Filter: Downtown Development

With its good schools, low crime rates and natural wonders, Wisconsin is a family-friendly place—but still, only a handful of downtowns have what it takes to entertain children and their parents for an afternoon.

Wisconsin is blessed with historic buildings, districts and communities. Many communities have embraced this history and made a concerted effort to preserve these irreplaceable treasures, resulting in beautiful historic commercial districts and residential neighborhoods.

As Main Street staff members, we are often asked to recommend Wisconsin destinations that are unique, fun and exciting.

Wisconsin has many destinations with perfect amenities for a “girls’ getaway” weekend—but only a few that truly offer the whole package.

This isn’t the kind of shop class where you end up with a bookcase that Mom treasures. In these classes, students use high-tech equipment to make anything from robots to prototypes of the next big idea.

Each year, WEDC honors the hard work, dedication and countless hours that go into revitalizing and promoting Wisconsin’s Main Streets and downtowns. Wisconsin Main Street Program leaders and volunteers from across the state came together virtually through dozens of socially distanced “watch parties” on April 21 for the annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards, which celebrate success stories in business and community development, historic preservation and downtown revitalization.

Soon, children may once again be learning at the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Wyoming Valley School while their parents attend concerts and people of all ages take part in arts classes, exhibits and more.

May is Historic Preservation Month, so it is fitting that this issue of INtersections highlight some of the individuals around the state who have undertaken impactful local renovations of historic downtown properties. Investment in ongoing maintenance and periodic renovation or restoration of older or historic buildings is a key elements of downtown revitalization.

Farmers markets are important to communities in many ways. They are a critical component in rebuilding local food economies. They provide a cost-effective, retail sales opportunity for local food producers, and often for artisan businesses as well. And they are a beloved social gathering place for many Wisconsinites.

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 [...]

As our state, nation and world cope with a pandemic on a scale never before seen in our lifetimes, it has taken a toll on our health, our thinking, our economy and our communities. COVID-19 has also changed—perhaps forever—the the way we do business; interact with each other; and design the places we live, work and entertain. Some businesses, due to their nature, were able to easily adapt by providing window or curbside service, taking sales online or working from home. Others, such as salons, taverns, gyms, concert halls and sports venues, have had to shut down completely until further notice.