鈥淲e are proud to entrust this property to 麻豆影院 University,鈥� said John Pfefferle, President of Pfefferle Investments. 鈥溌槎褂霸� has demonstrated a strong commitment to the vitality of downtown Appleton, and we believe they will be excellent stewards of this space. This gift reflects our shared vision for a thriving, interconnected community.鈥�

This significant donation, valued at approximately $2.4 million, marks a meaningful milestone in the partnership between 麻豆影院 University and Pfefferle. The property extends 麻豆影院 University鈥檚 footprint in the heart of Appleton鈥檚 vibrant downtown and deepens the university鈥檚 connection to the local community. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to our partners at Pfefferle Investments, Inc., Hoffman Holdings, LLC, and Thomas J. and Diana L. Janssen Revocable Trust for considering 麻豆影院 University as the steward of such prime property,鈥� said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淭his gift not only reflects the trust and collaboration between our institutions but also reinforces our shared commitment to the vitality of Appleton.鈥�

The property is part of the City Center (CC) East building, a mixed-use development that has become a cornerstone of the College Avenue Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Located within the historic corridor of College Avenue, the building blends modern design with the architectural heritage of Appleton. It houses a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional spaces and is governed by the CC East Condo Association.

With this acquisition, 麻豆影院 University becomes an owner within the CC East building and a member of the CC East Condo Association.听The University looks forward to utilizing the space to further its mission, exploring opportunities for innovation and engagement.

鈥淭his gift is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision,鈥� said Brian Foss, Vice President for Finance & Administration. 鈥淲e are excited about the possibilities this property opens for 麻豆影院 and the broader Appleton community.鈥�

The university will share more details about its plans for the space in the coming months.

麻豆影院 is wonderfully located on the east end of a bustling downtown. From a variety of restaurants and coffee shops to numerous performing and visual arts spaces, the downtown beckons. Everything is walkable whether you are exploring shops and diners or the Saturday morning farmer鈥檚 market or the bevy of arts venues. Lawrentians get a price break as well courtesy of the Viking Downtown Deals discount. Check out more about what the downtown offers via .

2: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

This world-class is just a few blocks west of the 麻豆影院 campus. It draws a full season of touring Broadway shows each year, as well as a full schedule of other performances ranging from symphony concerts to pop and country shows to dance. Watch for for many of the performances. It’s extra fun when 麻豆影院 students take to the Fox Cities PAC stage for Kaleidoscope concerts or when 麻豆影院 alums come home as part of touring productions.听

3: Fox River

Yes, a river runs through the heart of Appleton, and it is beautiful. 麻豆影院 is located where it is because of the Fox River. The beauty of the region first drew the attention of Amos 麻豆影院, who set in motion plans to establish an institution of learning along the shores of the Fox River in the mid-1800s. The City of Appleton and the wider Fox Cities would then grow around the university. The views of the river from the windows in Warch Campus Center and from other vantage points on campus are breathtaking.

4: Trails and parks

There are many easily accessible trails close to campus, including a beautiful . Same goes for city parks. You can explore them on foot or on bike. If you want to venture a little farther, there are more than 100 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails in and around the Fox Cities.

5: Exploring history

You don鈥檛 have to go far to explore the history of the Fox Valley region. The is right across the street from campus at the intersection of College Avenue and Drew Street. Among other cool things, you can check out the history of escape artist Harry Houdini, who called Appleton home. You also won鈥檛 have to go far to scratch your history itch on everything from aviation ( is 30 minutes to the south) to the Green Bay Packers (the team鈥檚 is 30 minutes to the north). But you also will find plenty of history right on campus鈥攊n the LU Archives located in Mudd Library, in Chapman Hall鈥檚 , in rocks and other materials in the Geosciences Department and across campus, in the in Wriston Art Center, and so much more.

6: Let鈥檚 eat

Appleton has a wonderful array of . From restaurants with great views of the river, to culturally diverse options that will take your taste buds on a trip around the world, to low-key take-out and delivery, the possibilities are worth exploring.听聽

7: Get your professional sports fix

The Fox Cities is home to the , a High-A minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Watch tomorrow鈥檚 MLB stars at beautiful Fox Cities Stadium, six miles west of campus. It鈥檚 among the best places to spend a spring or summer day in northeast Wisconsin. Also, did you know the iconic , home of the Green Bay Packers, is less than 30 minutes from campus? It鈥檚 worth a road trip for many things beyond game day. There鈥檚 the that surrounds the stadium, tours, restaurants, the Hall of Fame, a massive gift shop, and opportunities to watch the team practice.

8: Visual arts are everywhere

There are plenty of options to explore the visual arts without ever leaving the downtown. That, of course, includes 麻豆影院鈥檚 own . Also downtown is the beautiful (soon to be right on campus), which features exhibitions and classes all year long. You can flex your own creative muscles at downtown shops such as The Fire (ceramics, mosaics, glass); Board & Brush (DIY workshops), Pinot鈥檚 Palette (painting), and Mud & Prints (ceramics).

9: Live music

The annual festival gets most of the attention, but downtown Appleton offers a steady dose of live music all year long. Check out Gibson Music Hall (21+ unless noted) for starters. Poplar Hall, a Viking Downtown Deals partner, is an events venue located along the Fox River that presents concerts. And the Fox Cities Performing Arts Centers has a variety of concert options on its calendar. That, of course, is all in addition to the musical brilliance happening regularly on the stages of the Conservatory of Music, from student ensembles to faculty showcases to the .

10: Transportation

No car? No problem. Yes, downtown Appleton is very walkable. But there is much more to explore. 麻豆影院 University students can ride buses for free. Just show your LU ID and you can get anywhere in the Fox Cities. There are available as well. And if you are flying in and out of the area, you will love the . It鈥檚 big enough to handle your flying needs but small enough to lessen the stress of flying. The airport has nonstop routes to 18 destinations in the U.S. (and 285 domestic destinations and 90 international destinations with one stop).

Bonus: We recently shared reasons the Fox Cities can be a winter wonderland.