Design Plans

Open House in October 2016 

The parcel of property located at the merger of the Chippewa & Eau Claire Rivers had been a nondescript piece of land bordered by small riverbank trees for decades. In October 2016 a public Open House was held to discuss plans for the site to transform it into a gleaming gathering spot for all to enjoy in the heart of downtown Eau Claire.

Work Session in February 2017 

Open House in February 2017 

Renderings & Video of Layout Presented

Additional stone pavers and hardscape surfaces were added near the entrances of the Confluence Arts Center & Haymarket Landing building in the new design. The plaza had also been softened into a lower maintenance and "greener" feel upon approaching the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers. Included in the plaza design were various locations for art, seating and viewing the rivers, and a large interactive feature with decorative lighting to create a center focal point. Linear fire sculptures were added to adorn the area adjacent to the Confluence Arts Center.

The video below was presented and the public was able to view the artists' renderings of the layout.

Incorporating the Final Design of Features

Incorporating the final design of the features into the plaza was the focus following the Open House. This meant refining everything into the master plan from types of seating, fountain features, and lighting to art & sculptures, technology, and landscaping. During this process the City welcomed comments and feedback from the public about the final features.

Retaining Wall Construction in 2017

The nondescript parcel of land bordered by small riverbank trees that would be transformed into the gleaming gathering spot known as Haymarket Plaza begins with the construction of a retaining wall in late Summer/Fall 2017. Completion of this wall needed to take place prior to construction of the plaza itself, which was to begin the following year.

Plaza Construction Takes Place

Construction Begins in 2018

Construction of Haymarket Plaza itself began in Spring/Summer 2018 and work continued on the site throughout construction season that year. The plaza would boast interactive water fountains, fire features, green space, seating, and river access. The opening of this public gathering space was set to coincide with the opening of the Confluence Arts Center in downtown Eau Claire.

Construction Complete in 2019

Work on the plaza site continued at the start of the construction season in Spring 2019, and the finishing touches on the gleaming gathering space now known as Haymarket Plaza wrapped up in June 2019.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening

 "Haymarket Plaza Ribbon-Cutting"
Volume One, 3 Jul. 2019.

Fire Features, Fountains & Lighting

Work continued following the ribbon cutting ceremony to complete the fountains, fire features, and lighting within the plaza area. Engineering worked with the Police Department to test the features one evening, and these photos taken below by the Police Department showcase the breathtaking beauty of the award-winning project known as Haymarket Plaza.