Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The Wenzel Family Plaza in Marshfield was awarded the Best Public Improvement Project at the 28th annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony in Chippewa Falls, which recognizes the best downtown revitalization projects of 2018.
“All across the state, those involved in the Wisconsin Main Street Program are making a real difference in improving their downtowns by developing new and innovative ways to attract visitors and support local businesses,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. “These awards recognize the organizations and dedicated individuals whose efforts not only benefit their communities, but also set the standard for other Main Street communities statewide.”
Since 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community projects have resulted in the creation of more than 2,700 new businesses and more than 14,000 net new jobs. Additionally, more than $1.9 billion in public and private investment has occurred in Wisconsin Main Street communities. Last year 69 communities were participants.
Wenzel Family Plaza celebrated its opening last July in downtown Marshfield and has since been used to host a variety of programs such as live performances and exercise classes. Its water feature has also been popular among families.
Main Street Awards also recognized Rhonda Urlaub as Marshfield’s volunteer of the year.
“She’s at every single event,” said Kaelie Gomez, Main Street Marshfield Executive Director. “She’s behind the scenes and always fills in.”
This year’s winners are:
Best Adaptive Reuse Project
Winner: DDl Holdings – Rail Yard Redevelopment – On Broadway, Green Bay Honorable Mention: The Hub on 6th – La Crosse
Best Business Success Story
Co-Winner: Blacks Floor Covering/Main Furniture & Home – Darlington Co-Winner: Anshus Jewelers – Menomonie
Co-Winner: Keck Furniture – Watertown
Best Creative Fundraising Effort
Winner: Farm to Table Dinner – Omro
Best Facade Rehab (Under $12,000)
Winner: Luna Coffee Roasters – De Pere
Best Facade Rehab (Over $12,000)
Co-Winner: 205-209 Watson Street Renovation Project – Ripon Co-Winner: The Jacobs Building – La Crosse
Best Historic Restoration Project
Winner: The George S. Schempf Building, 207-209 E. Main Street – Watertown Honorable Mention: Steve Rasmus (Hotel Northern Storefronts) – Chippewa Falls
Best Image Item/Campaign/Event
Winner: 54665 Podcast – Viroqua
Best Interior Renovation Project (Under $50,000)
Winner: Estilo Salon – Menomonie
Best Interior Renovation Project (Over $50,000)
Co-Winner: The Exchange Coffee, Mercantile & Eatery – De Pere
Co-Winner: The Wicked Whisk Bake House & Bistro, Owners Jane & Scott Fetting – Rice Lake
Best New Building
Winner: The Discovery Center – Osceola
Best New Business
Winner: Aunt Ethel’s Adult Emporium – De Pere
Best Public Improvement Project
Winner: Wenzel Family Plaza – Marshfield
Best Public-Private Partnership in Downtown Revitalization
Winner: Better Block Project – On Broadway, Green Bay
Best Retail Event
Winner: Exhibitour – Wausau
Best Special Event
Winner: Farmers Market on Broadway – Green Bay
Best Storefront Display
Winner: Evolutions in Design – Wausau
Best Upper Floor Development Project
Winner: Hotel Goodwin & Velvet Buffalo Café – Beloit
Best Volunteer Engagement
Winner: Farm to Table Event – Tomahawk
Connect Communities Award (Population Under 5,500)
Winner: Island City Music – Cumberland
Connect Communities Award (Population Over 5,500)
Winner: Opportunity Knocks Retail Storefront Business Contest – Ashland
Corporate or Municipal Supporter
Diane Hendricks – Beloit
Louie Lange III and The Commonwealth Companies – Fond du Lac Kathy Robbins – President, First National Bank – Tigerton
Main Street Directors Years of Service
Jack Luedtke, Platteville (10 years) Diane Eineichner, West Allis (11 years) Amy Hansen, Fond du Lac (12 years) Elaine Kroening, Pewaukee (16 years) Kathy Wellsandt, Rice Lake (23 years) Craig Tebon, Ripon (27 years)
Volunteers of the Year
Kelly Eickstead – Beloit
Wesley Partlo – Chippewa Falls
Pam Hinderman – Darlington
Alan Hathaway – Fond du Lac
John Roake – On Broadway, Green Bay Brian Fukuda – La Crosse
Susan Moore – Ladysmith
Rhonda Urlaub – Marshfield
Charlie Jones – Menomonie
Regina Wilkinson – Milwaukee, King Drive Katherine Westaby – Platteville
Vern Kodesh – Rice Lake
Barb Sander – Sheboygan Falls
James & Brenda Gauthier – Tigerton Laura Meeks – Viroqua
Robin Kaufmann – Watertown
Wisconsin Main Street Hall of Fame
Bill Ryan – UW Extension Sam Meyer – Fond du Lac
Author: News Desk
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