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Iowa Economic Development Authority: Downtown Design Guide
Download this guide for downtown building design!
The physical elements of your historic commercial district embody the community’s past, serve as a venue for its present and contain the potential for its future vibrancy. Downtowns and traditional commercial districts are a home for local businesses, a gathering place for family and friends, and an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures that exist in our communities. For these reasons, it is vital that the built environment be maintained and cared for by local stewards.
As a Main Street America (TM) Coordinating Program, Main Street Iowa follows the four-point approach for downtown revitalization. The four points developed by the National Main Street Center are economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. Although this document focuses on the design point, the impact does not stop there. Successful design positively impacts environmental sustainability, economic resiliency and social well-being. In other words, good design can strengthen the other three points.
This document was prepared by Main Street Iowa staff as a guide for local Main Street programs, city staff, downtown development groups, property owners and volunteers as they embark on the revitalization and continued maintenance of the physical assets of their downtowns.
(Updated July 2024.)
Previous Grant Winners
Danielle and Caleb Shea were awarded a $270,000 Downtown Housing Grant by Governor Reynolds
Mike and Kathleen McShane, GEAR Elkader, were awarded $100,000 for a 2021 Challenge Grant.
Dawn Medberry was awarded a 2019 Challenge Grant for the Argus Building.
Dave Fulk was awarded the 2020 Open 4 Business award for his business, Cutting Edge Archery. The grant will be used for inventory, marketing, and a 4D shooting system.