Watertown Barbershop Named Winner Of WEDC Main Street Makeover Contest

(Watertown) A Watertown business has been named the winner in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) annual Main Street Makeover Contest. Anthony’s 511 barbershop was opened in 2004 by owner and Milwaukee-native Anthony Chentis. The downtown business was selected based on its successful track record, clear vision for the property and potential for expanded customer traffic and employment in a highly visible location along Watertown’s Main Street. Anthony’s 511 will receive personalized technical assistance and up to $10,000 to implement the changes, which include improvements to the dated façade, updated signage, enhanced waiting area space and a redesign of interior space to eliminate wasted space. Staff from the WEDC and Watertown Main Street along with other professionals will work closely with Chentis over the next few months to develop the shop’s new look. The improvements will be made during a 48-hour makeover event in April. Watertown Main Street Program Executive Director Melissa Lampe nominated the business, calling it more than just a barbershop because it is a gathering place for a dedicated customer base in the community. The contest itself is designed to raise awareness of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, which is overseen by WEDC and provides support and training for organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts. A total of 20 applications were received from businesses in Wisconsin’s 34 designated Main Street districts. The 2018 Main Street Makeover winner was Annie’s Fountain City Café in downtown Fond du Lac.