ANNUAL REPORT 2014 2004-2014 TEN YEARS OF MAIN STREET
2015 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Tom Deitte, Edith s Bridal & Tuxedo Junction VICE PRESIDENT Byron Pegram, Jack s Team Sports SECRETARY Nicole Wiese, National Exchange Bank & Trust TREASURER Tony O Malley, Zacherl, O Malley & Endejan PAST PRESIDENT Phil Shepherd, Shepherd Law Office MEMBERS Angela Bingen, B&B United Enterprises Dave Buechel, Wood s Floral & Gifts Ron Emanuel, The Goldsmith Alan Hathaway, Brownboots Interactive Steve Little, Agnesian HealthCare Brent Skiba, Marian University EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Steve Jenkins, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation Dyann Benson, City of Fond du Lac POLICE LIASON Captain Jon Gutzmann, City of Fond du Lac Police Department The DFP would like to recognize the contributions of outgoing board members: Contact Us 30 S. Portland Street Fond du Lac, WI 54935 920.322.2006 www.downtownfdl.com Amy Hansen Executive Director amy@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2007 Sadie Parafiniuk Director of Marketing & Special Events sadie@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2008 Kathy Tasch Research Assistant kathy@downtownfdl.com 920.322.2009 Letter from the President As owner of a business that has been located in downtown Fond du Lac for over 75 years, this is an exciting time to be part of downtown. Revitalization is occurring through major projects including the expansion of Marian University, Agnesian HealthCare and the Commonwealth Companies. Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts has been a great addition to downtown Fond du Lac by adding a unique venue to host many events and support arts and entertainment in Fond du Lac. These projects are spurring other downtown development and the momentum is growing. I look forward to the upcoming year, and serving as your new board president. Tom Deitte, President of the Board Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, Inc. 2014 in Review The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership has been a Wisconsin Main Street Community for 10 years, during that time we have had many successes and overcame many challenges. The DFP is a cutting edge Main Street organization. The America Saves! Program chose us to be a test pilot community. I am proud of the growth of the DFP during my presidency. In 2014 we were formally approved as an independent 501c3. This status helps us to obtain grants and donations. Notably in 2014, we were awarded a $5,000 grant from the America Saves! Program and a $60,500 grant from the USDA to move the Farmer s Market to Main Street in 2015. It is with great pride that the DFP has been named one of ten semi-finalists for the 2015 Great American Main Street Award. To see a $19.1 million increase in assessed value and $87 million in new investment is staggering for the size of our community. I have seen big advances in my two years as president of the board. I look forward to sharing in the great things to come. Phil Shepherd, Past President of the Board Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, Inc. Mike Feudner, Agnesian HealthCare Mitch Kahl, Jackson Kahl Insurance Louie Lange III, The Commonwealth Companies Wayne Rollins, City of Fond du Lac Tammy Young, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Tracy Reinhardt Farmers Market Manager market@downtownfdl.com 920.602.1829
10 Years of Main Street Ten years ago, the Downtown Fond du Lac Community put forth great effort into a campaign to be accepted in the Wisconsin Main Street Program. For those who are in downtown on a regular basis, you might not realize the impact that has been made over the past ten years. This report provides a summary of the major accomplishments. 2004 Fond du Lac becomes a Wisconsin Main Street program. 2007 Walgreens, Attitude Sports, and Anytime Fitness add a new retail center open at Johnson Street and Main Street. The 1st Annual Fondue Fest wins a $39,900 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and earns the Guinness Book of World Record for World s Largest Fondue Set. The DFP s Design Review Board authors, "Design Guidelines, A Guide to Building Rehabilitation, Renovation and New Construction." The DFP uses the guidelines to evaluate grant applications and for proposals for changes to downtown properties. DFP receives FDL Police Department Mission Award for providing funding for additional bike patrols to combat theft, vandalism and negative behavior during the summer months. St. Louis Church destroyed by fire. 2008 Sam Meyer wins a Wisconsin Main Street Award for façade renovations of 28 N. Main Street, current home of The Knitting Room. DFP identifies Come Together as the tagline for Downtown Fond du Lac after extensive community research showed that downtown is the go to place to meet up with friends, bump into people, celebrate community, and come together in times of tragedy. Come Together is used extensively by private businesses and throughout the district in marketing materials. DFP reveals new logo. DFP raises funding for additional holiday lights in Veteran s Park. DFP purchases new banners with updated design. 100 Year Flood devastates 95% of downtown district. 