Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration April 19 in Des Moines. The program honors the efforts of local leaders who work to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street districts.
Jefferson received the following state awards and special recognitions: Main Street Housing Project Award for The Pub Lofts, and Main Street Façade Improvement Award for Art on the Fly and Imagination Alley. Owners Amanda and Addi Bills along with developer Chis Deal accepted the housing award. Art on the Fly owner Jolene Peters and a number of members of Tower View Team accepted the façade award, representing Jefferson Matters.
This year’s Leadership Award for Jefferson went to the downtown watering crew. This group of people is up early on a daily basis keeping the downtown flowers looking beautiful. “I couldn’t be prouder of the collaborative efforts being recognized in these three awards this year. Collaboration and partnerships are second and third only to passionate volunteers as the secret to so much of the success around our community,” Jefferson Matters director Matt Wetrich said.
Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator, presented the honors.
“The Main Street Iowa program stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished, as witnessed from the award-winning projects in rehabilitation, business recruitment and support, façade improvement, housing, placemaking and special events,” Durham said. “It’s evident that Main Street Iowa communities thrive under passionate leadership, achieving remarkable success.”
“Seeing the impactful efforts of local Main Street program staff, volunteers, and communities is inspiring,” said Wagler. “With significant growth in businesses jobs, and investments across communities of all sizes, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s achievable for Iowa’s downtowns.”
A detailed list of all 2024 Main Street Iowa Award winners is available here.
Main Street Iowa was established in 1985 and operates as a part of the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center. Since its inception, the Main Street Iowa program has had a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, including more than $2.7 billion in private investments, more than 3.8 million volunteer hours, more than 5,500 new businesses created and more than 16,600 jobs.
