Downtown New Berlin

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by: Tyler Murphy

Turning the corners of a street in downtown New Berlin is like flipping through the pages of a history book.

With many of the buildings along the main stretch having experienced more than two centuries of community heritage, at least ten of the buildings still standing today witnessed the original founding of the town.

Today ties with the history of New Berlin binds many of the merchants and customers. New Berlin is not just a place to make a living, but a place were customers often become friends.

In 2007, the New York Pizzeria celebrated its 25th anniversary. The pizzeria has always played a very visible role in the community and is known for its hospitality among New Berlin residents and out of towners.

New York Pizzeria owners Frank and Betsey Baio said business is booming as usual.

“This has been the best year ever spiritually, emotionally and financially,” exclaimed Betsey.

The business was honored in 2007 by the Chamber of Commerce with the annual Small Business of the Year award. After a quarter century, years the Baio’s said they’ve done it all – but in 2008 they are hoping to expand their services further by catering events.

The business began in 1981 when Frank came across the Village of New Berlin by coincidence. “It was like love at first sight,” he said.

Just a walk across the street from New York Pizzeria at 24 South Main St. is a relatively new business to New Berlin, Shape Up Central. The business originally started out as a partnership, but eventually become solely owned by Carol Olin, explained Mary Jane Anson.

The women-only fitness center is devoted to convenience. “We know people have jobs and kids and a million other things to do every day; we do, too. So now our members can come and workout whenever they have the time,” said Anson.

The center will be open 23 hours a day and after closing hours the center has specially designed key cards that members can use to access the building. The site is also equipped with a 24 hour a day surveillance security system.

The site was welcomed into the community in February of 2007. It now has 14 different workout machines and offers a range of special classes such as yoga and belly dancing.

Olin said the idea of the business is not to only strength bodies, but to effectively help women strengthen their self confidence in the process.

If you walk to the edge of the line of downtown, one would discover a magnificent mid-19th century brick house. The building once even served as the town hospital.

Remember When is now a successful cafe, antique shop and bed and breakfast.

Owner Kathi Enstrom says she bought the building three years ago and then opened the Cafe in May 2005. She cooks daily for the restaurant and said she enjoys being part of a small community with so much history.

The first floor is where a customer could enjoy a cup of coffee or meal while shopping for antiques at the downstairs store. The upstairs holds a number of guest rooms that Enstrom said she rents out on occasion.

“If you take a look around you’ll see stained glass, a bunch of antiques ... I really love the setting this place had to offer,” said Enstrom.

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