Maple & Main

Downtown Waukesha Part III

Posted by Curt Otto on Oct. 31, 2009 | 2 comments

Before I begin this week’s blog, I want you all to know that I finally finished the big blue canvas I was working on. Thanks for the suggestions on what to paint; I went with this idea because it seemed like a good fit…

This week, our journey through downtown Waukesha takes us to a block that has seen many changes in the past year.

The most prominent of these changes, the new Clarke Hotel and Black Trumpet Restaurant, has already seen more changes itself.

This once decrepit eyesore received a major overhaul last year (with a little help from the City of Waukesha) and went from a half abandoned flop house to a luxury hotel and restaurant.

And while many people doubted that downtown could handle such an idea, a year later the Clarke Hotel seems to have found its place.

However, it didn’t come easy.

Early in the hotel’s existence, the changing economy turned many of the corporate hotel supporters away as expenditures on luxury accommodations were replaced by more frugal spending habits.

And in the midst of making adjustments to re-market themselves, the hotel was surprised by the departure of one of its founding partners.

Down but not out, those left to pick up the pieces did just that, and the Clarke Hotel reinvented itself with reduced room rates. The Black Trumpet Restaurant scaled back from fancy French cuisine and now offers an Italian menu that includes many items that are a little lighter on the pocketbook.

In a time when it appears easier to just walk away from your financial issues, the owners of the Clarke Hotel have proven that persistence pays off (we hope).

While the Clarke may be the biggest thing on the block, there has certainly been a lot more happening on this section of Main. We will start with three businesses that are bucking the “bad economic times” trend by expanding their current businesses to meet the demand of their clients.

For starters, downtown icon The Steaming Cup Coffee Shop opened a tea room last year available for private parties and such.

So far, tea time attendance has been significant and the owners hope it will continue as such.

Across the street, The Potter’s Shop recently expanded to handle its ever growing pottery class enrollment.

A few doors down, The Nice Ash Cigar Bar is expanding as well. As the world seems to turn from the unhealthy habit of smoking cigarettes, there seems to be no end of those who enjoy the smooth smoke of a fine cigar. Coupled with a tasty beverage, some live music, and a hand of poker, the experience seems to draw more and more people- thus the need for an expansion.

Starting on or around November 9^th, patrons will be able to take pleasure in an incredible new bar in the building next door to the Ash. In the weeks following, the owners plan to remove the wall that separates the two buildings, dismantle the old bar, and add more seating and a bigger stage. The transformation is truly incredible.

By the way, if your in the market for a used bar, word on the street is that the Ash will be selling the existing granite topped bar and bar-back; perfect for your home rec-room or garage.

This photo spawned a question for long time downtown business owner Dan Engh. Dan has been framing and selling art prints down here for quite some time, but recently, he has also been dabbling in some creativity of his own. Marketed as “the internationally known artist, DE” Dan has expanded his gallery to include his own original works of art.

As for the plywood sign advertising this expansion? It was more a case of making lemonade from lemons.

Dan is waiting for a replacement window. His last one was knocked out a few weeks ago when an overzealous bridesmaid executed a running jump onto the back of an unsuspecting groom, thus throwing him off balance and sending him through the window. Both were sent to the hospital. While I hope no one was seriously injured, I can’t help but think the situation should make for some nice wedding album memories.

Next to Dan used to be a dance studio, but they have relocated to South Street. Although it was sad to see them go (even though they didn’t go far), it has made way for another new business to open its doors. Enve (an Aveda supported salon) is scheduled to open soon and will be a welcome addition to Main Street.

Aveda is known for its natural based beauty products, and while they may not be as famous as internationally known artist Dan Engh, they have quite a reputation in the salon world. I’ll keep you posted when I hear more on an exact opening date.

“That is my favorite store downtown."

It is these words that are uttered by women everywhere who have shopped at downtown’s new purse and accessory store, Bangles and Bags. It seems that the items sold here are, “to die for” and priced at a bargain as well.

Congratulations to the owners, they have made the store a legend in a very short amount of time.

And thus concludes our tour of Main Street west of the Five Points. Next time we will focus on Broadway- including the store fronts that make up the world famous (not as famous as Dan Engh) Five Points intersection.

But before we continue, I will have some updates on businesses that have closed recently and new businesses coming in. The landscape is always changing down here, and it is always interesting.