MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Menasha is launching a new program meant to improve its historic downtown businesses.
The city would provide a matching grant for eligible applicants.
The Common Council approved a new “Downtown Building Incentive Program” June 15. It’ll provide a matching grant to allow business owners to make significant building improvements.
“Part of what makes the city of Menasha’s downtown unique and special just like so many downtowns throughout the state and throughout the country is that charm of those historic buildings and preservation of that is imperative,” Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond said.
The program provides a one for one matching grant up to $50,000 for eligible businesses. That’s a dollar in city funds for every dollar spent by the property owner.
Improvements could be anything from facade renovation, roofing, HVAC upgrades, electrical, plumbing and more.
Mayor Hammond said this investment is key for keeping downtown vibrant for future generations.
“The downtown is the heart of any community and everything beats from it and folks I think are seeking out great spaces to be able to go out and to enjoy and to enjoy each other’s company and we want our down town to be vibrant,” Hammond said.
For business owners to qualify, buildings must be at least 50 years old and reside in one of the city’s designated historic districts.
The new building incentive program is a hit with downtown business owners too. WeatherVane Restaurant plans to apply for some much needed improvements.
“We have three historic storefronts down here. So between managing and keeping upkeep on all three, that grant money is huge,” WeatherVane Restaurant Owner Melanie DuFrane said.
DuFrane hopes to get between $25,000 and $45,000 for improvements.
She wants to use money to get work done on the facade as well as new plumbing.
Currently, the building is equipped with its original cast iron piping from the 1800s.
“As much as I love these historic buildings, nothing’s meant to last forever. So ensuring that codes are met, things are up to date, and also just for comfort purposes as well,” DuFrane said.
Mayor Hammond said this program is expected to be recurring.
Common Council will determine an annual budget for the program each year.
A total of $150,000 is budgeted for the program in 2026. The matching grants will be paid for through Tax Incremental District funding.