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 Fond du Lac Public Library completes expansion and renovation. City installs 63 new street lights on Main Street from Merrill to Western. DFP purchases 35 new trash receptacles. City demolishes Kohls to make way for Hamilton Park. Downtown Fond du Lac launches website - www.downtownfdl.com. Color Key Teal=Private Development Lime=Public Investment Blue = Organizational Initiatives Orange = Challenges 2006 Hometown Bank completes adaptive reuse project by converting a medical clinic into its corporate offices. Sam Meyer receives the Wisconsin Main Street Award for Best Upper Story Rehab Project for 42 N. Main. The upper floor is a luxury apartment, and the lower level is Sam s State Farm Insurance office. DFP raises funds for LED holiday lights in Veteran s Park. DFP purchases newly designed banners. DFP purchases 30 new flower planters. 2009 Commonwealth Companies renovates the former St. Peter s Church into its new corporate offices. Commonwealth Companies completes adaptive reuse and expansion project of St. Peter s School, converting the school into 47 senior apartments. Giddings & Lewis looks for a way to give back to the community to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The company purchases a clock tower that now stands directly in the center of downtown, the centerpiece of Main Street Plaza. DFP funds the pedestal base and landscaping. Mercury Marine considers leaving Fond du Lac.
2010 The Fond du Lac Family YMCA receives the 2010 Wisconsin Main Street Award for Best New Building Project. The City adopts the DFP s Downtown Comprehensive Plan. The DFP completes the Vision Plan for the Arts & Entertainment District. The plan is initially funded by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, the Fond du Lac Arts Council and the DFP. The Vision Plan and Comprehensive Plan are awarded the 2010 Wisconsin Main Street Award for Best Public Private Partnership in Downtown Revitalization (DFP and City of Fond du Lac). DFP adds a full time director of marketing and special events. 2012 Commonwealth Companies receives the Wisconsin Main Street Award for Best Adaptive Reuse Project for Trinity Hall and Restaurant and for Best New Building Project for Trinity Artists Lofts and D anlann Art Gallery. The City creates the Downtown Architectural Review Board - a committee that approves designs for exterior renovations to properties. The Board follows the guidelines set forth in the Design Guidelines. The City of Fond du Lac creates the Downtown Façade Design Grant. The grant funds the creation of exterior design plans by an architect or engineer. The program believes if you start with a good plan, you ll end up with a good result. To date, six grants totaling $24,000 have been awarded. DFP becomes an independent 501c3 organization. JJC Interiors at 84 S. Main is destroyed by fire. It reopens in 2014 at a new location. 2010 2011 2012 2013 Color Key Teal=Private Development Lime=Public Investment Blue = Organizational Initiatives Orange = Challenges 2011 DFP raises funds to purchase colored LED Lights for Santa s Tree in Veteran s Park. DFP purchases newly designed banners. In 2007, after a nighttime tour of Downtown Fond du Lac, the DFP s Responsible Hospitality Committee realizes the sidewalks are in disrepair. Over the next three years, the City of Fond du Lac invests $531,000 in new sidewalks and completes the project in 2011. DFP creates award-winning website that includes information on doing business in Downtown Fond du Lac. Complete information on available properties, financial incentives, surveys and stats, development plans, marketing materials, downtown map, downtown parking and property renovations is just a click away. Wisconsin Main Street awards Sam Meyer the Best Upper Floor Development of 2011 for his interior renovation of 28 N. Main Street. Meyer turns an unused vacant space into an urban style residential loft. 2012 The City of Fond du Lac creates the Downtown Residential Loan Program to assist upper-story residential development. The City of Fond du Lac and the DFP work together to design and install new parking signage for city parking lots and ramps to make parking areas more visible. The DFP hires a design firm to create the signage and a corresponding placement map. The City allocates $30,000 to fund the signage production and installation. The project is completed in 2013 at a cost of $34,000. To aid in the improvement and beautification of Downtown Fond du Lac the DFP establishes the Downtown Fond du Lac Fund, administered by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. Generous contributions by Sam Meyer, Mitch Kahl and Louie Lange III start the fund. Individuals/organizations continue to donate to the fund. The first purchase from the fund is a Welcome to Downtown sign. 2013 Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts opens after completing a $7 million expansion and renovation. DFP creates The Wedding Collection after a niche market of several wedding related businesses are identified in downtown. Increased Business Improvement District (BID) assessment passes City Council. City increases DFP funding to $50,000, all additional funds are solely dedicated to business development. City implements Passport Parking making paying and monitoring parking meters easier.