APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - City leaders in Appleton plan to soon break ground to redevelop Houdini Plaza.

In the next two week, officials will put out a request for bids to provide a much-needed facelift for the downtown plaza.

The city has committed $1 million to the project, provided $500,000 can be raised through private donations.

Construction could begin before the end of the year.

Officials say the project needs to be completed by next spring to be ready in time for the beginning of events that use the plaza all summer long.