So, you’re ready to find the perfect space for your business in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. That’s exciting! Whether you’re opening a cozy coffee shop, launching a tech startup, or expanding your growing business, choosing the right location is one of the most important (and sometimes overwhelming) steps in the process.
The good news is Eau Claire has lots of resources and real people ready to help. Let’s walk through how to start your search for commercial property here in Eau Claire.
Step #1: Know What You Need
Before diving into listings, take a step back and think about what you really need from a space, and not just today, but a year or two down the road.
Start with the basics:
- How much square footage will you need? Think about your day-to-day operations. Will you need space for customers to browse? Storage for inventory? Room for employees to work comfortably? Try to estimate how much space you’ll need right away and whether you might need more in the future.
- Do you want foot traffic, or is easy parking more important? If you’re opening a retail shop, café, or salon, visibility and walkability might be key. But if you’re running a business that relies more on appointments, deliveries, or staff access, proximity to parking or major roads might matter more than being on a busy street.
- What kind of space are you actually looking for? Not all commercial spaces are created equal. You might need a storefront with big windows, a flexible office setup, a commercial kitchen, or even warehouse or light industrial space. Narrowing this down early helps filter your options right away.
- Will your business grow soon, and will this space still work if it does? Maybe you’re starting small, but you plan to hire more staff or add services within a year. In that case, you might look for a space that can grow with you, whether that means extra square footage, flexible lease terms, or room for future expansion.
- What’s your budget for rent and other costs? Commercial rents in Eau Claire vary widely depending on location, size, and amenities. Think about what you can realistically afford each month—not just for rent, but for utilities, maintenance, insurance, and any buildout costs too. Having a clear budget in mind will help you avoid falling in love with a space that stretches your finances too thin.
You don’t have to have all the answers right now, and it’s okay if some of your needs change along the way. The important thing is to create a clear starting point. That way, when you connect with a broker, property owner, or our team, we can point you toward spaces that actually fit your vision and help you avoid wasting time on those that don’t.
Step #2: Tour Neighborhoods In Person
You can learn a lot from property listings and maps, but nothing beats walking the area yourself.
Once you have a few parts of the city in mind, take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. What’s nearby? What’s the traffic like during the day? Are there other businesses that complement yours or draw a similar customer base?
Here are a few things to pay attention to:
- Foot traffic & Visibility – Is this a high-traffic area or more tucked away? Will your business get noticed?
- Parking & Accessibility – Is there convenient parking or public transit nearby? Is the space easy to find?
- Neighboring Businesses – Are they a good match for your brand and audience? Could you benefit from shared traffic?
- General Vibe – Does the area feel like a place you and your customers will enjoy spending time?
Sometimes, a space looks perfect on paper, but something feels off in person. Or the opposite might happen: a listing you weren’t sure about suddenly clicks once you see it in real life. Trust your instincts! Spending time in potential neighborhoods can give you insights you won’t get from a floor plan or photo gallery. Plus, it helps you picture your business as part of the broader Eau Claire community, which is, after all, what this is really about.
Step #3: Explore Available Properties
Once you’ve got a good handle on what kind of space you’re looking for and where you generally want to be, it’s time to see what’s out there.
Start with our Property Search Tool
The City of Eau Claire’s Economic Development Division offers a searchable property database that’s free and easy to use. You can filter listings by property type, square footage, lease or sale price, and location. Many listings also include photos, basic specs, contact info for the listing agent, and sometimes even floor plans or brochures.
Whether you’re browsing casually or ready to schedule a tour, it’s a great starting point for seeing what’s available across Eau Claire.
Check with Local Brokers
Online listings are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Some commercial properties in Eau Claire never make it onto public databases, either because they’re leased quickly or because brokers are working directly with local contacts. That’s where a commercial real estate agent can be a huge asset. They often know what’s coming on the market before it’s officially listed, and they can help you navigate lease terms, pricing, and negotiations.
Plus, if you’re new to commercial real estate, a broker can walk you through the process and make sure you’re not missing anything important (like hidden costs or zoning issues).
