The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has recognized the Downtown Racine Corporation with its highest honor—Wisconsin Main Street of the Year—at the 35th annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held in Wausau on March 19..
This prestigious, statewide award celebrates exceptional achievement in downtown revitalization and recognizes communities that demonstrate measurable economic impact, innovative programming, and sustained, strategic growth. Downtown Racine was selected as the top program in Wisconsin, standing out among communities across the state for its comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to revitalization.
“Showcasing the variety of success stories from communities large and small is always inspirational,” said John W. Miller, Secretary and CEO of WEDC. “The Main Street Awards ceremony celebrates the hard work, vision, and dedication of those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes each day to preserve and promote their downtowns.”
According to WEDC, Downtown Racine’s recognition reflects a year of significant momentum and long-term strategic investment. In 2025, the district celebrated 21 new business openings, major development milestones including Breakwater 233, and continued placemaking enhancements, including 20+ Kites as a public art project. With more than 70 annual event dates, including signature events like First Fridays, HayMarket, and Party on the Pavement—an event generating over $1 million in direct spending in a single day—Downtown Racine has built a consistent and vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to our entire team,” said Kelly Kruse. “I am so proud of our staff, whose passion and dedication drive this work every single day, as well as the leadership and guidance of our 2025 BID Board and DRC Board of Directors. This award reflects years of planning, collaboration, and a shared vision for what Downtown Racine can be.”
The award also highlights the strength of partnerships and leadership guiding downtown initiatives.
“Downtown Racine’s success is the result of intentional collaboration and a commitment to long-term growth,” said Andrew Dodge, 2025 BID chairman. “We’ve focused on building a strong foundation that supports businesses, attracts investment, and creates an experience people want to be part of.”
“This honor is a testament to the vision and momentum that continues to build in Downtown Racine,” said Austin Schultz, DRC chairman. “Through strategic planning and innovative programming, this community continues to raise the bar for what a thriving downtown can look like.”
Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that supports historic downtown districts through technical assistance, training, and resources. Since its inception in 1987, participating communities have generated over $3 billion in public and private investment, along with thousands of new businesses and jobs.
This recognition solidifies Downtown Racine’s position as a leading example of successful downtown revitalization—not just in Wisconsin, but nationally—demonstrating how sustained vision, strategic investment, and community collaboration can transform a district into a thriving economic and cultural hub.
Additional 2026 Wisconsin Main Street Award winners include:
- Best Total Building Transformation – Violet Inn, Lounge & Spa, Two Rivers
- Best New Construction – Main Street Apartments, Viroqua
- Best Interior Renovation (Large-Scale) – Summer of ’85, Milwaukee
- Best Interior Renovation (Small-Scale) – Rae’s Barbershop, Tomahawk
- Best Façade Rehab (Large-Scale) – 1311–19 State Street, Beloit
- Best Façade Rehab (Small-Scale) – Call it New/Call it Antique, Stevens Point
- Best Business Support Initiative – Main Street Makeover, Fond du Lac
- Business of the Year – JoAnne’s Dress Shop, Monroe
- Best Business Marketing Campaign – Andy’s Pontoon Saloon, Eagle River
- Best Program Marketing Campaign – Touchdown Downtown, Green Bay
- Best Placemaking Project (Large-Scale) – Pocket Park, Monroe
- Best Placemaking Project (Small-Scale) – Urban Forest Walkway, De Pere
- Best Retail Event – Galentine’s Day, Fond du Lac
- Best Special Event – Wausau Night Market, Wausau
- Connect Communities Revitalization Success Story – Staple & Fancy, Mineral Point
- Connect Communities Revitalization Award – Waupun
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.
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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ABOUT THE WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
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.
About the Downtown Racine Corporation
The Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) 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.