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
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
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
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
Wisconsin Main Street Awards recognize success
The recent Wisconsin Main Street Awards recognized notable businesses and projects from around the state over the past year. The awards, now in their 28th year, recognize many different forms of success. Read More
Local Wisconsin Main Street organizations recognized at 28th annual awards ceremony
WEDC recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2018 at the 28th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held today at the Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls. Read More
What Wisconsin can learn from Seattle
Although Seattle’s population far surpasses that of most Wisconsin Main Street communities, its neighborhoods and surrounding communities demonstrate the wide variety of strategies communities can employ to make their place stand apart as a destination for locals or visitors. Read More
National conference has strong Wisconsin contingent
Main Street Now, the national downtown development conference hosted annually by the National Main Street Center, was held this year in Seattle. More than 20 Wisconsin Main Street network individuals attended the conference as both participants and presenters. Read More
Wausau River District becomes Wisconsin’s sixth Great American Main Street
Wausau River District is one of three winners of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Read More
Fostering interaction and engagement
While infrastructure and amenities can be designed to foster spontaneous interactions, programs can also be designed to actively promote engagement and interaction among like-minded individuals. Read More
Infrastructure and amenities for all ages
Downtowns offer unique architecture and affordable spaces that are well suited to all types of uses, but properties that have not been well-maintained or recently renovated require both inspiration and capital to translate existing spaces into move-in-ready apartments and retail storefronts. Read More
Demographic trends and downtowns
While statewide trends in Wisconsin point toward increased growth predominantly in the upper age brackets, both baby boomer and millennial/Gen Z groups show a preference for downtown. Read More