• Variety of services
• Day to Day needs
• Economic Advantages
• Organization and Transportation

         Downtown areas are often home to a variety of businesses. Sometimes it is these businesses that help define the downtown area itself. Economic activity is also a big factor in the amount of traffic in downtown areas. This is in large part because of businesses that people frequent downtowns. In the case of downtowns the compact location of the businesses is also a plus. By looking at the variety of businesses and services located along Bridge Street over the years we will see how Main Street was key to the economic needs of the community.

Variety of Services
         Chippewa Falls' downtown is an example of a typical downtown. Centered on the “main street,” economic activity in downtown flourishes. As the main street Bridge Street has offered a wide variety of services for its patrons. This activity has remained throughout the years. While some of the businesses have moved on and others have stayed, the economic significance of the area has remained much the same.

 During the 1880’s Chippewa Falls experienced a great influx in its population . With the increased population there was also an increased need for goods and services. Bridge Street hosted a plethora of support for the community in this capacity. Almost all of a persons needs could be met along Bridge Street. Everything from banking, baths, grocery stores, clothing shops, and general stores were found along Main Street. According to the Chippewa Falls city directory in 1883, Chippewa Falls even had a bowling alley located on Bridge Street.14 Combined with billiard halls, cigars and tobacco, confectioners, restaurants, theatres, and saloons there were plenty of opportunities for entertainment and socializing along bridge (Examples).

These businesses helped citizens both financially by providing jobs and also through money for the city's economy.

Day to Day Needs
         Beside entertainment or social needs, there were also those economic needs that people needed from day to day. Since 1887 and the opening of Lumberman’s National Bank,15 Bridge Street has been home to the majority of Chippewa Falls banks have resided there (Photo and Analysis). It is clear that Bridge Street serves the financial needs of its community. As well as financial institutions, Bridge Street also hosts the majority of government buildings in the city. Both the Courthouse and the jail have resided on bridge since 1875 (Map). Even the post office is located on Bridge Street. With the plethora of services in one area it is no wonder that people frequented Bridge Street, its main street.