'Specialty foods' key to revitalizing Sauk City's downtown

By Jeremiah Tucker, Sauk Prairie Eagle

The key to downtown Sauk City's revitalization may be in "speciality foods."

The final economic and downtown revitalization plan developed for Sauk City by consultant Beth Plutchak concludes specialty foods is a retail niche ideally suited for the village.

Plutchak presented her final report to the Sauk City Village Board during its regular meeting Oct. 28, telling the board members the "big idea" to take away from the study is that building a niche — a unique mix of businesses with a common theme — is more important than merely attracting a cluster of retailers and services.

Sauk City revitalization suggestions

1.	Put a due diligence plan in place.
2.	Use Tax Incremental Development funds for infrastructure improvements.
3.	Build a pedestrian-friendly downtown.
4.	Fill from anchor stores — Ace Sauk Prairie and Kwik Trip — inward.
5.	Encourage downtown businesses to take part in joint marketing.
6.	Appoint an ombudsman, an official who will act as a liaison between the village and property owners.
7.	Concentrate on home-grown entrepreneurs.
8.	Recruit a family restaurant.
9.	Encourage growth of targeted niches

Source: Beth Plutchak Consulting

"The key is to have a niche that works with local entrepreneurs and developers and build that niche to a critical mass," Plutchak said.

Plutchak was hired by the village May 21 to conduct the study and make recommendations for revitalizing the downtown. She was paid $18,000 for her work.

The village board told Plutchak they would review her document and possibly call her back to a future board meeting to ask her questions.

According to the plan she submitted to the board, Plutchak recommended speciality food as a niche because it attracts residents, commuters and tourists, and therefore would have a "wider market draw."

Plutchak indicated specialty food businesses could include: a bakery, produce stores, cooking supply stores, health foods, organic food outlets and fresh seafood stores, among others.

As a secondary niche, Plutchak said "wellness and complimentary medicine" would be worth pursuing, and pointed to the number of people Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital and Clinics bring through town.

In her plan, Plutchak said the two niches should encourage crossover development.

She also emphasized using tax incremental development funding for not only developing business, but rehabilitating entire downtown buildings, including the apartments above the businesses.

"Having people live in the downtown is important," Plutchak said.

She told the board that having people living downtown lends the area to vibrancy and gives the businesses captive customers.

In her conclusion to the board, Plutchak said the village needs to pick its niche and begin formalizing a plan to develop that niche and attract businesses.

She also recommended that the village hire an ombudsman or form an economic development committee for the sole purpose of working with property owners and potential businesses to meet the village's economic goals.

Finally, she said, the village needs to publicize its achievements and make residents aware of how hard its working to make improvements downtown.

Village Board President Jim Anderson said he wanted to get these details finalized "so when spring comes around we're ready."

The board generally seemed to agree that the ombudsman position should be full-time so that Sauk City's economic development would be the official's top priority.