What’s Going on Downtown?

This piece is a bit more Op/Ed than I typically do, but I want to share a concern of mine and maybe get an answer. I’m by no means trying to be a Debbie Downer about Downtown Waukesha with this post, but I’m maybe looking for some answers…..

Let me start by saying that I love the city of Waukesha and all the fun places to eat and shop in downtown. I went to Carroll College (University), have worked in downtown Waukesha for 9+ years, lived in downtown for 5 years and am currently pursuing buying a home in the City. I would not do this if I didn’t think that Waukesha is a great place to raise a family and live. Who knows, I might someday open my dream business in downtown as well, but for now, we will leave that as just a dream until financial stability has arrived to bring it to fruition.

The river walk that was put in along the Fox River is so beautiful and clean that I walk it frequently on my lunch hour. I buy many presents from the local shops for my friend’s birthdays and holidays and truly believe that downtown has a lot to offer. And on Saturday’s the Farmer’s Market is always bustling with folks.

However on my walk today, I couldn’t help but notice that many storefronts are vacant in prime retail spots. I would think that a business would want to be on Five Points in downtown, yet three of the five points have vacancies.

Beig(?) Boutique moved off the points and onto Broadway and then closed (that spot is vacant now).

The Clarke Restaurant is “closed for remodeling?” “for lease?” “under new management?” — who really knows.

Horse Emporium moved out of downtown but stayed in Waukesha, and that huge space is available.

Beading Hearts closed in downtown and that spot is open on the five points?

What’s the deal?

I also saw that Clinton Street Gallery is still vacant on Main as is one across Main from it that was only open briefly.

Pandora’s Closet is downsizing and relocating into Da Furniture Closet on Broadway.

Also, Three Sister’s Uniquities moved to West Main (thank you thank you thank you for staying!) and are offering classes again. Their former shop and the shop next door are both For Lease on Clinton.

I did read on Facebook from The Freeman that J. Lotti’s might have a buyer – Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub, and that would be excellent for South Street.

But the Vacuum Store next door to J. Lotti’s has closed. (South has a ton of vacancy as well. I understand it’s off the beaten path, but it doesn’t have to have that stigma.)

Has Waukesha lost it’s interest to business owners? Are the leases outrageously priced? Does the lack of a BID deter some people from coming? Does the WDBA fulfill the role that new businesses are looking for?