Update on New Wisconsin Main Street Communities

Governor Jim Doyle announced on June 27, 2008 that three new Wisconsin cities have been named "Main Street"communities, joining the program in its 20th year. Here's an update on progress so far.

With the distinction, each community will receive five years of intensive technical service from the Department of Commerce's (Commerce) Main Street team in the areas of organization, design, economic restructuring and promotion.

"For 20 years, the Main Street Program has not only helped restore pride and community spirit to downtowns across the state, but has also provided an important economic boon, attracting new businesses and creating new jobs for hard-working Wisconsin families,"Governor Doyle said. "I'm pleased to welcome Manitowoc, Port Washington and Tomahawk to the Main Street Program."

They join the 34 active Main Street programs across the state.

Following are profiles of this year's Main Street designees:

Tomahawk (population 3,820) in Lincoln County has its history based in Wisconsin's logging industry, and paper manufacturing is still one of its largest employers. The four-block area features 65 diverse specialty and service businesses.

The district is home to such longstanding events as Music on Main and the Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA. The Tomahawk Main Street program wants to create a city ordinance to promote preservation and protect historic buildings.

Port Washington (population 11,467) in Ozaukee County is located on Lake Michigan and is a major tourist draw for Lake Michigan fishing. The 25–block district features 153 businesses that employ 1,466 full-time employees. A portion of the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This summer the downtown underwent a major streetscape project. Downtown Port Pride wants to reduce the number of vacancies downtown by establishing and maintaining a website listing the vacancies in the district.

Manitowoc, (population 33,811) in Manitowoc County, is located on Lake Michigan and is home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the Capitol Civic Center, which draws about 70,000 visitors a year. The 34-block district is home to 186 restaurants, specialty shops and service businesses and 144 apartment units. Parts of the district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Each community has hired an executive director and is opening an office in their downtown.

Wisconsin Main Street will hopefully be accepting communities in 2010. If you would like more information about the program or would like a member of the staff to talk to your community, please contact Jim Engle at James.Engle@wisconsin.gov or call 608-267-0766.

-- Jim Engle