Theos 24 Renovation Wins State Award

On Friday, April 8, The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized the best downtown revitalization projects of 2015 at the 25th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony.

Theo’s 24 in downtown Fond du Lac received the award for Best Façade Renovation. Opening for business in December 2015, the historic renovation project included tearing off a false facade that was installed in the 1970’s, a time when covering historic façades was the modern design choice.  After years of wear and tear, the old wood façade was removed and a painstaking restoration project began in spring 2015.

(Pictured: Theo’s before.)

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership assisted the overall project by coordinating a historic façade drawing through Wisconsin Main Street which incorporated the historical design of the building and developed a new color palate.  A Façade Design Grant was awarded to assist in hiring an architect to draw construction blueprints.  A Building Improvement Grant of $15,000 was awarded to assist in funding the overall construction costs.  In the end, the façade of the building has been meticulously restored, from new windows, doors, masonry, and restoring historical features including cornices and trim work.

Also recognized at the event were Leo Metivier as a Main Street Volunteer of the Year and Byron Pegram as an Honorary Main Street Board Member. Metivier is in charge of operations for Fondue Fest. This role includes assisting with set up, logistics, building, fixing or tearing down during downtown Fond du Lac’s largest one-day festival. Pegram, owner of Jack’s Team Sports, has served on the Downtown Fond du lac Partnership Board of Directors since 2012. He has served on the Executive Committee and as Vice President since 2014 and also lends his expertise on both the Farmers Market Steering Committee and the Design Committee.

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership is the administrative arm of the Business Improvement District, which is comprised of 284 businesses, 76% of which are locally owned. The mission of the partnership is to establish a diverse, prosperous and healthy district that is the social, commercial and cultural heart of our community.  For information call (920) 322-2006 or visit www.downtownfdl.com.