Historic Downtown Waukesha is bursting with architecturally significant buildings, historic treasures, and charming brick paved streets and sidewalks - all giving our city's downtown a unique "European" feel.

Located in the heart of the downtown business district, the Five Points Historic District includes 18 buildings, some dating from 1838 and  listed on the National Register.  Our downtown features an array of specialty shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Historic Downtown Waukesha is rapidly developing as a center for visual and performing arts.  In just a few short years, numerous artists have chosen to locate their galleries and studios downtown.  The West End Artist Association (WEAA) was formed and is instrumental in promoting the arts and contributing to the vibrancy of the district.  WEAA holds monthly meetings to create and promote local art events, including the Art Crawls that are second to none.

In 1999, the Waukesha Civic Theatre opened its doors in the heart of downtown Waukesha and holds regular performances.  The Wisconsin Philharmonic also calls the BID district home. 

The City of Waukesha lies on the banks of a wonderful natural and recreational amenity - the Fox River.  In 1990, the City undertook an ambitious $20 million development project along the river featuring a river walk, bike trails, pedestrian bridges, boat landings, plazas, fountains, and playgrounds.  Much of this development lies in the heart of the historic district.  In 2006, the completion ceremony took place, marking the Riverwalk as one of our finest amenities.

The Fox River Corridor Plan recognized the riverfront as a community asset that would stimulate economic development and redevelopment, offer new occupational, residential, and recreational opportunities, strengthen community pride, and build Waukesha's reputation as a vibrant city in which to live, work, shop, eat, and play.  We congratulate and thank all involved for this incredible addition to our downtown.

In addition to the $20 million public/private investment in the Fox River Development project, downtown Waukesha has seen more than $40 million in private investment over the last 10 years.  Currently $20 million of new and renovated building projects are underway.  These projects will add a substantial number of residents and employees to our downtown.