New London reports downtown openings, business renovations and summer kickoff drew about 3,800 visitors

City economic development staff reported several downtown business updates and shared results from a June summer kickoff night market during Tuesday’s Economic Development Committee meeting. Staff member April (not fully identified in transcript) said Riverfront Spa opened this month at 504 West North Water Street and noted a major renovation at a Taco Bell location. She also said an entire building at 1817 North Shawano Street is under contract and that a theater parcel price had been corrected with the listing agent. April reviewed results from the June 6 summer kickoff and night market on North Water Street. Using place‑based geofencing data and a study prepared through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, organizers estimated about 3,800 people were downtown during the event. The report found roughly 70% of attendees were local, about 5% had traveled 50 miles or more, and the median household income of attendees was about $70,000. Event organizers sold 5,682 beer tickets and reported that many food trucks sold out; 13 downtown businesses were open for the event. The WEDC impact estimate suggested the night market generated approximately $118,335 in local economic activity. City and committee members praised the event’s community partnerships — the chamber, New London School District, parks and recreation, fire department and Wolf River Art League — and asked the staff to plan future events while noting staff resource limits for larger concerts. No formal actions were taken; the report was informational only. Staff said they will continue downtown façade grant processing and noted the city had about $1,200 remaining in the current façade improvement fund. The city also applied for an East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission strategic planning and revitalization facilitation grant for a conceptual design next to the Berninger Riverwalk and will report back if selected for the program.