Filter: Downtown Development

With most communities canceling events and unsure when they will be able to resume programming in light of the pandemic, WEDC’s downtown development team is offering some ideas for how communities can adapt. These include a focus on smaller events and virtual events, as well as events that can be planned in a short amount of time—so communities can adopt creative strategies instead of simply going the whole summer without any events.

By Joe Lawniczak, Wisconsin Main Street It seems there are few areas of life that aren’t being revolutionized by technology, and travel is no different. People rarely read maps [...]

More often than not, parking issues in downtown districts stem from one or more of the following: confusion about available parking; abuses and enforcement; and physical condition and design. Here are solutions to those issues.

Events and promotions are an important part of what make your downtown a destination. However, it is important that event hosts have a regular process for reviewing what went well and what could be improved.

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.

WEDC provides financial and technical assistance to Wisconsin businesses and communities. Community Development Investment (CDI) Grants and Idle Sites Redevelopment Grants are aimed at funding redevelopment in communities.

If you’re just getting started with downtown revitalization and lacking inspiration, here are 65 ideas to help get started.

Written by Joe Lawniczak, Wisconsin Main Street | Edited by Jim Draeger, Wisconsin Historical Society If you’re like most people, being able to identify a building’s architectural style is [...]