Main Street Marshfield Helps Develop Downtown
A city’s downtown is a key indicator of the economic viability of that community. Main Street Marshfield, a non-profit volunteer-based organization, is dedicated to revitalizing the downtown.
“The downtown is the heart of the city. It’s where we want people to come together as a community and celebrate Marshfield’ history and culture,” said Angie Eloranta, Executive Director of Main Street Marshfield. “Downtowns often have a lot of history behind them. New strip malls go up all the time, but nothing compares to an authentic, historic downtown district.”
Consisting of four committees- Promotion Committee, Economic Restructuring Committee, Design Committee, and Organization Committee- each has a different focus to help Main Street Marshfield achieve its goals.
“Our Promotion committee plans retail and special events to increase the foot traffic and awareness downtown,” explained Eloranta. “Our Economic Restructuring committee works to recruit new businesses downtown and offer resources to the current businesses.”
Some projects of that committee include The Baker Battle, Pop Up Shop, and the Façade Improvement Program.
“Our Design Committee works to beautify the downtown through Flower Power, Art Installations, and assisting property owners on façade improvement decisions,” she said. “Lastly, our Organization Committee focuses on the management of our volunteers, fundraising, and structure of the board.”
In 2016 alone, Main Street Marshfield contributed $15,000 towards the 50/50 Façade 
Improvement Program. Along with the City’s contribution, there have been 11 projects approved and $115K given out in grants.
Third Thursday promotions, where downtown businesses collaborated together to remain open until 7pm throughout the summer months, were also successful.
Another promotion, the Pop Up Shop, has transformed to now accept inquiries on an on-going basis.
“If you want to test out your business, you just need to contact the Main Street Office and we will work with you to get a Pop Up Shop going!” said Eloranta. “Dates and Hours of Operation will be determined by the interested entrepreneur.”
Another ongoing project includes the 2nd Street Corridor, with construction currently in progress.
“We can’t wait to see what it looks like in the end,” said Eloranta. “The Design Committee will be looking for local artists to do installations along the corridor in 2017.”
Also underway is the 200 Block Community Square, currently in the fundraising stage with an anticipated groundbreaking is spring 2017.
Additionally, there are new businesses moving downtown.
“There is always going to be turnaround downtown, but as some move out, more move in,” said Eloranta. “There is also a lot of improvements being made with 2nd Street, the 200 Block, the Omaha Parking Lot, Hardacre Park, etc.”
Mainstreet Marshfield is dedicated to improving Marshfield’s beautiful downtown, as the downtown is something Eloranta feels is an important indicator about the rest of the City.
“It can tell you a lot about a city,” she said. “Downtown districts are unique to each community and Marshfield has a beautiful, historic downtown.”
