Watertown business wins Main Street Makeover Contest

MADISON, WI. Jan 15, 2019 – Anthony’s 511 barbershop in downtown Watertown has been named the winner in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest.

The barbershop, opened in 2004 by owner and Milwaukee native Anthony Chentis, was selected as the winner of the makeover contest based on the business’s successful track record, clear vision for the property and potential for expanded customer traffic and employment in a highly visible location along Watertown’s Main Street.

Anthony’s 511 will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement the changes, which include improvements to the dated façade, updated signage, enhanced waiting area space and a redesign of interior space to eliminate wasted space. The goal of the makeover is to attract more foot traffic to the business and create space for additional stylists to meet local demand.

A team made up of WEDC staff and professionals from Retailworks Inc. will work closely with Chentis and staff from Watertown Main Street over the next few months to develop the shop’s new look. The improvements will be made during a 48-hour makeover event in April.

“Anthony’s 511 is more than just a barbershop—it’s a gathering place for many in the community,” said Melissa Lampe, executive director of the Watertown Main Street Program, explaining the reason the shop was nominated. “Since opening more than a decade ago, Anthony has worked diligently to create a dedicated customer base while also making time to give back to the community through charitable events such as the STAR BBQ Competition. This award will help Anthony take his business to the next level and shine a very positive light on the many revitalization efforts taking place in our community.”

“This recognition validates that Anthony’s hard work and vision have had a positive effect on the Main Street district and will continue to do so,” Lampe added. “We can’t wait to see how the improvements to this key property will drive further investment in the community.”

The contest is designed to raise awareness of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, which is overseen by WEDC and provides support and training for organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts. It also increases the engagement of businesses and communities within the Main Street Program and showcases the businesses that bring life to downtown districts.

A total of 20 applications were received from businesses Wisconsin’s 34 designated Main Street districts. The four additional finalists were: Arrow Gift Shop in Eagle River; Bushel & Peck’s in Beloit; K Sera Salon and Spa in De Pere; and Campbell Family Homes in Viroqua. All eligible applicants will receive outreach and technical assistance from WEDC community development staff and their local Main Street program to help them achieve their business goals.

“This unique contest not only provides additional support and services to the winning business, but it also highlights the benefits of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, which has resulted in the creation of more than 2,700 new businesses and 14,000 new jobs in Wisconsin since its inception in 1987,” said Errin Welty, downtown development account manager with WEDC. “A vibrant downtown is critical to the overall economic health of a community, and our staff works closely with local Main Street organizations to help ensure their success.”

The 2018 Main Street Makeover winner was Annie’s Fountain City Café in downtown Fond du Lac.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit www.wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.

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.