Main Street Ltd Report - D LoBianco
In
DUBUQUE
MaIn Street
Ltd.
We also report the following statistics, as it relates to downtown Dubuque:
3rd Quarter - Fiscal 2006
DESIGN
Facade Renovations
Building Rehabilitations
New Construction Projects
Real Estate Sales
Public Improvement Projects
Total Reported Investments
S!JX,X37
$231,821
$0
8486,037
84.000
$790,695
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
New Businesses
Relocation to Main Street Districts
Space Expansion
Moved Out of Main Street District
Businesses Closed
Net Business Space to Districts
6
o
1
-5
o
Il
Net Gain (Loss) in Employees to District
-18
Fiscal year to date 2006
DESIGN
Facade Renovations
Building Rehabilitations
New Construction Projects
Real Estate Sales
Public Improvement Projects
Total Reported Investments
2006
$502,416
52.349.682
$0
$1,935.937
$3.677.399
$8,465,434
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
New Businesses
Relocation to Main Street Districts
Space Expansion
Moved Out of Main Street District
Businesses Closed
Net Business Space to Districts
18
2
2
-13
:2
+7
Net Gain (Loss) in Employees to District
+12
909 Main Street · Suite 22LL. Fischer Building · Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone: 563-588-4400 · Fax: 563-588-0645 . E-mail: dbqmainst@mwcLnet
In
DUBUQUE
Main Street
Ltd.
Dan LoBianco has attended and/or presented at the following meetings at lease once this quarter:
. the Downtown MasterPlan Oversight Committee
. City's Economic Development Team
. Main Street Iowa Community Initiated Development (CID) Training
. GDDC's Economic Development Coordination Group
. Dubuque Initiatives (bi-monthly report)
. the Warehouse District Planning Committees
. City of Dubuque Zoning Citizen Advisory Committee/Future Land Use Subcommittee
. the America's River Board & Marketing Committee
. the Downtown Elementary School Oversight & Charter School Planning Committees
. Enhanced Community Communication (now renamed Community Leadership) Group
. City of Dubuque Cultural Commission (presentation on Cultural Corridor)
. the Convention & Visitors Bureau's Advisory Board & Festivals Committee
. the Directional Signage Committee & the Pedestrian Way-finding Committee
. Envision Dubuque
. the Dubuque Cultural Alliance
. the America's River FestivallllGrand Excursion III Planning Committee
. Old Main Streetscape Planning Taskforce
. The Business Accelerator Planning Group
. Highway 15 I Corridor Group
. The Airport Commission
. Kiwanis Board & Regional Convention Planning Subcommittee Chair
. Dubuque Brewing & Malt Building Preservation Group
. Divine Word Seminary Planning Meeting
. Voices of the Tri-State Interview
. Irving School (history class presentation)
. Sunset Park Place (presentation)
. The Woodlands (presentation)
Dubuque Main Street staffworked/is working on the following initiatives:
. Cultural Corridor
. Farmers' Market
. Dubuque & All That Jazz
. Cinco De Mayo - Puttzin' Around Downtown
. 'That 70s' Central Run
. the Downtown Business PM
. Architectural Days
. Faces & Voices
. the Special Olympics
. Cultural Advocacy Day in Des Moines
. Regional Chili Cook-off
909 Main Street · Suite 22LL, Fischer Building · Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone: 563-588-4400 · Fax: 563-588-0645 . E-mail: dbqmainst@mwcl.net
Existing Business/Retention & Recruitment Calls made by DMSL last quarter included:
A & B Tap, A & W/Oky Doky Foods & Gas, Accessorize Me, AlIiant Energy, Area Residential
Care, Beadazzled, Bell Tower Theater, BioLife, Brannon Monument, Bull Dog Billiards,
Business Technologies, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, City of Dubuque Fire Department,
Clarke College, Cottingham & Butler & SISCO, Cumulus Radio Group, Design Photography,
Dick's Auto Repair, Dubuque 365, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque Arts
Council, Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, Dubuque Jaycees, Dubuque Leader, The Dubuque
Museum of Art, Dubuque River Rides, Durrant Group, Fenelon Place Elevator, The Fischer
Companies, Fischer Bowling Lanes, Friedman Insurance, Gin Rickies, the Grand Opera House,
