The intent of the
project was to
really make this an
attractive area for
development.
ROAD PROJECT BENEFITS BUSINESS SECTOR
I
n addition to redefining its identity
and reinvigorating its downtown, the
City of Muskego hoped reconstructing
Waukesha County Highway L/Janesville
Road would spur improvements in the
community. So far it has, city officials
say, and they are delighted with the
results.
Many business owners have improved
facades or upgraded their buildings
and sites during and after the roadway
project. The finished roadway has
helped draw new businesses to the
city, including offices, commercial/
20│TRENDS
retail, and even large-scale housing
developments.
“We feel the project has certainly
spurred economic development,”
said David Simpson, Muskego’s city
engineer. “The intent of the project
was to really make this an attractive
area for development.”
Since 2011, the City has approved
more than $240,000 in grants for
Janesville Road business properties,
said Jeff Muenkel, the City’s
community development director.
Those properties, in turn, have shown
a total investment of their own of
approximately $4 million. The City also
approved approximately $233,000 in
low-interest loans for businesses along
Janesville Road. Those businesses then
invested more than $1.28 million in
their projects.
Muenkel said other larger
developments are in the works, and
the reinvigorated area has piqued the
interest of many businesses looking to
consider Muskego for future projects.
– Eric Widholm