Business & Tech

Downtown Revival Rests in One Building, Biz Owner Says

Susan Corkum, who owns Purloin Studio, says filling the Associated Bank building vacancies could spark a surge in downtown Falls' success.

There’s no doubt, downtown Menomonee Falls has a lot to offer. But one local business owner feels there’s one spot on Main Street that could be a lynchpin to reinvigorating downtown.

Susan Corkum, owner of Purloin Studio on Main Street, can point to the building that needs a turnaround from her shop window. Corkum said the Associated Bank building should be remodeled to bring something special to Menomonee Falls - something that could spark a Cedarburg-esque revival.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property just sitting there,” Corkum said. “If they can do something with that building, and bring in more shops…we need people to visit Menomonee Falls and have a reason to stay here for four hours.”

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As art shop owner, it’s not a big surprise that Corkum would like to see an arts center in the heart of the village.

“You are really in a great spot for the demographics. We are close to the freeway and it would be a great sport for something like that,” Corkum said. “There’d be places to showcase student art, hold classes, or performances.”

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Corkum also added that a nice sit down restaurant overlooking the waterfall would be a great draw for the community.

“There are great views of the waterfall there, and if you put a nice lunch and dinner place there people would come,” she said.

Corkum has been one of the biggest proponents of bringing development to downtown. She’s been up and down Main Street and Appleton Avenue visiting shops and owners putting together a vision for downtown, and advocating for positive change.

So, if you could control downtown, what would you want to see in the Associated Bank building vacancies? Is it a priority to fill those vacancies in that building? 


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