Downtown Racine Corporation
We are the Downtown Racine Corporation
Our mission is to foster economic, social, and cultural diversity by stimulating business development, programming events, and marketing downtown to the community, developers, and tourists. It is our vision that Downtown Racine, with its scenic lakefront and historic Main Street, is the true heart and economic engine of our community; a vibrant and diverse destination to live, shop, explore, and conduct business.
We are a dedicated 501(c)3 nonprofit, that strives to continually enrich the vibrancy and appeal of Downtown Racine. With a focus on fostering a lively atmosphere for living, working, and leisure, we spearhead the economic development initiatives, enhance the environmental and aesthetic appeal, and actively market our downtown to both residents and tourists alike.
Our event programming is central to bringing life and energy to the heart of Racine. In 2018, we proudly joined the ranks of over forty Wisconsin Main Street Communities, a designation that grants us access to an array of educational resources, training, and tools crucial for our revitalization efforts.
As the sole organization wholly devoted to the prosperity and dynamic spirit of Downtown Racine, we are committed to ensuring that it not only thrives but also becomes a beacon of community and innovation.
DOWNTOWN IN THE NEWS
We’ve had some great press in the news lately.
Downtown Recognizes Achievement Awards
Racine and Me: Small Business Saturday with the Grinch
Racine Kicks off Holiday Season with Parade
Beloved annual Holiday Parade and tree lighting is Saturday, November 9th
New art project installed in Rotary Plaza shines a spotlight on Sixth Street
Downtown Racine Selected as a Main Street America Program (journaltimes.com)
There is a lot in store for downtown Racine in 2024 (journaltimes.com)
Downtown Racine Corp. looks back on 2023, announces new projects for 2024 (journalimes.com)
Racine business owners excited to celebrate grand openings for four new businesses Friday
In photos: Downtown Racine welcomes four new businesses
Downtown Racine Corporation Achieves Gold Tier Main Street Community Status | Racine County Eye
Recent Achievements of Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC):
- Dynamic Business Expansion: We have been instrumental in significantly growing downtown business presence with an impressive influx of new establishments: 23 in 2019, 10 in 2020, 33 in both 2021 and 2022, 11 in 2023 and 12 in 2024. This growth has culminated in Downtown Racine now proudly hosting over 100 diverse restaurants, pubs, retail shops, galleries, and 3 museums.
- Event Central: In 2024 alone, we organized and hosted more than 80 free events, attracting over 70,000 visitors to Downtown Racine, thereby fostering community engagement and local tourism.
- Prestigious Designations: We are honored to be recognized as a Wisconsin Main Street Community and an affiliate of the Main Street America™ program by the National Main Street Center, underscoring our commitment to revitalizing and preserving historic downtown areas.
- Art and Culture Pioneer: For 24 consecutive years, we have uniquely positioned ourselves as one of the few communities nationwide to host a public art project annually, demonstrating our enduring commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic expression.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman
Austin Schultz, Plumb Gold and Plumb Silver
Immediate Past Chairman
Tim Mason, Express Personnel
Vice Chairman
Tricia Blasko, Racine Art Museum
Secretary
Meagan Petersen, Reefpoint Brew House
Treasurer
Barry Fries, Johnson Financial
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Dimple Navratil, Dimples Imports, Chair of Business Support
Michelle Sweetman, SC Johnson, Chair of Main St. Committee
John Rooney, Commissioner of Public Works, City of Racine
Jeff Coe, 1st District Alderman
Casey Morgenson, Racine County
Eric Dogans, 2 SwiftSuits
Corey Coleman, Midwest Boaters Club
Michael Godfrey, Dominion Properties
Scott Monroe, Riverside Marine
Carrie Reid, Reefpoint Marina
Megan Haapanen, Lakeview Pharmacy of Racine
Anne Meredith, Maresh Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Janna Parr-Coca, Tangles Salon Studio
Andrea Ramos, Innovative Dynamic Networks, Inc.
Doug Geurts, Hovde (Breakwater 233)
Anthony Porcaro, Indian Motorcycle of Racine
CONTACT INFORMATION
Executive Director
Kelly Kruse
Email: Kelly Kruse
Executive Administrative Assistant
Ann Brennan
Email: Ann Brennan
Events Manager
Yolanda Coleman
Email: Yolanda Coleman
General Information
events@racinedowntown.com
VISITORS INFORMATION CENTER
Downtown Racine Corporation Office
425 Main Street, (262) 634-6002
