Superior Business Leaders Propose $125M In Downtown Improvements

Business leaders in Superior are proposing around $125 million in projects to redevelop its downtown. They want to establish a special tax district, but they need approval from state lawmakers to move ahead with their plans.

A Superior economic development group hopes to mimic Milwaukee by creating what’s called an exposition district. The district would allow a tax on things like food and lodging there.

Superior-Douglas County Chamber President Dave Minor said the money would go toward creating and maintaining a hotel, convention center and more in a roughly 10-acre span of the city’s downtown.

“What we’re looking for is the same tools that the state gave to the Green Bay Packers to be able to add on to the city — the same situation that the Bucks have right now,” Minor said.

Business leaders say around $30 million in bonding is needed to leverage private investment, but they said their plan spreads out costs to people who would use the facilities. The president of the Superior-Douglas County Tavern League said they’re reviewing the potential impact of the food and beverage tax.