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Downtown Revitalization

Prairie du Chien is the oldest Euro-American settlement established on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, a well-traveled rendezvous point for area nations to play together, trade goods or sign treaties. In 2005, this historic city was awarded the coveted designation as a Wisconsin Main Street community. A public-private relationship was formed between the City of Prairie du Chien and Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc. (PDRI) to foster economic development, champion historic preservation and promote the image of the Downtown District along Blackhawk Avenue.

This 20-block district begins on the west side at St. Feriole Island, running along Blackhawk Avenue through Main Street, proceeding straight east through Blackhawk Junction Mall, reaching one block north and one block south of Blackhawk Avenue. Nestled in between steep river bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, the Downtown District has long been a shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment retreat for sightseers, recreationalists or regional residents. While in the district, you’ll discover structures dating back to the 1840s to 1900s that are well preserved and restored to their unique charm and character. Predominant building uses throughout the district include office space, professional services, restaurants and bars, specialty retail and public services.

In its first four “Main Street” years, the total public-private investment in Prairie du Chien’s Downtown District totaled over $13 million. Within that same time period, 21 new businesses and 95 new jobs were created; 52 promotional events were organized for more than 17,000 attendees; and 38 building rehabilitations were completed. The city and PDRI offer technical and financial incentives to business and building owners to support business growth and encourage a greater number of historical faade renovations.

In late 2008, the city finished its new streetscape and utility improvement projects, with plans to extend it into other parts of the district. The new streetscape consists of picture-frame concrete with colored brick accents; period streetlights, benches and planters; trees and landscaped flower beds; and all-season bubblers. Rich history abounds here, bronze components that highlight local culture and history are incorporated into the streetscape and set apart this project from other typical streetscapes.

A beautifully landscaped pocket park includes a bubbler, decorative stone walls built with limestone salvaged from local buildings and benches consisting of six-foot-long limestone steps, well worn by decades of local parochial school children’s foot traffic. There are many prime locations in which to host street music, family movie night or art festivals. This sound infrastructure and creative streetscape are providing the catalyst for increased business and tourism in the community for generations to come.

Downtown is the social and economic heart of our city and it reflects upon how our community sees itself. The City of Prairie du Chien is committed to enhancing the city’s image and providing a healthy and happy quality of life for its residents, businesses and seasonal visitors. With the help of PDRI and the Main Street program, the city’s focused efforts are creating a unique and aesthetically-rich environment that is a lively and friendly destination in which to live, work, shop and play.