Our Downtown

Downtown Waukesha has a lot to offer.   We have numerous boutique shops, restaurants, bars, non-profits and service industry businesses to patronize.   Why is downtown different?   Well its a connection to our past and a celebration of our present.   Our historic buildings remind us of a bygone era where we were a much more local society.  Downtowns were the heart of the community where people gathered to do business, visit with one another and be entertained long before we gained mobility from the automobile.    Downtown was the place to be, there were no strip malls, box stores, shopping malls or online stores;  Downtown was it and it was active and vibrant.  

Most downtowns saw a downturn beginning in the 1960's with the advent of regional shopping centers.   It took a long time for Downtown Business Districts to begin to find ways to compete.   Our own downtown began a renaissance  in the 2000's after the City invested in our River Walk and the Gazebo was removed from the 5 Points.   Many brave entrepreneurs invested in downtown and we once again became the place to be in Waukesha.

Our Downtown has been losing a bit of momentum over the past couple of years.   There are more vacant storefronts than we've seen in quite awhile.   We also are dealing with construction issues which have made things difficult for numerous Downtown businesses over the past few months.     It is a reminder that like most things in life we can't take our Downtown  for granted. 

So please think about protecting our assets and really commit to thinking local.   Support our businesses downtown so we can continue nurturing this community asset.    Studies show that money spent at locally owned businesses stays in the community to improve our local economy.   Everyone benefits!   Fortunately, we have lots of quality businesses that deserve our spending dollar.   Thanks for thinking local and see you in beautiful Downtown Waukesha.