APPLETON, Wis (WFRV) - Appleton's downtown area is set to receive a major boost with the introduction of the Fox Den, a new food and community hub located within the Fox Commons.  The project, developed by Dark Horse Development, will occupy the western half of the first floor of the former City Center Plaza building. Appleton Police Department celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with homage to retired K-9 Appleton's Community Development Director Kara Homan shared, "The developers, Dark Horse Development, have conceptualized the idea that's called 'Fox Den,' which will take up the western half of the first floor of the former mall that was downtown." The Fox Den will feature ten food stalls and micro-retail spaces, designed to attract a variety of small vendors and entrepreneurs. "This new Fox Den will be an opportunity for those smaller entrepreneurs to get a foothold again downtown and then perhaps in the future if they continue to grow and prosper, locate into a bricks and mortar stand-alone building," Homan said. Beyond providing space for emerging businesses, the Fox Den is envisioned as a vibrant, community-focused gathering place.  "Something like the Fox Den concept is intended to serve as a node of connection to the community where people can meet up," Homan explained, "Not just for lunch but throughout the day. It's going to be bringing that continuous flow of people to the heart of our community." The Fox Den is part of the larger $15 million Fox Commons development, which also includes student housing for Lawrence University, health care facilities, and retail spaces.  A $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is helping to fund the project, which is expected to transform the heart of Appleton. Door County candlemakers raising money for Los Angeles fire victims through ‘Golden State’ candle “It's going to be a place where people can gather, entrepreneurs can thrive, and the downtown area can continue to grow," Homan concluded. The project is still in its early planning phases, and while a timeline for completion has not yet been confirmed, the city is optimistic about the future of downtown Appleton.