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW 2014 Year In Review 2014 saw a resurgence in downtown development with $14,680,000 in private investment, the most investment of any Wisconsin Main Street Community. A major project included the grand opening of Kwik Trip at the intersection of Main Street and Johnson Street. The project revitalized the busiest intersection in downtown Fond du Lac, which sat vacant for seven years. Riverside Senior Apartments (see page 13) also revitalized a long underutilized corner site. New Grant and Loan Programs In 2014, the DFP Board of Directors wanted to create a program that would impact downtown in a big way. They created the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) to incentivize property owners to undertake interior and/or exterior property improvements. The property improvements in turn will lead to increased property value and a better utilization of properties. The grant covers up to 50 percent of project costs. In 2014, seven projects received awards totaling $47,000. In 2015, the DFP has allocated $49,000 to the grant program. National Exchange Bank & Trust introduced the Downtown Fond du Lac Loan Program to encourage investment in downtown Fond du Lac. The program encourages investment in downtown properties by providing property owners and lessees with funds to increase or sustain employment levels, conduct additional residential or commercial development and increase occupancy in the downtown. The City of Fond du Lac introduced the Downtown Fond du Lac Commercial Rehabilitation Grant. This program facilitates significant change in the downtown by funding exterior façade projects. Applicants may receive up to 50 percent of the total project cost. The DFP awarded over $50,000 in property improvement grants to downtown property owners including: 2013 Façade Grant Recipients Awve s Development Co. (74 S. Main). Reconstruction of south wall. Blueprint Solutions (78 N. Main). New awnings. Goebel Insurance (76 Western). Façade repairs. Trista Holz Art Studios (13 E. 1st). New awning. 2014 Building Improvement Grant Recipients Awve s Development Co. (90 S. Main). New façade including masonry, windows and doors. Gallery & Frame Shop (94 S. Main). New roof and façade improvements. The Nail Studio (111 S. Main). New restroom and façade repairs. Trista Holz Art Studios (13 E. 1st). Upgrades to plumbing and electrical. Joseph Anthony Hair Salon (30 N. Main). Build out of second floor loft apartment. Cutter Vac (32 N. Main). Improvements to rear façade and roof overhangs. The Goldsmith (177 S. Main). Replacement of buckling floors. New Businesses B Clip d Barbershop (76 S. Macy St., Suite 3) Boudry Dental (10 Forest Ave, Suite 201) Brunner Law Office, LLC (17 Forest Ave, Suite 120) C&K Elite Properties (104 S. Main St.) Carlone s Bar (8 5th St.) Chris James Tattoo Studio (5 S. Main St.) Connie s Diner (175 S. Main St.) Dragonfly Dreams Portrait Studio (21 E. 2nd St.) Efficient Technology Services (103 S. Main St.) Entourage Auto (336 S. Main St.) Finn s Fresh Market (74 S. Main St., Suite 104) Goody s Thrift Store (14 E. 5th St.) Healthcare Solutions Team (21 E. 2nd St.) Houston Investigations (104 S. Main St., Suite 617) Jerome Young Hair Studio (38 4th St.) JJC Interiors (15 N. Main St.) King Insurance (104 S. Main St, Suite 517) Koenig s Electronic Process Services LLC (104 S. Main St., Suite 201) Kwik Trip (158 N. Main St.) The Law Office of Attorney Curtis P. Julka (104 S. Main St.) Main Street Fashion (117 S. Main St.) Marco s Pizza (30 E. Johnson St.) Mobile To Go LLC, an agent of Boost Mobile (191 N. Main St.) The Nail Studio (111 S. Main St.) Parks Law Office (17 Forest Ave., Suite 110) Sassy Pants Events & Design (131 S. Main St, Suite 202) Urban Echo (21 E. 2nd St.) Vapor Reactor (27 N. Main St.) Business and Property Owner Assistance IGNITE! Business Success is a network of 15 entrepreneur resource providers who have rallied together to deliver a higher level of service consistency and support for start-ups and growing businesses in Fond du Lac County. Ignite! is a cooperative effort of FCEDC, Small Business Development Center, Ripon College, ADVOCAP, Fond du Lac County, Moraine Park Technical College, UW-Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, SCORE, Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership, Marian University, Fond du Lac County, UW-Extension, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Fond du Lac Public Library and Center for Enterprise Development. Starting a new business can present a major challenge. You need to locate space to lease or buy a building. You need to obtain city permits and approvals, and you need access to funding and technical assistance. The process can seem overwhelming. The DFP wants to help. The DFP has created the Doing Business in Downtown Fond du Lac guide to help expand and start businesses in Downtown Fond du Lac in an effort to simplify the process of starting your business. The National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Downtown Fond du Lac as a test community for the American Saves! Program. America Saves! is a national initiative to deliver energy efficiency to small businesses on Main Street, lowering costs, saving energy and driving investment communities. Nineteen downtown properties initially participated in the program with plans to have 100 participate in 2015. Those who participated in the pilot program were given property report cards indicating how the energy efficiency of their property could be improved. Onsite visits from program representatives provided an opportunity for one-on-one discussions about potential energy savings including free energy saving products for immediate use. The DFP received a $5,000 grant for being a test community.
