BELOIT - As Beloit grows, so to does its downtown core, with Downtown Beloit Association touting a strong year with new businesses and investment flowing to the city's heart in 2019.
According to DBA Executive Director Shauna El-Amin, the downtown Beloit business district saw the addition of nine new businesses including Beloit Cabinetry, Gamble Retirement Solutions, Game Lounge, Pig Iron Pub & Grub, Creekside Music Academy, Home at Ease, DeCori Design, Medical Grade Aesthetics, and Supreme Ag Construction.
New in 2020 could see the opening of additional downtown businesses, including Cheez Head Brewing at 414 Pleasant Street and Hat's Traditional Pub at 435 E. Grand Avenue.
New to downtown will also be multiple residential units with Hendricks Commercial Properties adding apartment units at 200 W. Grand Avenue and rowhouses at 511 Public Avenue.
"Next year looks to be a great year with new housing units being built, several new businesses, and many renovations planned," El-Amin said. "We thank our Board of Directors for their hard work, dedication and commitment to our downtown. And we thank our businesses and property owners for all they have done and continue to do. Downtown Beloit is a great place because of them."
In terms of investment, 2019 saw $1.9 million in new investment, according to figures provided by El-Amin.
El-Amin said $1,524 in facade grants and $1,370 in sign grants were awarded to downtown businesses in 2019.
New to the downtown area will be a new speaker system in the 300 block of State Street to play music around downtown thanks to a grant from Visit Beloit, El-Amin said, along with an additional 20 hanging flower baskets downtown.
In 2020, DBA expects a total budget of $430,709 in revenue and assets and $293,130 in expenses, according to DBA financial data.