Retlaw Theater Project Being Awarded $400,000 State Grant

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has approved a $400,000 grant for the redevelopment of the Retlaw Theater in downtown Fond du Lac.  The $2.3 million project will allow Commonwealth Development to relocate their corporate headquarters to the first floor, locate 10 market-rate apartments on the second floor, and offer space on the third floor for a dance studio. The façade of the original theater built in 1925 will be restored during the project, but the theaters will be razed to make way for parking space. The grant to the City was approved this week. Contracts still need to be signed before the grant can be formally awarded. “The city is appreciative of WEDC’s programs that invest in economic development opportunities in communities like Fond du Lac,” said City Manager Joe Moore. Louie Lange, president of The Commonwealth Companies, which is the developer of the project added: “Our sincerest thank you to the City of Fond du Lac and the WEDC for their vision and support.” The development is expected to directly create five new jobs at Commonwealth’s corporate offices. Once fully developed, the project also is expected to generate about $25,000 in additional property taxes for the community and add more than $600,000 to Fond du Lac’s tax base. To read the press release click here.