Downtown Revitalization

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  Equity and inclusion on Main Street

Equity and inclusion on Main Street

Recent economic, social and political conditions have highlighted the many divisions and inequities in our communities. In many cases these disparities impact everyday life—for example, the availability of work and sacrifices expected of essential workers; access to broadband and the employment, school and commerce opportunities it provides; and adverse health outcomes for certain demographics as a result of the pandemic, among others. Read More

Jake Mieske2020-11-18T12:30:04-06:00November 18, 2020|Downtown Revitalization, Places|

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  Upper-floor housing on Main Street

Upper-floor housing on Main Street

By Joe Lawniczak – Wisconsin Main Street Upper-floor space ready for renovation in Fond du Lac Upper-floor housing downtown can conjure up many images. Some might envision seedy, run-down apartments that no one would want to live in. Others might picture large, light-filled loft apartments with tons of character. Some might see modest but well-kept

Jake Mieske2020-10-21T10:39:02-05:00October 26, 2020|Downtown Revitalization, Places|

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  Tips and tricks on getting attendees to take surveys and give feedback

Tips and tricks on getting attendees to take surveys and give feedback

Surveys are a vital component in evaluating your events. Here are some tips and tricks for acquiring the best survey results. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-08-12T15:40:34-05:00August 13, 2019|Community Engagement, Downtown Revitalization, Marketing & Promotion, Places|

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  Building additions in historic commercial districts

Building additions in historic commercial districts

With additions to the side, rear or top of buildings, it is very important that the new portion does not physically or visually damage the existing building. Any new addition should take design cues from the original building style. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-07-17T15:02:04-05:00July 30, 2019|Downtown Revitalization, Local Ordinances, Places, Preservation|

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  Construction of new standalone developments in historic commercial districts

Construction of new standalone developments in historic commercial districts

Proper design strategies for standalone developments on larger vacant lots, typically on the edges of district. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-10-08T09:47:04-05:00July 23, 2019|Downtown Revitalization, Local Ordinances, Places, Preservation|

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  New infill construction in historic commercial districts

New infill construction in historic commercial districts

The design of a new infill building, particularly its front façade, is a special challenge. It should be designed to look appropriate and compatible with surrounding buildings, yet still look like it was built today. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-07-15T14:58:33-05:00July 16, 2019|Downtown Revitalization, Local Ordinances, Places, Preservation|

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  New construction in historic commercial districts

New construction in historic commercial districts

Communities large and small across Wisconsin are seeing a building boom of late, largely due to a need for more housing. Interjecting new buildings within a cohesive district of already-built structures is a sensitive design issue. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-07-15T15:56:36-05:00July 9, 2019|Downtown Revitalization, Local Ordinances, Places, Preservation|

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  Anatomy of a Wisconsin Main Street Makeover

Anatomy of a Wisconsin Main Street Makeover

Wondering what it takes for a successful Wisconsin Main Street Makeover? From the initial application to the final unveiling, this post covers all the moving parts of the Wisconsin Main Street Program's annual event. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-06-26T15:44:52-05:00June 21, 2019|Community Engagement, Downtown Revitalization, Marketing & Promotion, Places, Preservation, Small Business|

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  Business success in the 21st century

Business success in the 21st century

The recent survey found that new business starts in Wisconsin downtowns reached a high-water mark in 2018. With new businesses of all types were cropping up in Wisconsin's downtown, here's how a few found success. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-05-14T15:03:33-05:00May 28, 2019|Community Engagement, Downtown Revitalization, Marketing & Promotion, Places, Small Business|

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  Creating memorable events

Creating memorable events

Local events have an outsized influence on the perception and imagination of residents and visitors to the district. Creating memorable experiences for an hour, evening or weekend leaves people wanting more. Read More

Jake Mieske2019-05-28T09:07:48-05:00May 21, 2019|Downtown Revitalization, Marketing & Promotion, Places, Public Spaces|