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW Public Improvements In 2013, the DFP and Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau teamed up to hire a design firm that created a unified way finding system throughout the City. The resulting plan included various signage types using a color palette that blends the palettes of the City of Fond du Lac, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the DFP. The signage includes city entrance, trailblazer, district menu, a retrofitted Welcome to Downtown entrance sign, and downtown banners all using the way finding system color palette. The DFP and Convention and Visitors Bureau shared the cost of hiring a design firm to create the look of the signage system, and City Council agreed to fund the production and installation. The project was completed in 2014 at a cost of $83,000. The Fond du Lac Recreational Loop, or simply The Loop, officially opened in May 2014. The Loop includes a 1.8 mile urban route through downtown along the Fond du Lac River, with access to shops and restaurants. The Downtown Fond du Lac Fund of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation The Downtown Fond du Lac Fund of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation has been set up to aid in the improvement and beautification of downtown. Downtown Named a Semi-Finalist for the Great American Main Street Award Downtown Fond du Lac was selected as one of 10 semi-finalists out of 1,400 National Main Street communities for the 2015 Great American Main Street Award. Each year, the National Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities that demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts by creating exciting places to live, work, play and visit. They achieve active involvement of the public and private sector and have model partnerships among those who have been involved in making Main Street a great place. Bid Assesment City of Fond du Lac Special Events In Kind Special Projects Revenues Member Organizations Since 2006, the Adopt-a-Planter Program continued to be a success with over 40 businesses participating. Businesses fill their planters with flowers, greenery and décor throughout the season. In 2014, the City of Fond du Lac funded the maintenance of the planters in Main Street Plaza. Berger Parkway opens after previous JJC Interiors was ruined in a fire. City of Fond du Lac invests $50,000 to expand Wi-Fi services to the downtown district. The Non-Endowed portion puts funds to work immediately. The Endowment is a permanent fund where only interest generated is distributed. Monies from all donors will be pooled to fund projects on a larger scale or you may choose to specifically designate your investment for a particular purpose. This fund is designed to be a long term solution in funding public improvements. The Foundation manages and invests these funds. A volunteer board of directors governs the funds and distribution. Expenses Administration Special Events Operations Business Development Marketing Streetscape Improvements
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW Special Events The Farmers Market ended another hugely successful year. Average attendance at the Saturday market reached 2,000 weekly. The market also saw an increase in vendors and variety which brought in new customers. A pilot program, Double Days, introduced with the help of United Way,where once a month, the market doubled an EBT swipe up to $20 giving low-income families increased purchasing power of fruits and vegetables at the market. The market also received a Ball Canning grant to host several canning and preservation classes with the help of UW- Extension office. Sidewalk Sale made its finale in 2014 with a bang. Record crowds, businesses and vendors lined Main Street for the morning. Sidewalk Sale was an annual tradition since the 1970s. In 2015, the Farmers Market will be held every Saturday in its place. Fondue Fest saw record crowds this year, totalling over 25,000 people. The annual event featured 3 live music stages, 130 vendors, a free Kids Zone and new in 2014 Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts hosted the Fondue Fest Finale afterparty. Monster March was attended by 1,100 children alone. This event continues to grow each year and families line Main Street to trick or treat at participating businesses. The 7th annual Chili Crawl had beautiful weather and nearly 75 participants who sampled eight different chilis. This year s winner was Slim & Chubby s. This winter, the DFP opened an Indoor Market, a continuation of the summer Farmers Market. Shoppers can get fresh produce, meat, fish, baked goods and crafts weekly. Downtown Promotions In late 2014, the DFP launched Downtown Gift Certificates in order for people to purchase gifts and allowing the receiver to spend it at any participating downtown business. Certificates can be purchased in denominations of 10, 20, 50 or 100. The DFP again created Downtown Dollar$ during November and December with 13 participating