This project for the West Side Business District of downtown Merrill, WI, included analyzing 31 storefronts. Once again, working in conjunction with Redevelopment Resources (Madison, WI), we were asked to provide recommendations for updating the community’s tired storefronts in order to positively affect residents, business owners, and visitors to the community. 

We gave each building a rating on a scale of 1 to 3:

#1 = exceptional
#1-1/2 = satisfactory
#2 = acceptable
#2-1/2 = barely acceptable
#3 = not acceptable

The recommendations were presented in Phases – Phase I were cost-effective and easy to implement, which would result in more immediate buy-in from the building owners and/or tenants. Once these short-term improvements were completed, and the results were appreciated via an increase in positive attitudes, traffic, rentals, and business, then discussions could begin around the more extensive renovations presented in Phase II.

Decorative streetscape amenities (waste receptacles, snuffers, benches, planters, bike racks, and fence panels) were selected from a regional manufacturer, Wausau Made. The amenities bring a strong branded and cohesive look to the business district.