UPDATE - On Tuesday, September 12, the Wausau City Council approved a permit for a Panera Bread to be built on 17th and Stewart on Wausau's west side.
Wausau Assistant Community Development Director Heather Wessling says the city will provide $170,000 in financial assistance to demolish the old Stettin Mutual Building. It will also cover asbestos abatement and removal, relocating power lines and utilies, street scape upgrades, bike path and sidewalk costs.
Construction is expected to begin this fall.
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Panera Bread leaders confirm they are looking at expanding into the Wausau area. Company spokesperson, Robyn Lippert says they are awaiting approval from the Wausau City Council to start building on Wausau's west side.
Last week, we told you a Wausau planning committee had given preliminary approval for zoning changes to the property on Stewart Avenue. The full city council will take up the measure at a meeting in September.
Lippert says she and other representatives from Panera will attend the meeting. The Ghidorzi Companies plan to develop for the project. If approved Lippert hopes the restaurant will open in about a year.
Panera is known for its baked breads and operates nearly 30 restaurant/deli type restaurants in Wisconsin.
Some business owners located near the proposed construction site have voiced concerns about increased traffic in the area.
