Peter Kraus Fitness is bringing its signature training experience to Wausau at the Foundry on 3rd.
“We are a 24-hour fitness facility with a specialty in personal training,” said Peter Kraus, founder and CEO. “Wausau will be our sixth location, and our first outside of Dane County. We are so excited to be coming to town.”
Open to the public with a paid membership, the fitness center offers access to cutting-edge equipment and a variety of training options, including high-energy group classes, personalized training and expert coaching. The PKFit philosophy takes a holistic approach to well-being by empowering individuals to train hard and feel motivated beyond a physical workout.
Peter Kraus started the exercise brand in his hometown of Madison and branched out across Wisconsin. Before that, he offered in-home training services in Chicago and Los Angeles and even starred in Season 13 of “The Bachelorette,” making it all the way to the final two bachelors.
Kraus is highly involved in the daily operations of his fitness business and is known to instruct some of the classes personally. Memberships start at $45 per month, while residents of the Foundry on 3rd enjoy 24/7 gym access included as part of their leasing amenities.
Wanted: Businesses to serve new residents and downtown shoppers
T. Wall Enterprises is actively seeking new businesses and services to open in the commercial space of the Foundry on 3rd. Businesses that they’re targeting include:
- Cafe
- Hair Salon
- Taproom/Wine Bar
- Convenience/Small Grocer
- Coffee/Bakery Shop
- Chiropractor/Physical Therapy
- Pharmacy/Health Store
- Pet Grooming
- Credit Union/Bank
“Currently, there’s interest from a hair salon and we’re talking with a tavern owner as well,” said Nick Patterson, development manager for T. Wall. He added that they’re in the process of hiring a full-time commercial broker to help lease the retail spaces.
For commercial leasing information, email retail@twallenterprises.com.
Now Open: Two restaurants join Wausau’s culinary scene
Mumble Wrap
is the latest restaurant to open its doors in downtown Wausau, replacing Townie’s Grill inside of Malarkey’s. Mumble Wrap takes “have it your way” to a whole new level with specialty wraps and bowls that guests can order from the counter, bar area, a self-service kiosk or their phones. They can dine in, carry out or walk their order over to Malarkey’s to enjoy with a beverage.
The menu, crafted by Chef Andy Dassow, features a dozen unique wraps, each priced around $14. The wraps are not just a meal, but a culinary experience thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse tastes and curious appetites.
“All wraps are strategically made to transfer into a bowl easily,” said Jesse Bartnik, owner and operator. “The Julius in a bowl eats like a Caesar salad. The Weird Fishes in a bowl eats like a poke bowl.”
Everything at Mumble Wrap is made fresh with high-quality ingredients, including the dough used for the tortillas, which includes gluten-free options. “We felt like it was time for Wausau to step outside of its comfort zone,” said Bartnik. “Some people think it’s crazy that we don’t sell hamburgers. To us, that’s like walking into a pizza place and asking for sushi. It’s okay to be different — more food variety and differentiation is only going to help grow our community.”
Bartnik is excited to introduce a fast casual eatery to Wausau. “Over the past 20 years, fast casual dining has been the number one growth segment across dining as a whole,” he said. Fast casual bridges the gap between QSR (fast food) and full-service dining, allowing for quick service that’s also higher quality than fast food.
Mumble Wrap is open every night until Malarkey’s closes.
Another venue combining food and a fun atmosphere is Pho Zone at Riverlife Park. Pho Zone, the Asian fusion restaurant in Weston, is expanding its reach to serve visitors at the Wausau park. The menu includes ice cream, boba tea, fruity ice cream rolls, egg rolls, fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea and more.
According to Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director Jamie Polley, Pho Zone will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Briq’s Soft Serve previously operated in the city-owned building of the park from 2019 to 2024.
Support: Shop local and park for free
Downtown business owners, city planners and construction teams have been collaborating around the clock to ensure that the city remains as accessible as possible during the revitalization process. “It’s vitally important for the community to support our local merchants who do so much to create a unique shopping and dining experience in the heart of the city,” said Dave Eckmann, president of Wausau Opportunity Zone (WOZ). “Every purchase you make not only helps our businesses thrive, but also strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods.”
Amy Yanzer, owner of Forward Beverage Co. on Third Street, has noticed a decline in sales and foot traffic. She urges shoppers to use the city’s various free parking options or make purchases online from Wausau businesses. “There is free parking in the west ramp off of Washington Street, and from there it’s a quick, one-block walk to all the Third Street businesses.”
Forward Beverage Co. crafts memorable non-alcoholic cocktails available in their taproom, online or at local restaurants and stores.
Other area shops can be found online at Wausau River District or 3rd Street Lifestyle Center.
During construction, free parking is available at the JCPenney Parking Ramp, HOM Furniture Parking Ramp and Lot 18 off Forest Street. Quickly find parking spots downtown with the Passport Parking app.
Foundry on 3rd reaches final phases
The five-story, multi-use luxury apartment complex is now entering the final phases of construction and is progressing rapidly, from exterior to interior details. The pedestrian skywalk connecting the building to the parking ramp on Forest and Fifth Streets is also nearing completion. “The transformation of the project, along with the street and utility work this summer, has me really excited to see the final product in a few months, said Randy Fifrick, the city’s development director.
The Foundry on 3rd is set to open this fall. Apartment home applications are available online at twallenterprises.com.
Refreshing changes are happening in Downtown Wausau. Be sure to sign up for emails at downtownrefresh.com for more information.
Wausau Opportunity Zone, Inc. is leading the charge to inform residents of progress made during the development phases of Downtown Wausau. WOZ is collaborating with the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, local governments, businesses, and organizations to involve and engage the community.