Not just your average downtown.
Main Street Ottumwa is one of just 55 accredited Main Street Programs in Iowa.
Est. 2006
Four areas of impact
The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework to guide community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas known as the Four Points:
Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.
Design
We don't just admire our historic buildings, we take action to help preserve them, enhancing the appearance of the Downtown. We encourage supportive new construction, develop sensitive design management systems and long-term planning.
The Design Committee handles the following:
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Involved in all possible downtown design activity: maintenance, rehab, new construction, signage and public improvements.
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Works with local design and construction professional to assure they understand proper treatment of old buildings.
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Partners with city government to oversee local ordinances affecting downtown building activity.
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Maintains downtown building inventory
Economic Vitality
The goal of the Economic Vitality Committee is to identify new market opportunities, new uses for historic buildings, and stimulate investment in downtown properties.
Our plans call for the addition of new retail, entertainment and restaurant opportunities as well as providing business-building resources for existing businesses.
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Strengthening existing businesses through seminars, consultant visits, etc.
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Recruit new downtown businesses to fill gaps in the market
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Find new economic uses for traditional Main Street spaces
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Monitor the economic performance of downtown on an ongoing basis
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Promote downtown as a good place to do business
Organization
Organization is the foundation of the entire Main Street program. A strong organizational base with committed funding will enable Main Street Ottumwa to remain effective to its revitalization efforts.
By partnering with the various and diverse groups in the community to reach consensus on important issues while creating a shared vision for
Ottumwa, the program will be consistently strong. This committee is responsible for creatively building a solid financial foundation and keeping the lines of communication open to the public.
Through the Organization Committee, the businesses in downtown are actively involved in the development and growth of the Main Street Program.
Promotion
Marketing the District's assets to consumers, potential investors, new businesses, the local community and visitors.
The job of Main Street Ottumwa's Promotion Committee is to promote the Downtown as the center of commerce, culture, and community life for residents and visitors.
Every season brings new opportunities for businesses to capitalize on and work together to bring attention to the Downtown. The Business Promotions Committee meets once per month to review the District activities and devise new events and promotions to encourage foot traffic and increase sales.
The Committee has been hard at work promoting Main Street Ottumwa as the trusted source of progress and innovation.
The Main Street Iowa program works with a select group of communities that successfully complete a competitive application process and commit to exceptionally high standards for downtown economic development. As a Main Street AmericaTM Coordinating Program, over 50 communities in Iowa are connected to a network of 40 programs across the country representing over 1,200 communities.
Utilizing the Main Street Approach, communities capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts. The Main Street Approach consists of tightly integrated components making up a common-sense, strategy-driven framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts. Locally developed strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion and Design.
Assistance from the Main Street Iowa team includes training workshops, architectural and design assistance, business assistance, and a number of other technical assistance opportunities.
The National Main Street Center leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
We believe Main Streets are for everyone. At the core of our approach to revitalization is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement. The National Main Street Center models and champions this vision through our actions and programs.
Vision: Everyone has access to an inclusive and resilient Main Street - a place that has a thriving local economy, is distinctive and rich in character, and features welcoming spaces and diverse businesses for residents and visitors alike.
Mission: Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country.
Let's talk about local results.
Progress often happens slowly, under the surface, until one day you look up and see the difference you were making all along.
Impact measured 2006-2022.
New Businesses
New
Jobs
New Housing Units
Volunteer
Hours
Private Investments
“The Main Street Ottumwa program fosters a vibrant, dynamic, and healthy downtown through community engagement and collaborative partnerships.”
The Main Street Ottumwa Vision
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Ottumwa will be the Southeast Iowa hub for arts, entertainment, commerce, residential and employment opportunities.
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Community pride will be evident in the restored buildings filled with restaurants, retail, and specialty shops.
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Business and building owners will be involved in retaining and attracting new businesses and professionals to the city center.
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Downtown will welcome new and returning Iowans and be home to more people who choose to stay or return to the community.
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Downtown’s connection to the riverfront and the Bridge View Center will make it an exciting destination for entertainment, dining, shopping and meeting friends.
Our Mission
Our District
