Purpose: To encourage the improvement of the Main Street District’s physical appearance.

Continue mini-grant program to encourage building improvement
Historic preservation education
Host design-related mini-workshops (window displays, interior store layout, merchandising)
Host regular (quarterly) downtown clean-ups
Identify MSI Challenge Grant candidate
Maintain planters, boulevard, and seasonal decorations
Plan and implement small beautification projects
Schedule Main Street Iowa Design Assistance visits
Research ways to help businesses with expansion and building improvements. Share available grant programs with interested building owners
Monitor current Challenge grant project
Monitor current Catalyst grant project

2022
Bronze historical markers
Complete grain bin art
Downtown building greeting card program with CR-B art students
Dumpster Artwork
Façade rehabs: find funding for renovations
Implement a window display program partnership with CR-B art students
Improve downtown signage (remove former business signs, enhance current signs, add business hour signage)
Remove old Christmas Lights from building tops
Selfie spots
Work with Lyons on empty lot
Work with Northside owner to fix side of building

2023
Art installations
Create downtown streetscaping plan (lighting, storm water run off, etc.) 2023
Create FAQ sheets related to housing funding opportunities
Derelict building review
Host upper story and vacant building tours
Review Building guidelines and codes
Update building inventory (building information, current and historic photographs) 2023
Upper Story Housing education

2024
Research stormwater issues related to streetscape
Empty lot development
Review codes and ordinances related to parking for housing in the downtown area

 

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To volunteer or for questions about the design team, contact the design chair, Gayla McCool.