Request Property Search Assistance
Want to skip to the finish line? Let us do some of the legwork for you. You can submit your property search criteria directly to our team using a quick online form. Just tell us what you’re looking for—square footage, location preferences, budget, and any must-haves—and we’ll send your request to local agents and property managers with properties that may match your needs. It’s fast, free, and designed to save you time.
Step #4: Consider Zoning & Permits
Found a property that feels like the one? That’s always an exciting moment. But before you get too far down the road—signing a lease, lining up contractors, or announcing your grand opening—it’s important to make sure the property is actually zoned for the type of business you want to run.
Zoning is how the City of Eau Claire organizes land use. It determines what kinds of activities can happen where, whether it’s retail, manufacturing, offices, restaurants, housing, or something else entirely. Even if a space looks perfect, it might not legally allow your business type without additional approvals.
For example:
- Want to open a café in a former office space? You’ll need to check if the zoning allows food service.
- Starting a small-batch manufacturing business? You’ll want to be sure light industrial use is permitted.
- Offering yoga classes in a storefront? You might need a conditional use permit depending on the location.
If you’re not sure how to check zoning or what a particular zoning code means, send the address or parcel number to the City of Eau Claire Planning Division, and they’ll look it up for you. They’ll let you know the zoning designation and explain what uses are allowed by right, what might require a permit, and what could be a challenge. And if it turns out the property you’re eyeing isn’t a perfect fit, they may be able to suggest similar spaces nearby that do meet your needs.
Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about making changes to the building, like adding signage, building out a commercial kitchen, or expanding the space, you’ll also want to factor in potential building permits or design approvals. These vary by project, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Zoning doesn’t have to be confusing, especially when you’ve got the right team to guide you. Let the Planning Division know what you’re wanting to do, and they’ll help you figure out what’s possible and how to make it happen.
Step #5: Think About Timing
Once you’ve found a space that checks all the boxes, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of imagining your business there. But before you start picking out furniture or planning your grand opening, it’s worth hitting pause to think through the timeline.
Some commercial properties are truly plug-and-play, meaning you could move in next week if the paperwork lines up. But more often, there are a few extra steps between signing a lease and opening your doors.
Here are some key things that can affect your timeline:
- Negotiating a Lease or Purchase Agreement: This part can take longer than you expect, especially if there are special conditions to work out, like tenant improvements, shared maintenance responsibilities, or zoning contingencies.
- Securing Financing: Whether you’re applying for a business loan, working with an investor, or using local incentive programs, getting the financing lined up can take a few weeks to a few months. Be sure to build in time for paperwork, underwriting, and approvals.
- Getting Permits & Approvals: If your project involves construction, renovations, new signage, or a change in use, you’ll likely need one or more permits from the City. And if your business type requires special licensing (like food service or alcohol sales), those processes can take time too. We break it all down here.
- Buildouts or Renovations: Need to install a kitchen, upgrade plumbing, or knock down a wall? Those changes will need to be designed, permitted, and constructed, and sometimes coordinated with multiple contractors. Even light cosmetic work can take longer than expected if materials are delayed or contractors are booked out.
That’s why we always recommend working backward from your desired opening date. Give yourself extra cushion, especially if your business depends on a timely launch, like opening before the holidays or the start of a busy season. The earlier you can identify what needs to happen and when, the smoother your launch will go. And if you’re feeling unsure about the timing, reach out. City staff can help you map it out and connect with the right departments or professionals to keep things moving forward.
In Summary
Finding the right commercial space isn’t always quick, but with a little planning and the right support, it can be a smooth and even fun process.
Here’s a quick recap:
✅ Know what you need
✅ Explore online and with local brokers
✅ Double-check zoning
✅ Plan ahead for permitting and buildout
✅ Reach out if you need help
When you’re ready to start your search (or just have questions), get in touch. We’d love to help you find the perfect home for your business. And if we can’t, we’ll connect you with local professionals who can!
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kendall implements the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s marketing strategies, coordinates business assistance, and supports data-driven planning and analysis.
