Monticello downtown assessment: Part 2

This story is part of a three-part series showcasing a recent downtown assessment program for the City of Monticello. 

Oct. 29-31, five professionals from Des Moines spent some time in Monticello to provide a different perspective of the downtown: 

• Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center 

• Robin Bostrom, business specialist with Main Street Iowa 

• Jeff Geerts, special projects manager and community development with Iowa Economic Development 

• Sarah Grunewaldt, Main Street Iowa director in Washington, Iowa 

• Dennis Reynolds, owner of Reynolds Urban Design 

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, a public input meeting was held, in which roughly 15 people were present. 

Several questions were asked of those present: 

What has been the biggest accomplishment affecting the downtown in the last two years? 

• Re-opening of the Heritage and Cultural Center 

• Monti Days 

• Pocket park 

• Karde’s 151 

• Additional shops and businesses 

• The re-location of Baked. Bakery & Food Joint 

• More events, more chamber events 

What can you do to recognize the heritage and history of Monticello? 

• Maintain historical s t r u c t u r e s / a r c h i t e c t downtown. Preserve historical homes. 

• Signage at historical locations 

• Honor the history of the Great Jones County Fair 

• Extend hours of the Heritage and Cultural Center 

• Recognize the farming community 

• Showcase the accurate history of the community 

• Spend tourism dollars and bring relatives (from other countries) back to Monticello 

• Share the history and stories of downtown Monticello 

• Billboards advertising local history 

How can you improve the look and feel of the downtown? 

• Fill empty storefronts 

• No plywood storefronts 

• Better and more parking 

• Promote the diversity of businesses 

• Have matching awnings and façade. Need a consistent design and uniform look downtown. 

• Outside seating 

• Streetscapes (flowerpots, banners, etc.) 

• Enforce building codes 

• Later business hours on the weeknights 

• Should Highway 38 be allowed to go through the middle of the downtown? Should there be an alternative route for large equipment and semi trucks? 

• Add signs that advertise empty buildings that are available 

• Maintain the buildings 

How can we improve the social activity and opportunities in the downtown? What would you like to see? 

• Re-establish the Fourth of July as a big event 

• Have more activities for the senior citizens 

• Have more interest from the different organizations to do something other than the fair 

• Benches, free Wi-Fi 

• More restaurants open on Mondays. Have a drive-through restaurant. 

• Have events at Riverside Gardens 

• Be open to new ideas 

• Winter events 

• Utilize “Main Hill” for events 

• More volunteers 

• Have a band shell for concerts 

• Small food festivals 

• More business support for library programs 

• Have events and programs in the Community Building 

• More family-friendly, kid-friendly activities 

What’s the one thing that could be done in the next six months to improve the downtown? 

• Later holidays shopping hours 

• Notable public restrooms 

• Block parties 

• Small concert events 

• Pressure-wash the sidewalks and buildings 

• Movie theater 

• One big Christmas event 

• Seasonal activities 

• Business plan contests 

• Expand the green space by Regions Bank 

• Find a way to get downtown business owners to community meetings 

• Advertise better, spend more money 

• Visible community advertisements 

• Well-trained employees who understand customer service 

What groups, organizations, individuals need to be involved in revitalizing the downtown? 

• Rotary 

• Lions 

• Eagles 

• City Council 

• Chamber 

• Churches 

• Students 

• Business/store owners 

• Master Gardeners 

• Kirkwood 

• Industries