LET 'EM COOK. Downtown Altoona's anticipated container park project is steadily coming to fruition. While this photo was being taken (on Thursday, June 5) several construction workers were on site, working away.

Three years after it was announced, Altoona’s long-awaited downtown container park will finally break out of the proverbial box later this summer.

City Manager Mike Golat said The Yard, as it will be known, is expected to open in July on Division Street within sight of the Union Pacific railyard (thus the name). The development will consist of three restaurants, a taproom, and a retail boutique – all housed in repurposed shipping containers. The Yard will also include two seating areas, restrooms, a volleyball court, lawn games, and even a spot to dance, which will be perfect for kicking up your heels when live musicians perform.

All these features – as well as a covered pavilion that is expected to be installed in the fall – are meant to make The Yard a “unique public space for people to come and have fun,” Golat said.

The project was funded with $1.38 million from the state of Wisconsin’s Neighborhood Investment Grant Program.

"There's a lot of these (container parks) down South where they don't have to worry about these (weather) extremes, but I don't think there's another one in Wisconsin that operates year round."

MIKE GOLAT

MAYOR OF ALTOONA

A rendering of the container park's plans, shared by the City of Altoona earlier on in the project, titled The Yard. The Yard is located just steps from Golden Spike Bar & Grill, on Division Street.

“The goals were well-defined when we started this,” Golat explained. “One was to very much lower the barriers of entry for entrepreneurs, which this definitely will. It’s very affordable rent.”

The second goal, he said, was to build more capacity for businesses in downtown Altoona, adding to the momentum created in recent years by the nearby success of Rump’s Butcher Shoppe and The Nostalgic Bean. 

The colorful collection of containers will be home to Borsch House, which will offer Ukrainian and Slavic cuisine; Ne-Ne’s Tacos, with authentic Mexican street fare; Beast + Bonito, which promises East Asian dishes made with Midwest ingredients; a yet-to-be-named taproom; and Coulee Boutique, a retailer with women’s clothing, gifts, and jewelry.

Another photo of the in-progress project, taken on June 5.

 While the project is nearing the finish line, Golat acknowledged there have been hurdles, many of them to ensure the containers were made compliant with building codes – from proper restaurant ventilation hoods to plumbing that can withstand Wisconsin weather.

“There’s a lot of these (container parks) down South where they don’t have to worry about those extremes,” Golat said. “But I don’t think there’s another one in Wisconsin that operates year round.”

Before the container units have to survive a Wisconsin winter, the small businesses and their sure-to-be-eager customers will get to enjoy the warmth of a sunny Wisconsin summer.

To keep up with news about The Yard (located on Division Street), follow the City of Altoona on social media or visit www.ci.altoona.wi.us.