The City of Medford is receiving a $86,900 state grant to help redevelop the Brucker Building, unoccupied since a 1980 fire, into a bookstore and wine bar as well as a two-bedroom apartment. The Community Development Investment Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will support the Brucker Building’s transformation into an attractive spot on South Main Street where independent bookseller, the Prickly Pear, will serve wine by the glass. Upstairs will be a two-bedroom apartment, which will address an ever-present need for housing in Medford.
“This building is too well-located and has too much exposure to continue being an eyesore in
downtown Medford,”
“This building is too well-located and has too much exposure to continue being an eyesore in
downtown Medford,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading
economic development organization. “WEDC is thrilled to help fund this project and breathe
additional life into South Main Street.”
Such improvements to Main Street are of unparalleled importance to Medford native Doug
Gasek, owner of Medford Properties and the developer of this project. With the Rethos
organization, Gasek helped run the Minnesota Main Streets program before returning to
Medford two years ago.
“One of my goals when moving back to Medford was to be able to help continue the path of
rejuvenation in Medford,” Gasek said. “There have been a lot of new businesses opening in
downtown Medford, which has been really exciting in the last couple years. This project is
building on all that positive momentum.”
“We are filling a lot of our empty storefronts,” said Billie Hartwig, vice president of the Medford
Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s been an upward trend and we are noticing a lot more traffic
going up and down our main street.”
Constructed in 1885, the Brucker Building has been a bank and a dry cleaner, among other
things. Its corner location at 238 South Main Street is highly visible, so the unsightly, rundown
building has prompted several complaints over the years. Renovations, which include a new
back wall and a new roof, will give the property new life. The Prickly Pear will generate at least
three new jobs and figures to be a hotspot for local gatherings. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENTS.
