Green County 2023 Visitor Guide

Downtown Monroe is for architecture lovers. With an entire district listed on the National Register for Historic Places, the Square and its environs boasts one of the state's most spectacular collections of Victorian-era buildings. MAIN STREET MONROE: REVIVING, RESTORING & RENEWING

Like jump-starting a $500K restoration project to be completed this year on one of the Square's largest buildings. The “White Block Building” dates back to 1900 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. Its massive 14,000 square footage make it daunting to restore. “We (Main Street) worked with new building owners to make them aware of a grant opportunity and helped write the grant,” Nordby said. A $250K matching WEDC Community Development Investment Block grant was awarded for façade restoration.

LOCAL FLAVOR LOCAL FLAVOR • Baked Goods • Unique Crafts VOTED GREEN COUNTY’S

Green County's 1891 historic Romanesque style courthouse anchors this classic downtown. A very definite air of nostalgia for the golden age of main street America permeates the atmosphere. But don't let its past fool you. This town's history anchors the present and future. On any given day, parking spots are scarce, and stores and restaurants thrive. Thanks in large part to the district's 18-year-old Main Street program, building restorations are ongoing, occupancy hovers near 100 percent, and a new generation is discovering the joy of shopping small.

It's the first such grant awarded in Monroe or Green County, a major win for Main Street and Monroe. In addition to tuckpointing and other exterior improvements, the new owners plan to add office space and retail storefronts to maximize the building's potential. “This project is a game changer,” Nordby said. “It's addressing the real needs and concerns of the community: improved and more available office and

On Monroe’s Historic Square May 3rd thru October 2 8 th

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS from NOON til 3 PM SATURDAY MORNINGS from 8 AM til 1 PM • Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables • Ready Made Food • Beef & Pork • Preserves • Maple Syrup • Honey

Indoor Market 3rd Saturday Nov April and Dec 2n d MASONIC TEMPLE - 1613-10TH ST.

MainStreetMonroe.org

Monroe Farmers Market

retail space.” The $500K project is a first step. Nordby anticipates more restoration to the building over the next few years. Improvements on a smaller scale also continue to bring buildings back to their original glory. Like last year's over $20K façade restoration on the current Sunrise Donut Café building. Main Street Monroe's leadership in restoration taps into the state's design services for historic downtowns, offering help This project is a game changer. It's addressing the real needs and concerns of the community: improved and more available office and retail space. “ with design guidelines, façade renderings for improvements, streetscape renderings for public spaces, and more. Last year eight businesses used this expertise. In addition, a new awning and signage grant fund offers local businesses help with cosmetic improvements. It all adds up to a bright future for these architectural gems, and a new generation of businesses. “We're just starting to hit our stride,” Nordby said. “There's going to be a lot more to celebrate in the coming years.”

“One of my favorite things is that we're one of the few communities in Wisconsin with a proper square,” said Jordan Nordby, Executive Director for Main Street Monroe. “It's not just the courthouse. The entire district is filled with beautifully preserved buildings with different architectural details that pique your curiosity.” Most buildings date from the late 1800s to early 1900s and show off the era's architectural styles including Gothic Revival, Richardsonian Romanesque, Neoclassical, and more. The old jailhouse, now a bar, is Italianite and dates from 1855. As always, the artistry is in the details. Fanciful Victorian ornamentation, decorative brickwork, and beautifully preserved glazed terra-cotta tile facades, tell a tale of the city's affluence and industry. Fortunately, Monroe's downtown survived the late 20th Century turn to strip malls, big-box stores, and outlying business hubs. But interest started to flag in the late 90s. Becoming a designated Main Street community was a game changer. Main Street Monroe, a non-profit organization with national accreditation, uses a 4-point approach for revival, restoration, and renewal. It's a labor of love for Nordby. “So much of the work Main Street Monroe does is behind the scenes,” he said. “I'm proud that not only are we a resource for protecting and sharing Monroe's history, but we're a catalyst for change.”

Sandwiches Grilled Pastrami, Reuben, Pulled Pork, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato-Onion, Hot Dog, Chili Dog, Bratwurst, and our *Classic Cheese Sandwich (*make it a combo with Salami or Braunschweiger) Homemade Soups & Salads Daily Specials from the Grill Wisconsin’s oldest cheese store! Smash Burgers served from 4-8 PM

2019

Restaurant & Pub Casual Dining  Upscale Pub Fare Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday Daily specials Friday Fish Fry - Saturday Prime Rib Full Service bar with signature cocktails Happy Hour - Weekdays 3:30 - 5:30 1015 18th Avenue, Monroe WI • (608) 426-6445 buggyworkspub.com

“Somewhere on the Square” • Monroe • 608.325.6157

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