Monticello downtown assessment report: Part 4

                  This is a multiple-part series on the City of Monticello’s Downtown Assessment Report, as conducted by the Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Iowa Economic Development Authority. This was a partnership between the city and Jones County Economic Development.

Theme 4: Curb Appeal: It’s the Little Things

                  “It is clear that the people of Monticello take great pride in the community.”

                  Those sentiments stem from the downtown assessment team who came to Monticello last October.

                  “The pride is evident in the care of homes, the fairgrounds, and investment in schools and recreational spaces.”

                  That said, the team said it’s evident that Monticello had pride in its downtown at one time; unfortunately, that pride is no longer “visibly apparent today.” This is seen in how the downtown buildings are cared for, or not cared for, and how the windows are treated (both in the storefronts and upper levels). The window displays are also in need of facelifts.

                  The team said there are small, low-budget ways the community can remedy this situation. These action steps can quickly visually restore the pride in Monticello’s downtown.

                  The team broke these steps down into three categories: Beautify, Building Maintenance & Redevelopment Policies, and Pedestrian Experience.

Beautify

                  • Cleanup

                  • Policy development and implementation

                  • Beautification and the shopper experience

                  Make the downtown feel more inviting and welcoming.

                  Downtown cleanups can be structured into an opportunity to involve everyone in the community. Students can gain Silver Service Hours by volunteering. Turn the downtown cleanup into an event.

Building Maintenance & Redevelopment Policies

                  Address the condition of downtown buildings.

                  The assessment team conducted a community survey prior to their visit to Monticello. Respondents “clearly believe the community’s historic architecture is a great asset.” Priorities included: beautifying the buildings, fixing storefronts, and filling vacant storefronts.

                  In addition, “the city should take steps to make sure policies and implementation strategies are in place that promote the upkeep of downtown buildings and guide development type and architectural style of future downtown development.”

                  • Enforce a minimum maintenance ordinance.

                  • Consider establishing a vacant property ordinance requiring property owners to notify the city when a building is soon-to-be vacant, as well as a plan to maintain the building.

Pedestrian Experience

                  The opportunities are wide-ranging with some quick, low-cost simple solutions to longer-term projects. Some ideas include: banners, outdoor seating, greenery, seasonal decorations, awnings, outdoor dining, curb bump-outs to improve pedestrian safety.

                  • The city, chamber, WIN-Monticello, and local artists can work together to develop colorful seasonal banners.

                  • Build upon the collaboration between the city and school for design and planting of downtown plants and flowers. They can be changed seasonally.

                  • Add outdoor seating. Partner with the school, local artists, and local manufacturers.

                  • Replace canopies and worn-out awnings with new, adjustable awnings.