Guide to the Confluence Project Records, 2008-2020

Overview of the Collection

Repository: 
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715)-836-2739
http://www.uwec.edu/Library/archives/info.htm

Reference Code: USGZE UHC376

Accession Number:  21-006

Collection Number: University Historical Collection 376 

Creator: University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

Title: Confluence Project Records

Dates: 2008-2020

Quantity: 1.2 linear feet (3 archives boxes)

Location of Collection: B6/3d

Languages: Collection materials are in English.

Summary: Documents pertaining to the development of the Confluence Project, a large-scale downtown Eau Claire cultural redevelopment program focused around the Pablo Center, a performing arts venue.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Confluence Project is a mixed-use redevelopment project for downtown Eau Claire which began around 2010, with the intent of providing cultural and economic development to the Eau Claire area by capitalizing on downtown Eau Claire’s unique identity. This was kickstarted by the Chippewa Valley Museum’s Good Life Project in 2010, which aimed to examine how Eau Claire residents and community partners felt about Eau Claire’s cultural life, and in what directions it could head. Because there was no long-range historic or artistic planning currently in place in Eau Claire county, they chose to focus on those aspects of the community. Their findings overwhelmingly were that Eau Claire’s unique heritage was tied to the outdoors and the scenic waterways which the city was built upon. Due to this, the Confluence Project was built around utilizing the relatively untapped potential of the downtown and waterfront area. The centerpiece of this project is the Pablo Center, a large performing arts facility meant to replace the aging State Theater as a large-scale venue for the arts in Eau Claire. It also features university housing, retail and commercial space, and a public parking space. The project was a collaboration between public and private sectors, with local businesses, the state and county government, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire participating in the project. It is meant to both improve the community’s quality of life as well as attract a vibrant, creative workforce to help build innovative industry in Eau Claire.

Content Description

This collection includes planning documents, consulting firm reports, financial project costs, tax districting, community surveys, and other related materials. Additionally, it features newspaper articles written while the Confluence Project was in the process of being approved, and documents public opinion both for and against the project. A large portion of this information was developed by Clear Vision Eau Claire, a public organization of Eau Claire citizens hoping to revitalize their community. They surveyed the community at large as well as community leaders to see what kinds of events people would like to see in Eau Claire, what facilities are needed, and what funding sources should be used. There are several large binders meant to provide an overview of the project, its economic impact, its connection to the UW system and its connection to the State and state funding. Also included are examples of successful performing arts facilities in other cities of similar scope to the Pablo Center. There are PowerPoint presentations on the project [print], as well as proposals for funding and usage of the space.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: Transferred to the University Archives by the Foundation in 2020.

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Preferred Citation: Confluence Project Records, 2008-2020.  UHC 376. Special Collections & Archives.  McIntyre Library.  University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.

Processing Note: Processed by Adler Orr in Fall 2020.

Arrangement: by series.

OCLC #: 1245965156

Subjects

Detailed List of Contents

Series 1: Budget and Finance

Documents which focus on grants, taxes, and revenue for the Confluence Project.  

Dates: 2011-2020

Extent:  .4 linear feet (1 archives box)

Container

Contents

Dates 

Box/Folder

1/1

Financial documents

2011-2012

Box/Folder

1/2

Financial documents

2012

Box/Folder

1/3

Financial documents

2013

Box/Folder

1/4

Financial documents

2014-2015

Box/Folder

1/5

Financial documents

2015

Box/Folder

1/6

Financial documents

2017-2018

Box/Folder

1/7

Financial documents

2019-2020

Series 2: Planning/conceptualization

Documents revolving around the planning and conceptualization of the Confluence project, including cultural studies of Eau Claire

Dates: 2008-2020

Extent:  .8 linear feet (2 archives boxes)

Container

Contents

Dates 

Box/Folder

2/1

Planning documents

Undated-2008

Box/Folder

2/2

Planning documents

2011

Box/Folder

2/3

Planning documents

2012

Box/Folder

2/4

Project overview binders

2012-2013

Box/Folder

2/5

Planning documents

2014

Box/Folder

2/6

Planning documents

2015-2020

Box/Folder

3/1

Business planning binder – refoldered and kept in original order

2013-2014