with a person in a wheelchair, and it was one of those moments where you know this technology is saving lives.” MAKING ROOM FOR PEOPLE “Our sidewalks are too narrow, only three feet wide in places,” says Colleen Burke, Economic Development Specialist, referring to the 200 and 300 blocks of East Main Street. “It’s not safe, and it limits our ability to do placemaking and provide outdoor seating.” That’s changing. A current project will eliminate parking on one side of the street, freeing up 10 feet of width to expand sidewalks and enhance the pedestrian experience in Downtown Sun Prairie.The project originated from a local business owner’s observation during the COVID-19 pandemic and has evolved into a comprehensive downtown revitalization effort. The city is also reclaiming space lost in a 2018 natural gas explosion. On the southwest corner of Bristol and Main, a new 93-unit apartment complex with over 9,000 square feet of commercial space is nearly fully leased. A 63-key hotel and another 90unit residential development are on the way. “Cannery Square has become our town square,” says Burke. The city has relocated the farmers’ market to Market Street, where it now averages 34 vendors per week. “It’s full for us,” she adds. Murals are also popping up through a new mural festival, using the wall space of local manufacturing partner Washington Mills as an outdoor gallery.“It’s our first of three years,” Burke says. “The idea is nine murals facing a public lot, a restaurant, and residents living in the area, anchoring public art downtown.” FIBER CONNECTIVITY AND DIGITAL EQUITY While rural areas across Wisconsin continue to struggle with digital infrastructure, Sun Prairie is ahead of the curve. “We were one of the first communities in the state to have gigabit service,” says Taylor Brown, Economic Development Director. 199 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 SUN PRAIRIE, WI
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