In 1993 I left working in the furniture store and wanted something that would reward my time and pique my interest. I applied and was hired to work for the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. Our main focus was the restoration and rebuilding of the downtown Columbus area. This program was a part of the Department of Commerce and the Wisconsin Main Street Program.
Initially, I was excited about my position because it combined my experience in banking and finance with my passion for the history and magic of historic downtowns. I started my work from the aspect of new businesses. I sought out new businesses and worked with them to build business plans and to design a business that would stand the test of time. Most of all I wanted them to succeed.
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the people and downtown Columbus. The job turned into a true labor of love. At Christmas time the students from the Wisconsin Academy, located outside of Columbus, would volunteer to help with putting Christmas decorations on the lamp posts.
I remember working with the students to light up the main four corners. We wound lighted garland around each street light. During the Christmas season, each night when the lights came on, I would inspect each block. I got really good at locating spots where lights had been removed and wires cut. I would carry my trusty clippers and electric tape to repair the damage. It became a game to see if I could fix all of the lights and out smart the “vandals”.
The events and projects were all put together by dedicated volunteers. The community also supported the program financially. For many years we received a donation from the City of Columbus.
What I soon realized was that the historic preservation side of the program was even more exciting
than the support of the businesses alone. We could obtain drawings through the State Main Street Architect that showed how we could take buildings that were run down and looking shabby and restore them back to their original beauty.
Many of these restorations involved taking off old shingled roof lines, reopening window spaces, uncovering transom windows, and helping these buildings become the classic buildings of their pasts. Upstairs we worked with interested builders and owners to restore 2nd stories to become unique apartments. These units had all of the benefits of being centrally located and added additional traffic for our new businesses. Most of them were 20 feet wide and 100 feet deep giving the renters 2000 square feet of usable space. They had great potential.
I inherited the job of Main Street Manager from a very committed Columbus resident who had started the involvement in the program. The first step was the renovation and adaptive reuse of the run-down Whitney Hotel. In my position, I inherited the job of managing the Whitney Building. It housed 8 apartments and 2 commercial units.
The Whitney was the cornerstone of the Columbus downtown. I was in awe of the work my predecessor had put into it’s renovation and restoration. Taking care of the Whitney could be a bit daunting. One year I was hosting the Board of Directors at my home for the annual Christmas Party. This was a group of special people who devoted their time and energy into help revitalize the Columbus downtown.
About half-way through the party, my cell phone started ringing. There were two people stuck in the elevator at the Whitney. I felt committed to taking care of issues in this important location. I didn’t end up going back to Columbus from Beaver Dam. I did spend several hours working with the Columbus Fire Department and others to rescue our trapped tenants.
Our board members personally worked on building clean ups and restoration. My sister, Sandy is talented in hands on work in addition to having a knack for decorating in a positive way. I shamelessly talked her into helping me paint walls, clean carpets and do general clean up in one of our great upstairs areas. She was a willing volunteer and I appreciated her help.
The volunteerism was the strength of this program. Together, we mobilized volunteers to serve on our committees, to serve the community in putting on events, and to help to promote the downtown in any way needed. The annual Carriage Classic was a great example of an event that combined the ingenuity of Todd Frey and his family and friends and an army of volunteers. His contribution in building this great event, in addition to building ownership and renovation work personally, was critical in helping to make Columbus downtown move into vitality.
I enjoyed every moment of working with this community. Sadly, good things sometimes come to an end. The program was totally funded by community donations. Eventually, the City withdrew their annual contribution and we were no longer able to hold up our commitment to the Main Street Program. I am grateful to the people of Columbus for this rewarding opportunity.
Click here to check out other Sidetracked opinions
Click here to listen to the Overcoming Writer’s Block podcast
Want to create your own legacy? Join the Sidetracked Sisters and start now!
Ever thought about working with a Life Coach? Are you creative or a writer who is frustrated with your inability to do the work you so desperately feel called to do? Check out Lisa Hoffman Coaching.
#sidetrackedsisters #sidetrackedjudy #sidetrackedlegacies #legacywriting #legacystories #writeyourownlegacy #LisaHoffmanCoaching #historicpreservation #downsuccess #buildingvitality
