MADISON, Wis (SPECTRUM NEWS)-- A Madison real estate developer —proving he has a heart of gold by assembling the muscle and manpower to help clean up State St. following days of unrest.

Philanthropist John Mckenzie says he was 'shocked and saddened' to see State St. businesses all boarded up.

"I grew up in Madison and we are used to dissent, but what we’re not used to is senseless violence," McKenzie said.  

According to a new survey of State St. stores, the City of Madison reports 42% of the shops and restaurants will never re-open.  

"And these small businesses are really the heartbeat of this country and everyone who has opened a company is taking a risk, they've got their heart on the line, their life in it,  so you know as a fellow business person, I can’t help but be touched and saddened when they are facing something like this."

McKenzie says he felt compelled to do something after realizing his mother's closest friend's shop, Paul's Book Store, was vandalized during the demonstrations.  

He decided then and there to donate his resources.  A short time later, he realized he could reach out to his contracting connections.

"Gotten a commitment from Olson-Toon Landscaping, Ace Electric and Dave Jones Plumbing to volunteer their services when these businesses can’t take care of it, free of charge," he said.

A City of Madison representative says 85% of the shops on State St, are currently closed.  You can learn more about another emergency effort helping these businesses through  Gofundme donations, here.