CHICAGO, IL (WSAU) -- The Wausau River District is one of three winners of the 2019 Great American Main Street Award which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.
National Main Street Center CEO & President Patrice Frey said in a press release " The Wausau River District has set an example for communities across the country that are looking to cultivate sustainable, long-term revitalization in their downtown".
"Wausau River District has consistently been a leader in district revitalization" said Errin Welty, Interim Wisconsin Main Street Program Coordinator and Downtown Development Account Manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Since 2002 Downtown Wausau's vacancy rate has dropped from 13 to 3 per cent and residential development has swelled. The River District leaders over the years are being recognized for advocating for new developments and redesigned, wider, more walkable streets. They have helped bring in $120 million in public and private investment . In the past four years alone the downtown area has introduced 47 new programs, events and services with a total estimated economic output ranging from $8 to 13.5 million. It has generated more than 1000 new jobs and 104 businesses since 2002.
Executive Director of the Wausau River District, Blake Opal-Wahoske, who accepted the award, said "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".
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