Monticello downtown assessment report: Part 6

     This is a multi-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 6: Vacant Buildings

     In order to revitalize any downtown in any community like Monticello, the issue of vacant buildings must be addressed.

     “The physical appearance of the downtown creates a strong first impression for visitors and communicates a community’s sense of pride,” notes the downtown assessment team.

     From the community survey the team conducted early on in this process, the overwhelming response was to see something done with empty storefronts and rundown buildings downtown.

     The assessment team said some of the buildings create that sense of community pride. Others have been able to retain their historic look thanks to building owners investing in their properties. And still others are in need of some repairs due to neglect and regular maintenance.

     Those buildings that are in decent shape remain empty. The team said there needs to be “a concentrated effort to fill the space with a new business.” This can be made possible through partnerships between the City of Monticello, Jones County Economic Development, and downtown property/business owners. The assessment team said this must also be done while adhering to the city’s ordinances, whether those need to be revised or not.

     “Downtown development is an incremental process, one building, one business at a time,” the team concluded.

Action steps:

     • Be proactive; don’t wait for buildings to sit empty to develop a plan.

     Brainstorm ideas of new use of those buildings that are currently empty. Review the community survey results to see what types of goods and services residents want to see in Monticello.

     • Put together a team of volunteers to create displays in the windows of vacant downtown buildings. These displays could highlight community events, holidays, or showcase products available inside the store/business.

     • Host vacant store/building tours to give people a chance to explore the space for themselves. Or consider holding meetings inside these spaces to allow people to see what is available.

     • Reach out to Iowa State University College of Design Retail-Scapes Studio. This program brings college senior design students to local communities to assist them with community visioning and project design. Similar programs might be available through Kirkwood Community College or the University of Iowa.

     • Consider dividing up large spaces such as the former Dollar General building into multiple storefronts/businesses. Can it house several small, start-up businesses? They could share overhead costs in order to be more profitable while testing the business market.

     The First Street Community Center in Mount Vernon and The Village Shops in Washington, Iowa, are examples of several small businesses sharing larger space.