WEST BEND, Wis. — A lot has changed recently in downtown West Bend, Wis.

In the past few weeks, the city completed a months-long downtown redevelopment project along Main Street. This project coincided with the redevelopment of West Bend’s Downtown Riverwalk, which has been in the works for several years. 

What You Need To Know

  • West Bend completed major updates to its Main Street and Riverwalk

  • The Main Street project has brought more parking and additional amenities
  • West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert said he hopes both projects not only serve West Bend residents but also encourage others to come explore the city

The Main Street project was focused on improving infrastructure and modernizing amenities.

Adding additional parking and providing more wheelchair-friendly sidewalks and intersections were a part of the infrastructure component. Other aesthetic and technology-related improvements included adding electric car charging stations, getting a new outdoor audio system and adding new LED lights through downtown. 

West Bend Mayor Joel Ongert said the last major Main Street update was done in the 1980s. He said this project has helped bring the street in line with what people hope to see in 2023 and beyond. 

“Those different amenities were not thought of 40 years ago,” Ongert said. “They are just great to have and I imagine 40 years from now people will think we were ahead of our time.” 

The Main Street improvement project cost around $4.6 million, while the riverwalk redevelopment cost around $10 million over several building phases. Some of that project was funded through grants. 

Ongert said he hopes both projects not only serve West Bend residents but also encourage others to come explore the city. 

“We want to attract people to West Bend. To come eat in our restaurants, eat in our bars, shop in our businesses, enjoy our downtown,” Ongert said. 

It is something businesses along Main Street are optimistic about as well.

Kevin Schultz owns Mountain Outfitters, a store that sells outdoor gear. Schultz said the Main Street construction over the summer proved challenging because of parking closures and overall construction.

However, Schultz said he thinks the long-term goals are worthwhile. He said he believes the buzz about the improved downtown will draw more people to his shop. 

“The more success everyone has down here, just the more vibrant it will be,” Schultz said. “It’s better for everyone in general, just attracting more people downtown.” 

Related Stories