Downtown Plaza
2025 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: Strand Associates Inc.
Client: City of Shawano
Historic downtown Shawano was once a vibrant community hub, but years of declining business, vacant lots and underutilized spaces left it struggling. In 2017, the City’s Downtown Master Plan envisioned a transformation: a downtown plaza to bring excitement, unity and culture back to the heart of the city. Realizing this vision required innovative planning, collaboration and funding, challenges Strand Associates tackled head-on.
The plaza concept embraced Shawano’s nickname as the “City on the Wolf,” so named for their location along the Wolf River. A blue-colored concrete “river” visually connected Franklin Park to a nearby parking lot, while community areas on either side of Main Street were linked by pedestrian-friendly streetscaping. Each node featured sunburst-patterned concrete, decorative lighting, permanent seating, native landscaping and amenities like a sound system for year-round events. Highlights included a raised performance stage, programmable water features and a play area near the popular local brewery.
Cultural and historical ties were honored. Tribal consultations informed the landscaping and created space for cultural signage and performances. Salvaged bricks from the historic Naber building were repurposed into the plaza, reflecting Shawano’s heritage.
Now known as “The Naberhood,” after an adjacent historical building, the plaza has reinvigorated downtown Shawano, driving business interest and hosting events that unite the community, achieving the city’s vision of vitality and connection.