Wausau River District named 2019 Great American Main Street
Founded in 2002, Wausau River District has played an important role in advocating for new developments as well as redesigning wider and more walkable streets.
MADISON, WI. March 27, 2019 – Wausau River District has been named a recipient of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization.
“Wausau River District has set an example for communities across the country that are looking to cultivate sustainable, long-term revitalization in their downtown,” said National Main Street Center CEO and President Patrice Frey. “They have shown what’s possible if you invest in public spaces, expand partnerships and collaborations, diversify funding sources, and launch programs that respond to the needs of your community.”
Selected by a national jury of community development professionals and leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, Wausau River District is being recognized for becoming an amenity-rich arts and culture destination with engaging public spaces and a booming local economy.
Founded in 2002, Wausau River District has played an important role in advocating for new developments as well as redesigning wider and more walkable streets. These efforts, combined with more than $93 million in public investment and $26 million in private investment, has allowed the city to focus on developing unique public spaces and special events that showcase the character and natural beauty of the downtown area.
Wausau River District hosts 100 special downtown events each year, ranging from concerts to art fairs, drawing over 72,000 visitors annually.
“I’m beyond proud of our community’s focus on improving the quality of life for our residents, through the creation of public spaces, community events, expansion of walking/biking trails and the vast amount of cultural and historical offerings that make our downtown so vibrant any time of the year,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, executive director of Wausau River District.
The selection criteria for the winning communities includes their overall strength of their Main Street Program, commitment to historic preservation, active involvement of the public and private sector and engagement of community members and local stakeholders in the downtown revitalization process.
Alberta Main Street in Portland, OR and Wheeling Heritage in Wheeling, WV were also recipients of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award.
Previous Wisconsin main street communities who have also received the Great American Main Street Award include Sheboygan Falls (1995), Chippewa Falls (1996), La Crosse (2002), Green Bay (2009) and Beloit (2011).
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 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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Shop Small Wisconsin, support local businesses this holiday season
Nov 20th, 2024 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationWEDC officials will visit locally owned businesses and vibrant downtowns
Sixteen businesses named as finalists for 2024 MARKETPLACE Wisconsin awards
Nov 18th, 2024 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationWinners will be announced on Dec. 12 at conference in Milwaukee
Diverse businesses encouraged to attend MARKETPLACE Wisconsin
Oct 29th, 2024 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationDiscounted early-bird registration available through Nov. 4