Finance Committee Approves 2018 Facade Program
By Joe Bachman
Editor
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Finance officials approved moving forward on another downtown facade program.
Such a program will serve to upgrade the exterior of existing storefronts to make for a more appealing and updated look, which will hope to make way for a more vibrant area. These improvements will include painting, lighting, windows, tile, awnings, canopies, and signage — to give the downtown area a polished look.
Already implemented in 2017, the program resulted in multiple downtown businesses receiving updated looks on the outside. The program would be implemented by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
“We have had continued interest from other businesses in the downtown area.” said Community Development Director Adam Tegan.
Funds will be allocated from the room tax fund to cover the costs, in efforts to liven the downtown area and lure in hopeful developers. The total cost for the project rounds up to approximately $23,000.
“I see this as a very worthwhile project, and we’d really like to continue that.” said Heart of Wisconsin President Melissa Reichert, who stated that she has been still receiving calls from businesses interested in the program.
Final approval will go through common council.