businesses. Certificates can be redeemed January through March in 2015. New in 2014 was a Shop Small and Win $500 raffle, when people shopped at 3 downtown businesses and saved receipts they were entered to win $500 in downtown gift certifiicates. Over 100 people entered the contest. The Wedding Collection continues to be a one stop brochure and website for brides and grooms searching for 23 downtown wedding related businesses. Small Business Saturday, a movement that started in 2010 encourages people across the country to support small, locally owned businesses. The DFP advertises the event citywide to encourage people to think downtown first during the holidays. The DFP s Facebook page, DowntownFDL, saw a 70% increase in likes in 2014. In 2014, the Facebook page reached just over 250,000 people through posts, ads or mentions. The page reaches 687 people daily. The DFP continues to send a bi-monthly Get Downtown! events calendar to 2,600 people with an average open rate of 26% which is higher than the industry average. The DFP website continues to be a main source of information for people. Website traffic has increased by 25% in 2014 to over 31,000 visits. 41% of visitors head directly to the business directory to find specific businesses location, hours and contact information.
New Development Marian University has purchased the largest and most centrally located property in Downtown Fond du Lac. The Nielsen Company has owned the property since 1980. Two years ago, The Nielsen Company informed community leaders that they would consider a sale of the property, but preferred a lease-back agreement to retain their 130 downtown employees. Marian was contacted because they were looking to expand. The purchase of this building will allow Marian to relocate the School of Nursing and Health Professions to a more spacious building on Main Street in downtown. The building will house 46 Marian staff members and about 200 students. The Nielsen Company will continue to occupy one floor of the building. In addition, Agnesian HealthCare will lease one floor to accommodate their Information Technology Department; adding up to 150 professional jobs to the downtown district in February 2015. Marian intends to begin classes in the 2016 fall semester. Commonwealth Companies renovation and restoration of a blighted property in the center of the district. The property will house Commonwealth s corporate offices, retail space, ten luxury apartments and the existing Wempner s School of Dance. The property has been largely vacant for eight years. The project is the recipient of a newly created grant by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for $400,000, specifically designed to aid in downtown renovation projects. Projects also slated for 2015 include: the opening of Three Guys and a Grill at Trinity in April, the renovation and reopening of Theo s Steakhouse in spring, and the conversion of 131 S. Main Street into market rate apartments. Sheboygan Street will see a new streetscape in the form of new sidewalks, streetlights and banners in 2015. Originally planned for 2014, the project was postponed due to a very busy construction season in 2014. LOOKING TO 2015 DFP Initiatives A high priority for the DFP in 2015 is the redevelopment of upper floors into residential living. A 2014 study by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation showed a current need for 69 additional apartment/condominium units in the downtown district. Plans include a feasibility study grant for property owners. The DFP will be re-branding the organization to urge people to Get Downtown! A new brand will be created including logo, marketing materials and advertising campaign. The DFP was awarded a $60,505 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farmers Market Promotion Program. The grant will be used to promote the Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market new location on Main Street and expand educational and community market related activities. Main Street will be closed weekly from Western Avenue to Sheboygan Street. Moving the market to Main Street will allow expansion of vendors, programs and activities. BY THE NUMBERS $69.6 million assessed value of the downtown district. Up from $50.5 million in 1999. 3,245 downtown employees. 293 district. 104 new housing units in the past six years, the most of any Wisconsin Main Street community. businesses in the 47 block downtown $87,323,631 private reinvestment in the downtown district in the past 10 years, the highest reinvestment total of any Wisconsin Main Street community. Amount the DFP has $160,000 invested in capital improvements including trash receptacles, flower planters, cigarette snuffers, holiday decorations & lights, signs, banners and the base of the clock tower in Main Street Plaza. Of the 214 properties in the downtown district, 130 building improvement projects have been awarded grant assistance by the DFP. $192,000 has been awarded to downtown property owners leveraging more than $2.2 million in private investment.
