Waupun Business Is Winner of Wisconsin’s Main Street Makeover Contest

MADISON, WI. MARCH 12, 2026 — Waupun’s Blue Heron Antiques has been named as the winner of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest.

For winning, Blue Heron Antiques will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement recommended changes, which could include exterior façade and storefront design improvements along with personalized assistance to boost the business’s image and operations. The makeover will take place in the spring of 2026.

“Helping small businesses grow is essential to creating vibrant downtown areas and economically strong communities,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “We at WEDC are excited to see what Blue Heron Antiques can achieve after the Main Street Makeover.”

Owner Melanie Williams is celebrating 30 years in business this year, and the makeover is a great opportunity to position the business for continued growth and evolution in the future. She purchased the building to accommodate her growing business in 2000, and has renovated much of the interior and mechanicals, but the storefront still screams ‘1960’s office space’ and does not reflect the character or quality of the merchandise inside.

“I have wanted to do a project like this for many years but always felt I needed someone who understands historic buildings to bring my vision to life,” Williams said. “This award gives me access to the expert design needed to do the project right. Once it’s complete, I’m confident this will have a positive impact on both my business and on our Main Street.”

Blue Heron Antiques will spend several months working with WEDC’s Main Street staff and consultants from Studio GWA, Inc., a Monroe-based architecture firm, on a renovation plan. Blue Heron was selected as the winner based on the potential positive impact of the project on the district, growth potential at the business, and the commitment of the business and community to continued improvement.

The new and improved business storefront will be formally unveiled during a public celebration featuring state and local officials. All eligible businesses that submitted applications for the competition will receive technical assistance from the Main Street team to help achieve their goals and enhance their business.

The Main Street Makeover Contest is based on the popular reality show concept. Established businesses located in one of the state’s 37 Wisconsin Main Street and 100 Connect Communities had the opportunity to nominate themselves for a “makeover.”

Now in its 13th year, the Main Street Makeover Contest is an initiative of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, a comprehensive revitalization program overseen by WEDC and designed to promote the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in Wisconsin. The contest is designed to raise awareness of the Wisconsin Main Street Program and Connect Communities Program, which are the two downtown revitalization initiatives overseen by WEDC. The programs provide support and training for communities and organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts. The Makeover programs are just one example of many programs designed to foster business and community engagement and showcase the businesses that bring life to downtown districts.

The inaugural 2018 Main Street Makeover winner was Annie’s Fountain City Café in downtown Fond du Lac. The 2019 Makeover winner was Anthony’s 511 Barbershop in downtown Watertown, in 2020 Ted’s Pizza Palace in downtown Menomonie received a makeover for the restaurant’s 50th anniversary and the 2021 winner was mainstay retailer Moores on Main in Ashland. The 2022 winner of the full makeover was Fred’s Beds and More in Mayville and in 2024 Link’s Martial Arts in Mayville. Interior upgrades have been provided to The Sow’s Ear in Verona and Plush Clothing in Racine, while exterior space makeovers were awarded in 2023 to the The Supply Station in Three Lakes and in 2025 to Craft Creek Brewing in Manitowoc.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.