Development in the New Decade: Friederichs Abstract & Title Service Building PDF Print E-mail
Written by Margaret Richman   
Thursday, 28 January 2010 12:31
    Visual improvements of W. Main Street in Chilton have been taking place over the past year and business owner Terry Friederichs has contributed to the enhancement. 

    The upgrade of his building has added aesthetic appeal and area citizens appreciate his undertaking.

    This past July, in an effort to make room for a parking lot, the city razed the former Main Street Diner and an empty building once utilized as a barber shop. 

    The barber shop’s east wall was adjacent to Friederichs’ building and now gone exposed the buildings west wall for the first time in its history displaying its imperfections to the public. 

    Built in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s, the 28 Main Street building’s west wall was constructed from the inside of the building since it was flanking its existing neighbor.   The block wall had been pieced together, smaller brick had been puzzled into it, and mudding was exposed.    Tin from the overlapping roofs was precariously hanging and flapping in the wind.

    Rather than ignore it, Friederichs responded to the city’s overall plan of improvements by contributing himself.  The brick exterior was renovated and attractive outside lighting installed, which not only added enrichment to the appearance but also practicality for the parking lot.

    A former building owner had once installed a canopy spanning several buildings that concluded at the end of barber shop.  Once the barber shop was razed, the sawed off canopy left an incomplete appearance and as Friederichs states, “a lack of architectural consistency.” 

    The front of the building was upgraded to match the side.  The same brick was added as well as decorative wood and recessed lighting.   Friederichs is still debating about replacing the windows. 

    The back of the building has also undergone improvements with the replacement of windows and a door.  Once the Wisconsin winter wonderland comes to a rest, painting in the front and back as well as pavement in the back will be completed.  Friederichs will also be landscaping the section of land that is sandwiched between his building and the parking lot.

    The building has transferred owners and tenants in its relatively young life. Originally thought to be a furniture store, verified owners/occupants of 28 W. Main include Schmidt’s Clothing Store which began operation in the 1960’s and Matt Muhowski Plumbing in 1983.  Friederichs acquired the property in 1987.  

    Pride in the Chilton Uptown elevates as the improvements unfold.  Kudos to Terry Friederichs for being a part of the enhancement process.
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