2014 Friend of Downtown Louie Lange III and The Commonwealth Companies Let s face it - It s easier to build new buildings than to rehab old ones. It s also more convenient to build on a site that has ample (and free) parking. But downtowns don t get redeveloped if everyone thinks that way. Louie Lange III has set a classic example of the type of person every downtown needs. Louie has completed major renovation projects including St. Peter s Place, Trinity Restaurant, the Artist Loft Townhomes and Riverside Apartments. In 2015, we ll see the redevelopment of the Retlaw complex into retail, office and commercial space. These projects were part of the reason B2B Magazine named Louie the Champion of Downtown Fond du Lac in 2014. Louie has twice received state awards for St. Peter s Place, Trinity Restaurant and the Artist Loft Townhomes. Aside from his financial commitment to downtown, Louie has just completed a four-year term on the DFP Board. In 2012 he was also the first investor of the Downtown Fond du Lac Fund by donating the funds for the initial investment. Louie has also shown a commitment to downtown special events by being a sponsor of the Farmer s Market and the Commonwealth Classic Bike Race. Friend of Downtown Award In 2002, the DFP created the Friend of Downtown award. The Friend of Downtown award is given to a person or organization that has made a deep impact and sustained commitment to Downtown Fond du Lac. Past Recipients of the Friend of Downtown Award 2013 Julie Balson 2012 Steve Schoofs and Sam Meyer 2011 Wayne Rollin 2010 Joe Tasch 2009 Dave Schneider 2008 Tom Meiklejohn III 2007 Jim Gaffney 2006 Debra Heller 2005 Randy Mittelstaedt 2004 Esther Pietrowski 2003 John Papenheim and Marian College Past Recipients of the Design of the Year Award 2013 Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts 2012 Trinity Restaurant & Hall 2010 Fond du Lac Family YMCA 2009 The Commonwealth Companies 2008 Sam Meyer-The Knitting Room 2007 Chuck Boyd-Pockets Bar & Grill 2006 Hometown Bank & State Farm Insurance/Red Brick Inn Design of the Year Award The Commonwealth Companies Riverside Senior Apartments Riverside Senior Apartments, located at 47 N. Macy Street, is a new five-story construction project built on the former site of the Rent It Shop. The 1.31-acre property has frontage on Merrill Avenue and Macy Street. Commonwealth Development purchased the property and removed multiple buildings from the site. Retail/restaurant space occupies a portion of the first floor, along with an enclosed garage for resident parking. Apartments are located on the upper four floors. The site differs from the typical downtown property because of size, two on-site parking lots and landscape setbacks along two streets. Riverside offers our seniors outstanding amenities along with combined access to our downtown area with arts, entertainment and dining conveniently close. We strive to offer our residents a home they can be proud of, said Louie Lange III, president and founder of The Commonwealth Companies. Apartment amenities include a heated garage, internet café, community room, beauty salon and exercise room. Apartments overlook the Fond du Lac River and have front door access to the Fond du Lac Loop Recreational Trail.
