a number of tavern-related problems: excessive drinking, safety concerns, vandalism, litter, inappropriate behavior, noise, and negative image for the area. The original plan (from 1982) had the same concerns and called for limiting the number of liquor licenses, yet a few more taverns arrived. The updated plan also calls for limitations.

The poor image prompted some new ideas for the area’s marketing. The plan states that the area should develop signage for points of interest, designate the 400 block as a local landmark district, have its own website, collectively brand the area as bike- and pedestrian-friendly and a destination for all ages, and create new events in cooperation with UWEC, Luther Midelfort, YMCA, and downtown.

But marketing is only one of the things that will contribute to Water Street’s vibrant new image. The plan takes into account so many items that it’s hard to guess what that image will be in 20 years. Will it be a spot for families, tubers, a new grocery store, public art, and a drive-thru? I guess we’ll find out.

    The 50-plus-page document is available at the clerk’s office on the third floor of City Hall, 203 S. Farwell St.