GREEN BAY (NBC26) — Local businesses have organized to attract more visitors to Green Bay's South Broadway area.
The Shipyard District Inc., a non-profit organization, plans to improve the historic Shipyard area on Green Bay's west side by promoting district businesses and activities, creating a cleaner and safer area for visitors, and working with the City of Green Bay to attract commercial and residential development projects.
It's comprised of over 50 local businesses, most of which are located in the South Broadway area. Tarl Knight, co-owner of the Tarlton Theatre, was appointed as the non-profit's first director.
"The idea is to come together, to beautify the area and create a cleaner and safer district," Knight said.
The board of directors is made up of ten local business and property owners. The president of Shipyard District Inc. is Jeff Hunter, co-owner of the bar Rum Runners. He says beautifying the area would go a long way to attract more customers.
"We don't have some of the things that just a few blocks north of us has," Hunter said. "To begin with, we don't have a group that's planning for the needs of the businesses down here. We would enjoy having benches or trash receptacles or potted plants and banners flying from the light posts. It all gives it that professional look."
"This is an extension of the downtown that people already know and love and visit," Knight said. "We want people to be able to dine here, have fun here, shop here and live here."