Thank You! Many thanks to the individuals, organizations, corporations and public agencies that continue to support the efforts of the DFP. We couldn t succeed without the support of our community. Design Committee Steve Schoofs (Chair), Excel Engineering Chuck Boyd, Boyd Properties LLC Dennis Malchow, St. Joseph s Book Room Ashley Mertens, Wisnet Byron Pegram, Jack s Team Sports Jordan Skiff, City of Fond du Lac Joe Tasch, The Nielsen Company Sara Van Buren, Fox Valley Savings Bank Marketing Committee Kirsten Quam (Chair), Fox Valley Savings Bank Jacqui Corsi, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts Sara Hathaway, Brownboots Interactive Emily Johnson, The Commonwealth Companies Donna King, Radio Plus Tracy Mathweg, Lillian s Lisa Pauly, Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Anne Pierce, US Bank Grant Review Committee Dyann Benson, City of Fond du Lac Angie Bingen, B&B United Properties LLC Brian Carter, United Service Appraisals Lisa Mader, National Exchange Bank & Trust Bill Steimel, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation Community Partnerships Advocap Agnesian HealthCare Big Brothers Big Sisters City of Fond du Lac Community Development Department City of Fond du Lac Fire Department City of Fond du Lac Parks Department City of Fond du Lac Police Department City of Fond du Lac Public Works Department Community Initiative for Fox Cities Artisans Elks Lodge 57 Evans Cub Scout Pack Fair Trade Town Family Resource Center Fishing Has No Boundaries Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Fond du Lac Area Foundation Fond du Lac Community Theatre Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation Fond du Lac County Parks Department Fond du Lac Historical Society Fond du Lac Housing Authority Fond du Lac Public Library Fond du Lac Ruby Academy Fox Valley Savings Bank Friends of the Fond du Lac Senior Center Ignite Youth Lighthouse Christian Church Living Well FDL Marian University Men s Hockey Team Moraine Park Technical College Culinary Arts Program Pankratz Art Exchange Project Blake Pay It Forward PureCharity Salute the Troops The Voice & Acting Studio The Volunteer Center of Fond du Lac County Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts United for Diversity UW-Extension-Fond du Lac County WI Right to Life Women s Fund YMCA Y5210 Special Events Sponsors & Supporters Action Reporter Media Agnesian HealthCare Alliant Energy B104.7 Ball Brand Canning Brenner Tank CD Smith Commonwealth Landscape & Maintenance Edward Jones Electronic Communications Family Resource Center Fives Giddings & Lewis Fond du Lac Express Fond du Lac Public Library Fox Valley Savings Bank Gallery & Frame Shop Gannett Media Grande Cheese Horicon Bank Jack s Team Sports KFIZ/K107.1/Mountain Dog Media Kiwanis Lakeside of Fond du Lac Kiwanis of Fabulous Fond du Lac Lee Beverage Lillian s Marian University Marine Credit Union National Exchange Bank & Trust New Vision Signs, Decals & Screen-Printing Noon Kiwanis Osborn & Sons Trucking Pit Stop Portables Society Insurance State Farm Insurance-Sam Meyer Sunny 97 Taco Johns The Goldsmith Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts TTI Inc Waste Management Events Committee & Volunteers Dave Buechel, Woods Floral Brian Carter, United Service Appraisals Julia Cartwright, Fond du Lac Public Library Andy Charlton, Kona Ice Jacqui Corsi, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts Sara Cujak, Cujak s Wine Market & Bar Mike Damm, The Bagelmeister Tom Deitte, Edith s Bridal and Tuxedo Junction Trista Holtz, Trista Holtz Art Studios Brian Klapperich, Community Volunteer Erin Lund, Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Theresa Menting, The Voice & Acting Studio Leo Metivier, Mid-States Aluminum Liv Moyer, EP Direct Lisa Pauly, Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Joan Pinch, Wisco Hotels Kirsten Quam, Fox Valley Savings Bank Marty Schibbelhut, B104.7 Dave Schneider, Fives Giddings & Lewis Holly Schneider, DFP Intern Lori Stephens, CitizensFirst Ryan Sweeney, DFP Intern Dave Thiel, Associated Bank Angelina Triscari, Eden Stone Company Mary Weishapple, Blue Goose Coffee House Bart Winkler, Mountain Dog Media A Special Thanks In 2012, Mitch Kahl, owner of Jackson Kahl Insurance and past Board Member, graciously offered the DFP two years free rent inside of his office building. The DFP was able to move, expand and grow because of this generosity and we greatly appreciate all the support we have received over the years from Mitch.
Mission Statement To establish a diverse, prosperous and healthy district that is the social, commercial and cultural heart of the community. Vision Statement Downtown Fond du Lac will be the local and regional designation that will serve as the cultural and economic hub of the city and surrounding areas. Our financially successful downtown will present a clean, safe and friendly environment that has broad appeal. Downtown Fond du Lac will have an atmosphere that is welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable through its attention to historic preservation, restoration and development. Downtown will include a healthy and unique mix of businesses, including retail, professional services, dining and entertainment. The downtown s streetscape will be modern and well care for, while at the same time paying homage to its heritage. The public will have great awareness of all that downtown Fond du Lac has to offer, and the community will support efforts to maintain a high quality of life for residents, businesses and other stakeholders. 30 S. Portland Street Fond du Lac, WI 54935 920.322.2006 info@downtownfdl.com