Grape Harbor, Gronen Restoration, Henry Stout Senior Apartments, Holiday Inn, Iowa
Workforce Development Center, Jan's Great Shop, Julien Inn, Just For Fun Candies, Sally
Kahle, KCRG TV, Knippels Religious Goods, KWWL, Little Taste of Philly, Locksmith
Express/Walling Apartments, McCoy Jewelers, McKesson HBOC, MidStates Yachts, Miner
Plumbing Inc., Dan Moran, Mound Side Bakery, National Mississippi Museum & Aquarium,
Ncw York Life, NICC, Old Jail Museum, Pearce Law Firm, Plane Art Design, Portzen
Construction, Premier Bank, Prudential Realty, Quinn Design, Refinery Design, Resa James
Home, Rettenmaier Flooring, The Richards House, River Stages, Rudzianski Business
Equipment, Salsa Restaurant, Second Look Furniture, Shot Tower Inn, The Silver Dollar
Cantina, The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), The Telegraph Herald, Teresa
House, TriCor, The Town Clock Inn, Union Hoermann Press, Upper Deck Entertainment. US
Bank, Voggenthaler Company, The Water Hole, and Woodward Communications.
In relation to the comprehensive Downtown Master Plan, Dubuque Main Street L TD is involved
in implementing the following initiatives, with most recent work in brackets []:
Element la: Commerce - Business
Investigate and pursue grant applications (i.e. EDA) which administer dollars for economic diversity and
sustainability
[Met with EDA reps re: alternative for Adams Co. Concept is okay. Req & time extension to June 30, 2006.
$300,000 balance of original EDA grant. Further study of the MSI HUD Challenge grant revealed a government
entity alone (no involvement from Dubuque Initiatives) made the Federal Building Project ineligible for the
competitive grant program. . . Subsequently, the Fischer Coso got one of nine Challenge Grant awards in the state
. . . $25,000 for the former Sugar Ray's Building, as part of a three-building project in the 900 Block of Main.]
Ensure City's enterprise zone boundaries to include key employment arcas Downtown in an effort to "level the
playing field" for business growth
[Ent~rprise zone encompasses all downtown districts (& contiguous areas influence). The Dubuque Enterprise Zone
Commission recently (unanimously) approved and sent to the state an incentive program for the McGraw Hill
complex in the Port of Dubuque. DMSL pursuing HGTV Grant for $100,000 for building renovation.]
Establish an organization, or expand an existing one, to market downtown for business location and ~xpallsi()ll
[DMSL continues to work on micro-recruiting in local communities, in partnership with local developers. This is an
important emphasis in filling vacancies in Old Main & with Gronen restoration, as the availability of retail spaee in
the area makes the recruitment of franchise and regional retailers more and more competitive and thus, more
difficult with the constraints of our city center. DMSL is also analyzing the commercial mix on Central A venue, and
is facilitating the exploration of a planning project for the newly envisioned warehouse district that should
eventually include a market analysis. Working on putting on "LOIS" system and developing map.]
Work with Dubuque Main Street Ltd. And Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce to identify key target industries.
which could be accommodated Downtown - develop marketing materials and implement a program for business
attraction
[Various entities, including DMSL, Chamber, ECIA, NICe & City working in the GDDC's umbrella Economic
Development Coordination Group to achieve synergy & avoid duplication. Also, see item 3 above.]
Support (regulations, financial incentives, marketing assistance) signature development and redevelopment projects,
which would promote the attraction of primary and targeted business to Downtown
[DMSL coordinating with Tim McNamara on a pilot/prototype ART/Culture Live/Work Space with the Betty
Building (Warehouse). Currently exploring incentive possibilities for warehouse district. City added funds to TIF
low interest loan program for fiscal 2007, and Housing Dept. distributing an RFP for a consultant to determine the
feasibility of a catalyst housing or mixed use project.]
