Economic Development
Main Street Redevelopment
On December 6, 2020 the Wisconsin State Journal highlighted Watertown’s main street under the headline…
"Investing in Main Street makes more sense than Foxconn".
The article states that “Amid the fanfare over Foxconn, a proven engine for job creation has gone unnoticed: the Wisconsin communities of Main Street America. … Instead of chasing major corporations, a Main Street redevelopment approach creates sustainable local economies, built around neighborhood gathering places and supported by diverse sources of funding. [This] is a much more realistic strategy for the vast majority of smaller cities and towns around the US."
LINK TO WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL ARTICLE
2020 Hotel Feasibility Study
A report prepared by Patek Hospitality Consultants, Inc. to determine the potential market demand and estimate occupancy and average daily rate for a proposed 61-room limited-service hotel in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Town Square Plans
The town square was designed with the goals of:
- Honoring the past and creating a world-class gathering space.
- Integrating the new Library into the town square.
- Creating a low maintenance, attractive place.
- Providing a place for people to connect with the Rock River.
- Accommodating guests of all ages and abilities.
- Attracting economic redevelopment to Watertown's streets.
- Offering events for Watertown's residents and guests.
Revolving Loan Program
The Commercial Rehabilitative Revolving Loan is designed to foster business growth and expansion, to facilitate the development of high-quality upper-level residential units, to update and preserve historic structures, and to increase the overall economic vitality of downtown Watertown. In addition to facade beautification projects, revolving loan funds may be used for structural repairs, and major mechanical upgrades to plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems. Loan funds may also be used to offset the cost of project-related expenses such as design, architectural or engineering costs.
For more information or questions, please contact RDA Executive Director, Kristen Fish, at kfish@cityofwatertown.org
Downtown Development
For more information or questions, please contact RDA Executive Director, Kristen Fish, at kfish@cityofwatertown.org
Branding Study
In January 2015, the City of Watertown began its partnership with Development Counsellors International through a contract to develop a Branding and Marketing Blueprint – complete with a new brand, logo, tagline and marketing plan – designed to yield results.
Redevelopment Area
This plan identifies blighted properties and suggests potential public and public/private sector projects that could be undertaken to revitalize and redevelop downtown Watertown.
Hotel Feasibility Study
Report prepared by Hospitality Consulting Group to identify needs for additional hotel/lodging space in downtown Watertown.
Downtown Parking Study
Report prepared by MSA Professional Services to provide an inventory of the existing parking supply in the downtown district as well as a discussion and recommendation for parking supply downtown, particularly in relation to potential additional development as conceived in the Watertown Riverfront/Downtown Plan.
Contact Us
Redevelopment Authority
c/o Watertown City Hall
106 Jones St.
Watertown, WI 53094
(920) 262-4000
RDA Executive Director
Kristen Fish
(715) 581-1452
Civic Partners
City of Watertown
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Watertown Tourism
Watertown Main Street Program
Thrive Economic Development