Jefferson Matters: Main Street is kicking off its 2015 investment drive. Residents and businesses interested in investing in Jefferson’s Main Street district can become Investors.
Since becoming a Main Street community in 2012, there have been many changes to downtown Jefferson—18 buildings have been rehabilitated; 14 businesses started, relocated or expanded; and 34 new jobs created. Private funds of over $3 million have been invested. Main Street Iowa staff continues to support Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s efforts with valuable resources. A comprehensive Market Analysis was completed for Jefferson with their help.
Jefferson’s Main Street is one of the few intact town squares left in Iowa. In 2015, an Empty Building Tour was held encouraging developers and interested individuals to imagine the possibilities. Design Assistance plans have been developed for 17 properties to date with more interested. Mini-grants of $250 continue to promote painting and small rehab jobs. Cross-promotions linking downtown businesses together were very successful. A rooftop art installation was achieved in June. New volunteers are getting involved each month with demolition, painting and art work that makes Jefferson attractive to visitors.
The Jefferson Matters: Main Street board of directors has exciting plans for the fall of 2015 and beyond. A Main Street Challenge Grant has been submitted for the 205 N. Wilson property to serve as a showcase of historic preservation. Plans to move forward with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) with the city of Jefferson are in the works. Each committee is actively working on projects. The new program director, Peg Raney, is facilitating communication with the many groups interested in economic development for the downtown.
The focus for Jefferson Matters: Main Street in the year ahead is on these priorities:
* Create a higher level of public visibility
* Showcase and promote historic preservation in the district
* Continue the transformation toward a vibrant and dynamic district
The board of directors is asking for residents to consider a three-year tax deductible pledge to Jefferson Matters: Main Street in support of the mission to work together as a community to strengthen, support, and energize Jefferson’s downtown through historic preservation. With this pledge, residents become an Investor. There are no memberships and no levels. Any investment large or small is appreciated. The JM:MS board hopes to complete this Investment Drive by Oct. 30, 2015. Contact any board member for more information.
Pictured making their three-year pledges to the program are board members (front, from left) Mike Palmer, Amy Milligan and Carol Ahrenholtz; and (back, from left) Deb Kucerak, John Sawhill, Amy Roberts, Jamie Daubendiek, Craig Berry, Deb McGinn, Angie Reese-Hueser and Lynda Cochran. Not pictured is board member Loren Turner.
