FDL Celebrates Wisconsin Main Street Day

Fond du Lac proudly took its place among 12 communities in the Wisconsin Main Street program celebrating Wisconsin Main Street Day Tuesday.  The city has earned that honor with $100 million in private investment in the downtown since Fond du Lac joined the program in 2004. Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership Director Amy Hansen talked about past accomplishments and a promising future including the $25 million investment in the renovation of the Hotel Retlaw. She says it is a great project that signifies the rebirth of all of Wisconsin’s downtowns. Hotel Retlaw co-owners Dennis Doucette and Steven Frantz also spoke during the gathering downtown. Doucette says it would have been just as easy to start fresh, but historic preservation tax credits and other funding make it possible to renovate the historic hotel. The hotel is expected to have an economic impact of $25 million a year and will employ 150 full-time workers. Also speaking at the gathering at the Main Street Plaza was; State Senator Dan Feyen, State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, Fond du Lac City Council President Karyn Merkel, and Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President Craig Molitor. There are a total of 34 communities in the Wisconsin Main Street program.


Left to right State Senator Dan Feyen, Hotel Retlaw co-owners Dennis Doucette and Steven Frantz, City Council President Karyn Merkel, State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, and Fond du Lac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President Craig Molitor.