Promote creation of a Business Accelerator downtown
[Main Street requests we not completely abandon the thought/language of eventually including an "incubator"/work
space element to this strong program, having seen successful/storefront-filling entities graduating from endeavors
such as this in other similar-size cities. (Space for incubation, perhaps in the warehouse district)]
Work with local lenders to develop revolving loan funds and various grant programs to strategic downtown
development and redevelopment projects
[DMSL Loan Pool re-launched April II , as part of presentations at Architectural Days workshop. Secured $2.5
million commitment from local lenders.)
Element Ib: Commerce - Retail
Access/expand fa9adc maintenance program from loca], state and federal sources, which offers IQ\v-interest loans,
grants, and matching funds for building enhancement
[See Element I a - item #8 of Plan & note five more design assistance drawings being completed by MSl.]
Retain the services of a national retail broker/developer representative to solicit the interest of commercial
businesses, which are consistent with the community's vision for Downtown. Have the individual work with a local
"recruitment team" to fill vacancies and manage retail concentrations
Maintain flexibility in City regulations to accommodate commercial businesses - building set-backs; zoning;
landscaping; etc. - ensure quality through design guidelines
[Referred to selected consultant for consideration during update of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.]
Attract and subsidize unique anchor(s) to downtown to draw resident and visitor spending and diversify the exiting
retail base
[See Element Ib - item #2 & 3 of Plan]
Work with Dubuque Main St. Ltd and Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce to expand programs for small
commercial businesses Downtown - providing funding, training, and marketing support
[DMSL now exploring cooperative/group marketing program for all downtown or focusing on Old Main & CCS,
with roll-out 2"d quarter - calendar 2006.]
Maintain flexibility in strategies to encourage development in specific locations - trade properties (land swap) either
currently in public ownership, or which could be acquired; write-down land; assemble strategic parcels; develop
property promotion material; work with local brokers.
[Study of the feasibility of certain properties included in Housing RFP being developed in conjunction with items
from element 5.]
Work with Dubuque Main Street Ltd. to finance preparation of a tenanting strategy by district in Downtown-
develop supportive policies, which restrict street level service office/in cent second floor offices in key locations
Appoint a team oflocal designers to establish design guidelines for commercial properties Downtown, which are
scnsitive to the historic and physical environment, yet, which promote quality and sustainability
(Planning Services is preparing Clr in discussion with Engineering, Public Works, Park & Rec, and Building
departments. ]
Analyze the feasibility of developing a turnkey facility for a mid-size commercial "box" Downtown - developed
publicly and transferred to a private entity
Establish a diverse "tool box" of financial and regulatory incentives for mixed-use projects. Among thosc resourccs
to be researclied are funds available through the New Markets Tax Credit program
[DMSL to develop a possible shell for such a publication, after determining the practical use of collateral materials.
New Market Credits being pursued for possible use in the warehouse district.]
Element 2: Culture, Education, and Entertainment
Work with Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, merchants, Leisure Services Department and other groups
coordinating community events planning - institute streamlined permitting processes
[Continue Park & Rec program at Prescott.]
Idcntify and formally designate a cultural/artisan district - growing on the current concentration of art venues in
central Downtown
(Intern at DMSL hired - second-semester 05-06 to study impact of events downtown. Phase f of this study ncaring
completion.]
Coordinate efforts of arts groups and leisure services organizations to make cultural arts activities part of a
comprehensive package for tourism
[(as encouraged by Cultural Commission) Chamber, DMSL, Dubuque Cultural Alliance, SMG & Dubuque 365
working on enhanced long-range calendar coordination between arts organizations.]
Encourage creation of an arts program (support designation as a magnet art school) within the Downtown schools-
strengthening their appeal to a larger market and supporting art training at a young age
[DCSD has now received an initial allotment to study the fonnation of this magnet (referred to as "cliarter" by State
of Iowa) with a task force being formed of students, parents, school staff and community / ARTs partners in the fall
of 2005 . . . Subsequently, state gave approval to comprehensive application submitted by Prescott Charter Schuol
Task Force in April 2006.]
