Riverfront parks and mixed-use development in the historic Cannery District
“If I had to describe West Riverside in two words — which certainly isn’t easy — I would say “changing and diverse,” says Arne Kleven, the owner of Kleven Real Estate, Inc. and an Eau Claire Realtor for more than 40 years. “There’s a lot of history in this neighborhood, but it’s also in the middle of a significant transformation.” West Riverside faces the Chippewa River and the new Cannery Redevelopment District. Launched in 2008 to bring vibrant attractions, new housing, and mixed-use development to this underutilized part of westside Downtown Eau Claire, the project has moved at a steady pace and captured the attention of Eau Claire residents and newcomers.
The redevelopment project encompasses 41.5 riverfront acres, which is about a quarter of the West Riverside neighborhood. Completed works include street and utility upgrades, new parks, bicycle and walking trails and several rental and single-family condominiums and townhouses. Five distinct areas are planned, each with their own mix of residential, recreational and commercial development, and the project is funded by tax revenue derived from the resulting property-value increases in the area.
Kleven adds, “Buyers are amazed by how much is right at their fingertips in West Riverside. In addition to the new Cannery district, this area has some of Eau Claire’s best assets—the river, Downtown, parks, restaurants, cultural spots--and so much is within walking distance of home.”
Prominent two-story homes are among the largest in West Riverside.
West Riverside is just across the Chippewa River from downtown Eau Claire.
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Brand-new townhouses and century-old cottages
The urban residential neighborhood is about 7 square miles wide. It features 420 single-family homes, many over 100 years old, as well as industrial, retail, commercial and medical buildings. Restaurants, breweries, The Eau Claire Children's Theater and Kessler Park are notable destinations close to most homes.
While the median price of recently sold homes in West Riverside is $262,358, buyers can find one- and two-bedroom cottages for about $85,000 to about $185,000. Colonial-inspired homes from the early 1900s have sold from $190,000 to $240,000. Brand-new townhouses on 2nd Street have recently sold for about $380,000. Fixer-uppers are relatively easy to find and old home fans will find ones from the 1880s to the 1930s.
West Riverside cottages and traditionals come with a variety of custom builds.
Established Farmhouses with multiple additions make for unique homes in West Riverside.
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Breweries, diners and family restaurants
The Brewing Projekt creates custom beers and fruit bombs for patrons and local breweries and distilleries. It also hosts frequent events in its high-ceilinged, airy location overlooking The Chippewa River, including bands, holiday markets and movie nights. Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant and Muang Thai Restaurant & Sushi are local favorites. The closest grocery store to West Riverside is Hy-Vee on North Clairemont Avenue.
Dell’s Architectural Antiques sells restored and recovered classic home fixtures big and small. With more than 50 retailers, and a selection of fast-food stops, Oakwood Mall is the only mall in Eau Claire.
Muang Thai Restaurant and Sushi serves up curry and more just minutes from West Riverside.
The Brewing Projekt has a stand-out mural that has become a West Riverside landmark.
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Arts-centered events are big attractions in West Riverside
Generations of kids and parents have enjoyed the performing arts at Eau Claire Children's Theatre. The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour displays more than 120 outdoor sculptures by local, national and international artists. It is the largest sculpture tour in the country. Local businesses fund the year-round exhibit to promote tourism and spur economic development.
The Eau Claire Children's Theater is located in West Riverside and hosts shows throughout the year.
The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour finds its way through West Riverside.
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Eau Claire Area School District is No. 1 in the county
Eau Claire Area School District receives a B-plus grade from Niche. In addition to about 20 public elementary, middle and high schools, the district also offers an early learning program and three charter schools. Students in West Riverside can attend Lakeshore Elementary, which faces the Chippewa River and receives a B-grade from Niche. DeLong Middle receives a B-grade from Niche. Activities and clubs include forensics, MathCounts, band, choir and student council. North High is graded B-plus by Niche.
Wisconsin offers a wide variety of school choice options, including assigned district public schools, charter schools, private schools (private pay), open enrollment and parental choice program schools. Options can change yearly, and parents are advised to conduct thorough research.
Lakeshore Elementary School has a 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
North High School has multiple sports fields on campus.
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New neighborhood parks and riverfront beaches
Cannery Park is one of Eau Claire’s newest year-round park. its skateboard park overlooks the Chippewa River and is partly shaded. In winter, a sledding hill with views of the river is expected to draw attention to its unexpected setting. Play structures include a giant play tower shaped like a can, nodding to the area's history as a canning district.
Kessler Park is the epitome of an urban neighborhood park. It’s just steps away from homes on Walnut Street and beckons kids with its basketball hoops, brightly colored play equipment, 2 acres of green space, and sports fields.
Half Moon Beach is half a mile south and fronts 135-acre Half Moon Lake and Carson Park. The sandy beach is close to a public boat landing and is busy during the summer. In the winter, residents enjoy ice-fishing.
Cannery Park has a basketball hoop.
Families enjoy the playground at Kessler Park.
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West Riverside is five miles from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
West Riverside is mostly flat with a few hilly streets. While residents bike for recreation inside the neighborhood and along riverfront trails, car travel is essential for daily driving. The neighborhood is 95 miles east of Minneapolis, Minnesota and 180 miles north of Madison, the state capital. Interstate 94 connects west to Minneapolis and southeast to Milwaukee.
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is Eau Claire’s closest airport. Homes in the middle of the neighborhood are about 5 miles from the main terminal. In December 2024, United Express will offer daily flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
West Riverside’s overall CAP Index crime score is 4 (on a scale of 1 to 10), while a score of 4 is the U.S. average.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bob Ritsch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mount Simon Park
Domer Park
Carson Park
McDonough Park
Phoenix Park
Kessler Park
Cannery Park
Half Moon Beach
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Riverside
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Riverside, Eau Claire sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Riverside, Eau Claire over the last 12 months is $197,816, down 22% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cannery Square North is a 138-unit apartment complex. Located at 2016 Oxford Ave in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Offering studios, 1- and 2-bedroom units. Each unit features modern kitchens with energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, ample storage, laminate wood flooring, carpeted bedrooms, and a private outdoor balcony. Enjoy a stackable washer and dryer, high-speed internet,
Studio Rent SpecialGet $2,000 OFF with a 12-Month Lease! Furnished studio apartments start at $1295Specials Offered for Limited Time | Subject to Change | Terms and conditions apply.Find your new home at The Current. Conveniently located across from the river and within walking distance to downtown Eau Claire and Luther Hospital. Bring your pets - the Current is Pet
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bob Ritsch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,916
Median Age
33
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,403
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,690
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
30.3%
Advanced Degrees
6.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
6°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
48''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
