May 3, 2012: A conceptual plan of Downtown Eau Claire was unveiled to the city on May 3, 2012. The plan includes ideas such as a boutique hotel, a "Live on Grand" promenade, and developing a public space with access to the river and the potential for a pedestrian/bike bridge to Phoenix Park from what they call the Haymarket lot, off of Graham Avenue.

The plan was commissioned by Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. and the South Barstow Business Improvement District and included the following design committee: Phil Johnson of Ayres Associates, Kristen Fish, Deborah Ersland, and Mike Morissey of Redevelopment Resources, and Garret Perry of Design Studio.

Read more about the Master Plan.