Developer plans $30 million investment in Ripon

SOURCE: Fond du Lac Reporter
Project includes renovations, new construction

by heather stanek - The Reporter hstanek@fdlreporter.com

A developer has a $30 million plan for Ripon. If it succeeds, it promises to create a distinct, competitive downtown and hundreds of jobs.

Developer Boca Grande expects to renovate more than 25 buildings and construct a $15 million inn and spa, said Franklin Cumberbatch, the company's chief operations officer. He and Jim Connelly, Boca's chief executive officer, have already begun preliminary work and hope to finish by July 2012.

Plans include a National Republican Party Museum that would house historical documents and exhibits. Cumberbatch said the attraction would suit Ripon, the party's birthplace.

Diners would notice significant changes downtown. Boca Grande plans to double the size of Roadhouse Pizza and upgrade the kitchen at Los Gringos, he said. McGuire's, a new steakhouse, would serve brews produced in-house.

New restaurant Norman's, an enterprise with a Norman Rockwell theme, would cater to families by offering a special play area for children. After parents have ordered, they can send their kids to the "timeout room," where Ripon College students will entertain the youngsters. When the food arrives, the children return to the table.

Cumberbatch, a father himself, said it would give parents some quiet time to talk and enjoy a beverage.

Boca Grande also calls for upgrading the apartments above many downtown businesses. He said they would have high quality but meet a wide variety of price ranges.

He noted that Boca Grande will maintain each building's historical façade.

"We don't want to change the charm, the look," he said.

He predicts that construction alone would create about 400 jobs. Once complete, the businesses would likely need around 100 full-time workers.

Expense

Cumberbatch believes his company can secure money for the multi-million dollar endeavor. Boca Grande has applied for $8.6 million in Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) funds from the City of Ripon. Equity and debt financing would cover the remainder, he said.

He added that Boca Grande will build during the recession so the businesses are open by the time the economy turns around.

Cumberbatch said Ripon's character makes it an appealing investment. It has a college, four golf courses within 15 minutes, a lake only minutes away and beautiful natural resources that appeal to out-of-towners, he said.

"It's incredible what we have here," he said.

Reaction

Ripon Mayor Aaron Kramer has experienced a myriad of emotions since hearing about the project.

"You get the sticker shock. I thought, 'Whoa, this is unfathomable for a city our size,'" he said. "It's overwhelming at first glance. It's complicated and visionary."

That surprise has morphed into flattery. Kramer suspected that even the largest communities would be honored to receive such an extensive collection of restaurants, apartments and tourist attractions.

He added that the process so far has given him hope. Kramer, who's served as mayor since June 2003, said Boca Grande has been one of the most "accountable, transparent" companies he's encountered. He said Cumberbatch and Connelly have answered questions, held meetings with city officials and the public and developed a hot line for anyone with questions, (920) 896-1082.

But Kramer acknowledged that he doesn't expect a smooth ride. With the country in a recession, the worst can happen to any construction plan.

"I've never gone into a project feeling 100 percent sure it's going to work, except my marriage," he said with a laugh.

The prospect of additional jobs is a pleasant tune for Paula Price, executive director of the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce. She said she harbors no concern, only elation.

"We're hopeful that it's going to be a successful venture," she said. "It's going to help energize our downtown."

Kramer and Price said they haven't heard any complaints from constituents.

"We wish them well," said Price. "We (the Chamber of Commerce) will support Boca Grande in any way that we can."
Additional Facts
INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Ripon residents and business owners may comment on the Boca Grande project during the Ripon City Council meeting at 7 p.m. today at City Hall, 100 Jackson St. For more information on the $30 million plan, call (920) 896-1082.

PICTURE: Jim Connelly, left, and Frank Cumberbatch of Boca Grande development are shown near one of their properties in Ripon. They have a $30 million plan for Ripon that includes renovating more than 25 buildings and constructing an inn and a spa. (THE REPORTER PHOTO BY PATRICK FLOOD)

TO be accurate, I have received complaints/concerns from constituents, and I hope we have been able to answer many of the questions, and I welcome more.