DOWNTOWN
CORPORAT IONRACINE
MERCHANT RESOURCE GUIDE
WE ARE THE DOWNTOWN RACINE CORPORATIONOur mission is to foster economic, social, and cultural diversity by stimulating business
development, programming events, and marketing downtown to the community, developers, and tourists. It is our vision that Downtown Racine, with its scenic lakefront and historic Main Street,
is the true heart and economic engine of our community; a vibrant and diverse destination to live, shop, explore, and conduct business.
We are a 501(c)3 that works hard every day to make Downtown Racine a vibrant and engaging place to live, work and play. We manage the day-to-day economic development efforts, improve
the environment and aesthetics, market downtown to residents and tourists and activate downtown with programmed events. In 2018 Racine became one of over forty designated Wisconsin Main Street Communities which offers access to a wide variety of educational
resources, training and tools designed to further our revitalization initiatives.
Downtown Racine Corporation is the only organization that is 100% committed and responsible to a thriving and vibrant downtown.
DOWNTOWN RACINE CORPORATION425 Main St. | Racine, WI 53403
262-634-6002Executive Director: Kelly Kruse
608-444-3064 | [email protected] : Dave Kamm
262-497-9232 | [email protected] Chair: MT Boyle
262-215-7063 | [email protected] list of Downtown Merchants
Visit Racinedowntown.com or check out the Visitor’s Guide
CITY OF RACINE720 Washington Ave. | Racine, WI 53403
Mayor Cory Mason262-636-9111 | [email protected] | Website: cityofracine.org/Mayor/
Interim City Administrator: Kathleen Fisher(262) 636-9598 | [email protected]
Downtown Alderman : Jeff Coe262-989-0964 | [email protected]
Public Works Commissioner: John Rooney(262) 636-9460 | [email protected]
Racine Police Department - Non Emergency262-886-2300
Racine Fire Department - Non Emergency262-886-2300
FEBRUARY2/20-2/27 Craft Beer Week2/22 State of Downtown 5 :30pm (TBD)MAY5/1 Wine Walk 1pm-4pm & 4pm-7pm5/8 Wine Walk 1pm-4pm & 4pm-7pmJUNE6/2 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC) 6/5 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC)6/9 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)6/12 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC)6/16 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)6/19 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)6/23 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC) 6/25 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)6/26 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)6/30 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC) JULY7/2 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)7/3 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC)7/7 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)7/9 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)7/10 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)7/14 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)7/16 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)7/17 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)7/21 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)7/23 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)7/24 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)7/28 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)7/30 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)7/31 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)AUGUST8/4 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)8/6 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-6pm (MS)8/7 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/1 1 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)8/13 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/14 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/18 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)8/20 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/21 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/25 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)8/27 Music on the Monument 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)8/28 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Saturday Sounds 4 :30pm-7pm (MS)
2021EVENTS
LOCATION KEYMS = MONUMENT SQUARE
CCC = CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS CSWY (EAST END)
DOWNTOWN
CORPORAT IONRACINE
SEPTEMBER9/1 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)9/4 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC)9/8 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)9/1 1 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC)9/15 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)9/18 Bend & Brew 9am-10am & 10 :15am-1 1 : 15am (CCC) Party on the Pavement Noon-7pm9/22 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC)9/25 Bend & Brew 9am-10am (CCC)OCTOBER10/2 Bend & Brew 9am-10am (CCC)10/9 Bend & Brew 9am-10am (CCC) Wine Walk 1pm-4pm & 4pm-7pm10/16 Bend & Brew 6pm-7pm (CCC) Wine Walk 1pm-4pm & 4pm-7pm10/23 Candy Crawl Noon-3pm10/30 Candy Crawl Noon-3pmNOVEMBER11/6 Beer and Bacon Walk1 1/ 13 Hol iday Parade and Tree L ight ing 5 :30pm11/20 Ladies Night Out 2pm-8pm11/27 Smal l Bus iness SaturdayDECEMBER12/1 1 Kr is Kr ing le Tour a l l day
*EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.PLEASE CHECK RACINEDOWNTOWN.COM
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCESBusiness Planning & Workshops, Financing
WWBICWWBICExpertise in business planning, financing and accessing resources that can assist with starting and growing a
business. Assistance with personal finances including topics such as budgeting, repairing and understanding your
credit and protecting your identity. In-person and online on-demand workshops are available.
www.wwbic.com | 262-898-5000
Startup & Entrepreneurial ServicesUW-Parkside Small Business Development Center UW-Parkside Small Business Development Center
Coaching and guidance; financial lending assistance; business/marketing/strategic planning; business plans; market
analysis; growth assistance for existing business and tech venture support.
www.uwp.edu/connect/businessandcommunity/sbdc.cfmMary Fischer-Tracy | 262-595-3363 | [email protected]
Networking and TrainingRAMAC - Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce RAMAC - Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce
Provide training in technical skills, soft skills, supervisory and leadership as well as numerous networking
opportunities including Young Professionals of Racine (YPR), Business Blenders and other business events.
www.racinechamber.com | Anna Clementi | 262-634-1931 [email protected]
Site Selection and Research AssistanceRCEDC - Racine County Economic Development Corporation RCEDC - Racine County Economic Development Corporation
Online database of available sites and buildings available at www.rcedc.org. Basic research including economic,
demographic and workforce data and community market profiles.
www.rcedc.org | Laura Million | 262-898-7530, [email protected]
Seed CapitalBLP - Business Lending Partners BLP - Business Lending Partners
Provides grants, loans and equity investments to City of Racine technology-based (Advanced Mfg, Food Processing,
Info Systems, Medical Devices, Biosciences, etc.) companies and emerging growth businesses.
