At the recent 33rd Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony, hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) at Gather on Broadway in Green Bay, Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) distinguished itself by securing three prestigious awards, marking a significant recognition for its contributions to revitalizing downtown Racine.
Best Retail Event
Winner: First Fridays, Racine
Best Promotional Marketing Campaign
Winner: Love Racine Project, Racine
Best Adaptive Reuse Project
Winner: Hotel Verdant, Racine
The awards night, celebrated under the theme of revitalizing Wisconsin’s economy, saw Missy Hughes, WEDC Secretary and CEO, praising the efforts of all involved: “As Main Street goes, so goes Wisconsin’s economy, its well-being, our way of life in the Badger State,” Hughes noted. “Congratulations to the winners. We salute and celebrate you, our partners in creating an economy and improving the quality of life for the betterment and benefit of all.”
Other WEDC leaders also joined in the celebration of successful projects and initiatives executed by Main Street and Connect Communities programs around the state. Recognized projects included business and community development initiatives, building renovations, community celebrations, and revitalization success stories from across Wisconsin.
Downtown Racine was honored with the Best Retail Event award for its “First Fridays” project, which has been instrumental in reinvigorating the district by drawing thousands of visitors with monthly themed attractions. This initiative has successfully reconnected the community and attracted many who hadn’t explored the area in years. “First Fridays not only rekindles the local community’s connection to Downtown but also serves as a magnetic force, drawing back those who haven’t experienced the area in years,” stated Kelly Kruse, DRC executive director. “It’s a testament to the event’s ability to reinvent itself and consistently provide a diverse and appealing experience for all who wander its lively streets.”
The second accolade was for the Best Promotional Marketing Campaign for “Love Racine,” an image campaign that created a visually captivating and emotionally resonant celebration of community pride, unity, and affection for Downtown Racine. The campaign featured over 25 public art displays of I love Racine, 50 heartfelt community quotes, engaging social media content, and the widespread embrace of interactive selfie boards throughout the district.
Additionally, DRC celebrated the recognition of Hotel Verdant for Best Adaptive Reuse. The 80,000 sq foot Hotel Verdant, featuring a vast lobby with a monumental fireplace, 80 premier suites, 2 ballrooms, a full-service restaurant, several meeting rooms, and a stunning rooftop bar and patio. Overlooking a green roof with a 50 kW solar array, Lake Michigan, Monument Square, and panoramic views of the city of Racine, Hotel Verdant serves as the living room of Racine—a place to play, stay, eat, and meet.
Kelly Kruse, expressed her gratitude: “These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, board and committee members. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping the success of our ‘First Fridays’ and ‘Love Racine’ projects. I am immensely grateful for their commitment to our vision and for continuously pushing us towards excellence.”
Downtown Racine Corporation remains committed to building on this momentum and continuing to introduce programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Racine.
Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets Wisconsin’s historic commercial districts. WEDC provides technical support and training to the 34 Main Street communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Main Street Center.
For more information about the Downtown Racine Corporation and its award-winning projects, please contact: kkruse@racinedowntown.com or visit racinedowntown.com
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Downtown Racine Corporation’s mission is to foster economic, social, and cultural vitality by stimulating business development, programming events and marketing downtown to the community, developers and tourists. A thriving downtown doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, partnership, and persistence. It takes the commitment of people who care. The DRC truly believes that Downtown Racine is the heart of our community, and a community is only as strong as its core.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.
