A new business and resident in Two Rivers are being recognized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
The 35th Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony took place at the Grand Theater in Wausau last week and honored successful projects and initiatives.
The Best Total Building Transformation Award went to the Violet Inn, Lounge, and Spa. In 2023, two sisters saw a possibility where others saw decline and purchased the building with a bold vision.
While the building was taken down to the studs, the WEDC says construction still preserved the 1920s character-defining elements, including original stonework, pine ceilings and beams, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and maple and terrazzo floors. Support from the Two Rivers Main Street Façade Grant and city revolving loan funds helped bring the vision to life.
Nathan Kronforst of Two Rivers was also one of 11 people named a 2025 Community Champion. Other businesses recognized with awards came from Fond du Lac, Green Bay, De Pere, and Waupun, among others.
WEDC CEO John Miller says the Main Streets Awards Ceremony celebrates “the hard work, vision, and dedication of those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes each day to preserve and promote their downtowns.”