Blp504.org | Carolyn Engel | 262-898-7420, [email protected]
WHY DOWNTOWN RACINE?
LOCATIONDowntown Racine is
conveniently located in the heart of the city along the
shores of Lake Michigan and strategically located within the Chicago/Milwaukee corridor.
OUR MARKETDowntown Racine is an attractive, exciting
and convenient shopping destination for not only local residents, but also for shoppers from nearby Milwaukee and
northern Chicago suburbs.
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Primary Trade Area Residents....…..145,530
Median Household Income……......$77,627
Percent Associates Degree+…........….28.3%
Percent Family Households…….......…60.7%
Median Age…………..……….....................…….33.6
City Residents……………..............……..….76,646
VISITOR & EVENT TRAFFIC:
Average Daily Traffic………….............……8,700
Annual Event Attendance..........……..51,000
Programmed Event Dates………..........…..…54
BUSINESS MIXDowntown Racine has a balanced mix of retail, restaurant and service businesses
including multiple galleries, 3 museums and 5 jewelry stores.
DESTINATIONSFestival Hall | Racine Heritage Museum
Monument Square | Gateway Tech CollegeReefpoint Marina | Racine Art Museum
Retail growth over the past three years and pending major housing and hotel developments have prompted downtown’s “Racine-aissance.” The boom began in 2018 with 23 new business openings and another 24 new restaurants, shops and service companies
in 2019 along with 10 new businesses in 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19, filling once empty storefronts with new vibrancy. Downtown Racine is now home to more than 40 restaurants, pubs and coffeehouses, over 50 retail shops and galleries and three museums.
More than 60 days of events scheduled for 2021 will draw regional traffic to downtown, further expanding the local customer base.
Downtown Racine has really been built back up over the last several years & has become one of my favorite spots. It has tons of shops, restaurants, galleries & some of the best architecture!
Being right on the lake makes it even better! -Tamara Dowhower, Racine
“
“
Great things are happening. Lots of really neat ideas for promoting our downtown.
- Photographic Design Studio (Downtown Business Owner)
“ “
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
TOTAL DOWNTOWNBUSINESSES: 301
SALES BY CATEGORY
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY AWAITS IN DOWNTOWN RACINE
LEARN MOREABOUT AVAILABLE INVESTMENT
PROPERTIES AND RENTALS
Downtown Racine CorporationAn accredited WI Main St Community and
a National Main Street Community.Kelly Kruse, Executive Director
262-634-6002 | [email protected]
RESIDENTIAL MARKET
Downtown’s adjacent proximity to the waterfront creates an attractive place
to live. Residential options include lake view high rises, historic loft apartments
and live-work opportunities.
6 Downtown Residential complexesWalkable Population (1/4 mile): 772Average Monthly Rental Rate: $845Percent Owned/Rented: 17%/83%
In addition, 3 market-rate housing developers are breaking ground in 2021
which will be creating 1,000 housing units.
COMMUNITYINVESTMENT
Downtown Racine Corporation promotes a public-private model for downtown revitalization. Together
with our partners, the DRC has made downtown a safe place to invest.
Private Investment in 2020: $1.4 million
Building Renovations in 2020: 6.5 million
Public Investment in 2020: $300,000
3 hotels will break ground in 2021 and create an additional 350 rooms and a
total investment of $200 million.
BUSINESSASSISTANCE
We are committed to helping new businesses get started in our
community. DRC staff members are available to serve as a liaison with the
City and others to help you get up and running quickly. Financial and other
assistance available includes:
Façade & Sign Grant50% of eligible costs up to $10,000.
Design AssistanceFree assistance with signage and
façade planning, including renderings.Tax Increment Finance Assistance
For qualified projects.
Downtown Racine, with its well-preserved classic architecture and amazing Lake Michigan views, is the true heart and economic engine of our community; a vibrant and diverse destination to live, shop, explore, and conduct business.
60+ PROGRAMMED DATES PER YEAR!Parades | Live Music Fri/Sat during Summer | Wine & Beer Walks | Festivals | Yoga | And Many More!
