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Downtown Planning & Development

Peruse Downtown Ripon's revitalization plans that have been developed over the years with assistance from the Wisconsin Main Street program and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC). The plans focus on building upon the downtown's existing foundation, and providing strategies and recommendations to elevate its strength and vitality without compromising current success or historic character.

Downtown Ripon Design Manual:

Check out the Downtown Ripon Design Manual to learn more about the ways in which property owners can enhance the appearance and charm of historic buildings in the district. Property owners are not alone when it comes to the quest to renovate storefronts and interior spaces. Tap into Main Street's free design assistance for exterior and interior renovation projects. Ripon Main Street offers sample drawings; color schemes & awning samples; technical specifications; and signage & graphics assistance. Moreover, Ripon Main Street can connect property owners with trusted contractors, painters and other vendors. Rest easy, these guidelines provide historic renovation ideas, and are designed to clarify the process. Click the link to download the Downtown Ripon Design Manual

Main Street generates Downtown Beautification Plan:

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) brought consultants Jay Schlinsog of Downtown Professionals Network and Michael Schroeder of Schroeder Designs to Ripon in April 2018 to help business and property owners identify and prioritize short-term and long-term streetscape improvements for the Central Business District. Click the link to download the Downtown Ripon Streetscape Beautification Plan (2018)

Downtown Ripon Vision Planning Exercise (2016)

Ripon Main Street, in conjunction with representatives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC), conducted a follow-up Vision Planning Exercises in 2016 as part of its strategic planning process. Community input helped determine goals and objectives, and identified priority projects for future planning efforts. Click the link to download the 2016 Downtown Ripon Vision Plan

Downtown Ripon Vision Planning Exercise (2015)

Ripon Main Street, Inc. conducted a visioning exercise in October 2015. The public was asked to provide input to help determine business trends and identify the most important needs of the downtown. An online survey was used to collect perceptions, with 123 individuals provided feedback over a five week period, regarding the the current state of downtown, the performance of various aspects of the downtown environment, and ideas for future revitalization projects or initiatives that could help move the district forward as a vibrant commercial environment. Click the link to download the 2015 Downtown Ripon Vision Plan

Downtown Ripon Strategic Plan (2007)

In 1988 Vandewalle & Associates completed the Ripon Downtown Revitalization Plan in partnership with Schreiber/Anderson Associates and R.A. Smith & Associates, Inc. This was the kickoff of the Main Street revitalization process. During the intervening nineteen years, Ripon implemented many of the ideas included in this plan such as the creation of a downtown Tax Increment Financing District, a Business Improvement District, and a Main Street Organization. As the result of these and other efforts, Downtown Ripon experienced significant improvement in its economic vitality and physical condition, and developed a solid retail and service base within its intact historic core. The purpose of the 2007 Downtown Ripon Strategic Plan was to build on the existing foundation and provide strategies and recommendations to bring the downtown to a higher level of strength and vitality without compromising its success or historic character. Click the link to download the 2007 Downtown Ripon Strategic Plan