| |
 |
Central City Mainstreet is part of a nationwide program founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to rehabilitate and revitalize America's downtown business districts. |
| ~ |
In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center's Four-Point approach to downtown revitalization by approving the establishment of Main Street Iowa within the Iowa Department of Economic Development. |
| ~ |
There are 40 active Main Street Iowa Communities, one of the most successful state Main Street programs in the nation. Central City was accepted into the Main Street Iowa program in 2000. Because it is a locally driven program, all initiatives stem from local issues and concerns. |
| ~ |
The Central City Mainstreet program was recertified as a National
Main Street Iowa program based on its Annual State Review in October 2010.. |
| Central City Mainstreet Vision |
| In the future, one's first impression of Central City will be of an attractive small town at the river's edge, filled with great people, businesses, recreation, activities, and historical buildings that will both keep people in the community and draw people to the community. Downtown will be a source of pride and identity with a historic appearance featuring vintage lights and restored storefronts. Buildings will be fully utilized, and filled with profitable existing and new businesses that meet the needs of consumers. The community's central location will bring people to shop and support local businesses with some choosing to become permanent residents. The stronger economy will increase the tax base, raise property values, and increase school enrollment, promoting community pride and greater involvement by all ages. Central City's friendly, small town atmosphere will blend our historical past with the lifestyle of the 21st century. |
Renovations and improvements are ongoing, but much has been accomplished
in which the
citizens of Central City can take great pride. Visit our downtown and see for yourself!
click here to see the Before & After photos from our downtown renovation project.
 |
 |
 |
In the summer of 2000 a small group of volunteers, concerned about the crumbling appearance of the downtown area in Central City organized a town hall type meeting with interested local citizens and officials
from the Iowa Mainstreet Program. At that point in history many of the late nineteenth century buildings in the downtown area were sitting empty and wasting away from years of neglect and misuse.
A half century
of misguided remodeling attempts had covered over or completely destroyed many of the original architectural details and compromised the structural integrity of these buildings.
Over three hundred people turned out for the July 31st meeting, pledging more than $90,000 out of their own pockets toward establishment of the Central City Mainstreet Organization. |
Jane McConaughy
President
LaNeil McFadden
Vice President
Carol Novey
Treasurer
Karla Keohler
Secretary
Don Hogan
Mike Robinson
Joe Schott
Ruthanne Weighton
MEET OUR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Have a Question?
Ask our Program Director
Julie Renberg
ccmainstreet@windstream.net |
MAINSTREET MEANS RESULTS
In the
eleven years since that first meeting the turnaround has been remarkable.
Where we are Now!
Population: 1257
17 buildings rehabilitated
$1,722,558 private dollars invested
41,926 volunteer hours recorded
Three buildings at
the south end of Fourth Street which were deemed too far gone for restoration have been razed and replaced by a brand new six unit apartment complex featuring a historically sympathetic architectural design. |
You can also learn more about current local businesses on Our Businesses Page.
See our Day Trip Itinerary Page to plan a visit to Central City.
Visit the Central City Homepage
Find Central City (Mapquest)
|
|