RACINEDOWNTOWN.COM
STAY CONNECTEDWeekly Merchant Emails
Contact Kelly Kruse to get added to the list: Send your email to [email protected]
Weekly Merchant TextsContact Kelly Kruse to get added to the text club: Send your cell number to [email protected]
Facebook Downtown Advocacy GroupJoin group at: Facebook.com/groups/DowntownRacine
PERMITSSidewalk Cafe Permits
Dept. of City Development. | City Hall Room 102 | Jeffrey Hintz | [email protected]
Right of Way Encroachment License (sidewalk merchandise)Dept. of City Development. | City Hall Room 102 | Jeffrey Hintz | [email protected]
GRANTSFacade Grant - Up to 50% matching grant
Dept. of City Development. | City Hall Room 102 | Jeffrey Hintz | [email protected]
MARKETING MATERIALS
DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT GUIDE
RACINEDOWNTOWN.COM
State St.
3rd St.
4th St.
5th St.
Wisc
onsin
Ave
.
Colle
ge A
ve.
Park
Ave
.
Villa
St.
Mai
n St
.
6th St.
TOAD HALLAmerican
A LITTLE R&R CAFEAmerican
KEWPEE’SAmerican
BUTC
HER
& B
ARR
ELA
mer
ican
DEWEY’SAmerican
MAPLE TABLEAmerican
SUGAR SHACKIce Cream
STICKY RICEThai
Sam Johnson Prky.
ASIANAKorean/ Japanese
PEPI’SAmerican TH
E RO
OST
ON
6TH
Am
eric
an
THE NASHAmerican
OLD MADRIDSpanish
ROBERTAAmerican
RED ONIONAmerican
MS. BETTY’S KITCHENSouthern
ABRAZOCoffee
RACINE BREWING CO.Mexican
THE IVANHOEIrish/American
DIVINO GELATOCoffee
JIMMY JOHNSSandwich
JOEY’S YARDARMSeafood/American
SALUTESItalian
MAIN ST. BAKERYAmerican
SMOK’D ON THE WATERAmerican
REEFPOINT BREW HOUSEAmerican
CORNER HOUSEAmerican
KRUNG THAIThai
SHOGUNJapanese
“MESS HALL” RESTUARANT
American
Brid
ge
MAIN HUBAmerican
COASTERSAmerican
GEORGE’SAmerican
BOOSTER’S BUOYSeafood/American
BRICKHOUSEAmerican
BALKANAmerican
CHIT CHAATPakistani
DERANGO’SItalian/American
AMOS LOS TACOSMexican
= OUTDOOR DINING
MULTIPLE TABLES TO BRING
CARRY OUT
BridgeHARBOR LITE YACHT CLUB
Wed/Fri Only
TAEJA VUCajun
DINESAFELY
WEAR A MASK WHEN NOT SEATED AT TABLE OR BAR.
STAY 6 FEET APART
WASH HANDS BEFORE AND AFTERYOU EAT
COUGH/SNEEZE INTO YOUR SLEEVE
USE HAND SANITIZER
USE DISPOSABLE UTENSILS AND MENUS WHEN AVAILABLE
SHOPSAFELY
WEAR A MASK
STAY 6 FEET APART
ONLY PICKUP/TOUCH WHAT YOU PLAN TO PURCHASE
COUGH/SNEEZE INTO YOUR SLEEVE
USE HAND SANITIZER WHEN AVAILABLE
WASH HANDS WHEN YOU GET HOME
FACEMASK
REQUIRED
Signs/posters available at DRC office for free!8x10 or 11x17 sizes.
OPENCURBSIDEPICK UP
CALL
#SupportDowntownRacine
DRC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS• We will promote your business through social media: (17,000+ followers) and email (6,500+ subscribers) • Collaborative and affordable advertising opportunities• Discounts on Party on the Pavement, parade applications and Visitor Guide ads• Downtown gift certificate program participation• Membership rewards program for you and your staff• Participation in Restaurant & Craft Beer Week• Participation in Kris Kringle Tour (2 Kringles provided)• Wine Walk participation (based on first come, first serve)• Beer and Bacon Walk participation (based on first come, first serve)• Candy Crawl participation (includes 1 bowl of candy)• Participation in scavenger hunt events• Participation in window decorating contests
Membership is just $250 per year and is 100% tax deductible. Stop at the DRC office 425 Main St or download an application at:
racinedowntown.com/downtown-racine-corporation/
GIFT CARD PROGRAMDowntown Racine Corporation offers a gift card program to DRC members. Please accept these gift cards as cash. Then turn in to the DRC office (425 Main St.) with
your business name written on the back. We will reimburse you 100% of the gift card value.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAMIf you are a new business and in need of a mentor that has a similar business in Downtown, please
let Kelly Kruse know ([email protected] or 608-444-3064). She will find a match that suits your needs.
Whether it be a one time meeting or weekly check ins, we will work to find someone that can help YOU succeed and navigate in Downtown Racine.
THANK YOUfor being a part of the Downtown community.
425 Main St. | Racine, WI 53403 | 262-634-6002
DOWNTOWN
CORPORAT IONRACINE
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