While it might not look like business as usual in the Village of Wauwatosa this summer, our local businesses are going out of their way to let the community know they are open and accessible.
The Village of Wauwatosa has seen dramatic positive changes in recent years. That authentic and important improvement continues in 2016 as the City of Wauwatosa begins a three-year streetscape construction project along State Street. The first phase of the project includes canopy lighting over a dynamic plaza area with a new water feature, curbless streets and sidewalks for easy access and versatile events, reverse angle parking and new lighting fixtures, benches, trash receptacles and bollards.
With all the work going on this summer, Village businesses are working together to get the word out about the best ways to visit them so the community thrives during the streetscape project.
“We are so excited about the big way this streetscaping project will benefit the Village in Wauwatosa,” said Chris Leffler, owner of Leff’s Lucky Town and Village BID board president. “We just want to make sure that everyone knows that we are more open for business than ever and it’s easy to park and walk to your favorite Village business”
The Village has long thrived as an authentic and eclectic mix of businesses providing shopping, services, dining and more. “We have loyal customers who tell us that they will climb over barricades to continue shopping here in the Village,” said Deb Fowler, owner of the Flower Lady, who has been in the Village for more than 20 years. “With this streetscape project, we just want to make sure that everyone knows we are open and there are very simple ways to get to our stores.”
The City of Wauwatosa has been diligently working with the community and businesses on the streetscape project logistics and communications. While much of the current work around State Street involves utilities like sewer, gas, electrical and communication lines, work will begin later this summer on more visual aspects like new curbless streets and sidewalks with pavers, an exciting center plaza area with canopy lighting and a new water feature, new lighting fixtures, benches, trash receptacles and bollards.
Various communications have already been going out to businesses and the community to emphasize how the Village will be open for business during the streetscape construction.
From a detour standpoint, the community should be aware that State Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, with a west bound lane open at night and on weekends. While the City and contractors are making every effort to keep the project moving efficiently and cleanly, residents can expect some minor disruptions from time to time.
Several local contractors are working on the project, including construction manager Zignego Construction from Waukesha, sewer and water contractor MJ Construction from Milwaukee, and Super Excavators from Menomonee Falls. These companies also employ hundreds of area workers, many of whom will be working in and around the Village.
Village of Wauwatosa businesses are always willing to go above and beyond to support the community and their customers, so this streetscape construction season is a great time for residents and visitors to show their support for The Village.
