Willmar Design Center

Uniting residents, concerned citizens, business owners and their employees,
representatives from city, county and state agencies and elected officials
for renewing Downtown Willmar is what we do best!

The Willmar Design Center helps lead city improvements—downtown beautification, storefront enhancement, landmark restoration and making downtown Willmar a destination for all. Its 12 Board of Directors oversee the work of more than 300 volunteers coming from all parts of the city and beyond.

Ongoing Committees: Our committee meetings occur monthly and are open to visitors and potential volunteers. Please join us at an upcoming meeting to check it out!

All Ongoing Committee meetings are held at the Willmar Design Center conference room (Centre Place, 333 Litchfield Avenue SW), which is in the lower level of the Kandiyohi and City of Willmar Economic Commission building in downtown Willmar.

------------------------------ 2011 Project & Taskforce Committees ----------------------------

2011 Project & Taskforce Committees: These committees are spin-offs of our three Ongoing Committees and play a vital role in accomplishing goals. They are designed to be quick moving and short in duration.

Nearing completion, this committee led to the successful implementation of three measured walking paths in Downtown Willmar with sidewalk markings: 1 mile, 1-1/2 miles, 2 miles. Brochures showing historic buildings along the three routes are available at various public buildings and private businesses.

Formed in 2010, this grew from desires to expand Becker Market for year-round operation and availability of locally-grown/produced foods. It is in formation status with its own organizing board. Projected opening at a downtown location is Spring 2012.

Formed in late 2010, this taskforce is conducting a feasibility study for building a ramp near Willmar’s regional hospital, Rice Memorial Hospital. This is a joint effort between Rice Hospital, City of Willmar, Kandiyohi and Willmar Economic Development Commission and Willmar Design Center.

Formed in late 2010, this taskforce is focusing efforts on revitalizing 4th Street and filling vacant properties with successful businesses.

------------------------------------- Annual Event Committees ---------------------------------------

Annual Event Committees: Year-round the Willmar Design Center is working on various social and cultural events to attract people downtown and spur economic activity. The membership of these rotates annually with several participating every year.

A free monthly event held on the first Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The goals are to create an environment for downtown business owners and their employees to get to know one another and exchange ideas in a casual setting. First Tuesdays has a new host and sponsor each month.

Formed in 2007, Becker Market is a downtown outdoor market with local foods and handmade items operating every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 - 6:30 from June through September. Unique features include food demonstrations and free samples as well as Becker Market Cafe, featuring food from local vendors. All proceeds of Cafe support Becker Market.

This annual local foods dinner held outdoors on Becker Avenue in August is in conjunction with Becker Market. It is WDC’s major fundraising event of the year. Funds raised support enhancements to downtown.

Held in November to kickoff the holiday shopping season, the Holidaze Festival and Light Parade brings families from miles to enjoy a fun-filled Saturday afternoon and early evening. The Willmar Design Center inherited this community event from West Central Tribune and media management in 2006. It expands events, parade participants and sponsors each year.

------------------------------------- Miscellaneous Events ----------------------------------------

The Willmar Design Center is also proud to be an active participant and supporter of

If it’s Tuesday It Must Be Bethel (every Tuesday afternoon in June & July)

Our list is always growing. To let us know about your downtown organization or event, send us an email.