SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (WHBL) -- Sheboygan has hired an outside firm to try and bring in more retail businesses to vacant downtown storefronts.
Sheboygan city planner Chad Pelishek says that's especially important as a number of new residential developments get ready to start construction. "The fact that they're vacant, I think, poses a great opportunity to go after some key businesses and fill those storefronts with retail businesses that will drive traffic through the day and the week, but particularly on weekends as well." The city has hired Monica and Jim Wind of Krowin LLC to work and advertise for the city to try and bring those companies into the downtown.
Construction is due to start this summer on new residential projects at the site of the former Boston Store and along vacant land on the South Pier. Pelishek says they're looking for businesses that would compliment the incoming residents. "So what we're looking at is trying to recruit businesses like a maybe a small grocery store, a small deli, men's and women's clothing, a furniture store, things that would kind of play for those residents that are moving into these housing developments." Sheboygan’s downtown sees about 4,000 daytime workers and the new construction will bring around 500 new residents to live in the area.
The city will be focusing on 25 to 30 key companies that Pelishek says represent the best fits for the downtown district. The effort is a shared project with the Sheboygan Squared Business Improvement District. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of opening a retail store downtown, you can contact Pelishek at 920-459-3383