Downtown is starting to act like a mushroom! What I mean by that is businesses are expanding, new businesses are moving in and there’s more to come. It’s all good stuff so I’d like to tell the story.

Business expansions

Good things are happening at several downtown business locations:

• Bridal Court – Have you heard of it? Mary Taylor is the owner of Bridal Gallerie on Brown Street; Mary moved her bridal shop last fall to downtown from her location on Lincoln Street. She’s been a joy to work with. She’s constantly changing her windows. Last week it had an was Irish green theme and this week it’s festooned with spring and Easter! Prom is around the corner too.

On March 1 Mary opened the space adjacent to her bridal shop. The new space is a one-stop shopping mall for weddings. It’s called Bridal Court. There are only a few of these in Wisconsin, and it’s a great concept for all brides and brides to be. Currently Mary is seeking additional existing small businesses or entrepreneurs who are in the wedding business to take up a booth space or set up business cards or signs in the new bridal mall.

• The Elbo Room Lounge – Last Saturday, St. Patty’s Day, owner John Mason opened his new addition for the first time. He did it up, well hosting two live bands, Tuscan Road and 4th Floor. It was worth the wait to see the exciting new changes to the space.

• Brown Street Mall – Have you stopped in recently and checked out the third floor of Peggy’s Emporium? You will discover about 6,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles tastefully placed throughout the space. It’s incredible. Dolls, Christmas, furniture, chests, desks, dishes, toys, linens, ceramics and much, much more. Spooky J’s, consignment has taken over the complete lower level of Peggy’s Emporium! Chad Novak has done a super job with the Mall, and he would love to talk with potential new tenants.

• Speaking of Brown Street Mall, last week I had the opportunity to hear a local entrepreneur speak at a Oneida County Leadership meeting. The entrepreneur was the owner of Northern Coffee Haus, Patty Dalka. Patty has the true passion for her business, and it sure came through in her presentation. Patty has been in business a few short years, but she’s already expanding in many ways. She has live music every Thursday. Coffee is her main item, and quality coffee is her mantra. It’s Fair Trade; she offers organic and water processed. Her food items are made fresh. She’s expanded to serve both wine and beer. She can now accommodate larger groups of 20, and she hosts book clubs, bridal showers and various meeting groups. Look for her expanding lines of gifts, jewelry and accessories.

• Did you know that Curran Professional Park is 100 percent occupied? There are 13 businesses or organizations housed at their South Oneida Street location. I must tell you all 13: Northwoods Title & Closing Services, Real Shelter Properties, Global Solutions, Lumberjack Resource Conservation Development, Camp Fire USA, Canon & Dunphy James Johnson Attorney of Record, Catholic Financial Life, Custom Accounting Services, Old School Arts & Learning Center, Nicolet College Academic Success, Bailey Edward Architecture, Spectrum Physical Therapy and the Oneida County Fair. It’s incredible to see the reuse of a beautiful, historical, former school in Rhinelander-and it’s full!

• ArtStart, Inc. officially is leasing from the city the former Federal Building at 68 S. Stevens St. Phase one of renovation is underway.

• Just down the block, it won’t be long before WXPR opens its new digs in downtown. WXPR is an independent, community-supported public radio station operated by White Pine Community Broadcasting. What a draw and great location for this outstanding community organization.

There’s more coming, and I do look forward to keeping you posted. If you have ideas, know you can call me anytime! I like to meet and talk with community members about what’s happening.

In case you didn’t make it downtown for the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities, I gotta tell you people are still talking about it. It was fun. Thanks for all of the support from the community and businesses. The crowds were incredible! The downtown merchants very much appreciate the traffic and sales. The warm weather was a bonus. The volunteer committee was a joy to work beside.

Until next month, see you downtown!

Sue Bessert is available at the Rhinelander Main Street office, located at 21A S. Brown St. Call her at (715) 362-7374, or email msdri@frontiernet.net.