Establish Dubuque Arts and Culture Advisory Commission; during the interim work with one of several existing
organizations (Dubuque Cultural Alliance, Dubuque Arts Council, Chamber Festivals Committee, Dubuque Fine
Arts Society)
(Second round of grants applications are online.]
Support (subsidize) the residential portion of live/work signature project to control sale prices and appreciation
[City statf is working with DMSL and Step by Step board on fully accessible, affordable housing demonstration
project. Application for State funding has been submitted. . . while exploring possibility of historic tax credits, as
well.]
Solicit the interest of national and local experts in the development and redevelopment ofa demonstration live/work
project Downtown
[DMSL working with Loras College to locate an art/film theater in the Upper Main district in downtown.]
Develop a strategy to maintain an inventory of attainable artisan housing - involving corporate partners and local
developers where feasible
[See Element 1.5 of Plan.]
Adjust landscaping requirements (under current regulations) to include green space and public art
[DMSL Nominated Washington Park for Main Street Iowa award. . . Also, nominating gateway designs for State
award. ]
Element 3: Historical Features
Expand the dollar amount and number of existing fayade improvement grants and low-interest loans to promote
redevelopment preservation (keep this money separate from larger sources)
[TIF funding expanded and in budget for Fiscal 2007 & see element 1 of Plan for other programs.]
Encourage the reuse of historically significant buildings for residential use -lofts, condominium, row house:
streamline the process and create financial incentives for restoration where feasible
[Although initial grant funding exploration was not successful, DMSL & City sponsored the annual Architectural
Days in April 2006. Expansion Qf"celebration/educational" opportunities for this annual event being proposed in
grant application to City Cultural Commission. . . To be submitted in May 2006.]
Complete the formal designation of properties identified as part of the City's historic inventory
[Developing list and map to distribute to various advocacy organizations including the City, Chamber, DMSL,
Dubuque Initiatives, etc. More extensive study beginning in the Mill Works/Warehouse District.]
Initiate a lobbying effort (at the state level) to increase state historic tax credit pool
[Chamber Alliance (along with the Main Street community) now also endorsed as a legislative priority to raise to
$20 million. . . Despite bi-partisan support, initiative appears to have fallen victim to budget impasse.]
Identify/designate specialist (either within the City or as consultants to the City) who can assist applicants with state
and federal tax credit applications
Establish a DowntO\vn Design Guidelines Task Force oflocal design, development and business owner
professionals (including representatives ofDMSL) to prepare design guidelines for Downtown character districts
[No action taken by Planning Services yet, due to time frame.]
Element 4: Public Space and Open Areas
Continue to encourage and support areas for outdoor dining
[City staff has developed a sidewalk cafe application process. Applications are reviewed with Health, Planning,
Engineering, City Manager's and DMSL office prior to issuance. Ongoing -- Provide information to other
organizations such as DMSL, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, etc. to support the promotion of outdoor
dining.]
Work with property owners, DMSL and neighborhood organizations to create/expand the formal district designation
(SSMID) to address maintenance of Downtown streetscape and other public space improvements. (This could
include sidewalk snow removal, litter removal, repairs to streetscape furnishings, and seasonal flower plantings and
maintenance)
[DMSL Executive Board took the next step in authorizing the formation of SMMID exploration task force to have
preliminary report by Feb 2006, but an alternative means of funding may be becoming a source of preference
(TBA). Database of downtown property owners in place and is being analyzed.]
Work with Downtown advocacy entity to develop/coordinate a loan pool for higher risk and public good projects
(pledges can be loans, letters of commitment and stock purchases)
[DMSL Loan Pool re-launched Aprilll (also under element la, #8 of Plan). Secured $2.5 million commitment fronl
local lenders.]
Enhance Downtown surface parking lots with internal and perimeter shade trees, low hedges, seasonal flowers,
security lighting and decorative metal fencing
[Tim H. and Laura C. are working on a couple lots in spring '06.]
Enhance Iowa Street between 14th and 3rd Streets as a heavily landscaped greenway with wide grass boulevards,
sidewalks, striped bike lanes and pedestrian lighting and specialty banners
[Checking with Gus P. to coordinate upcoming initiatives]
Continue the implementation of Downtown gateway enhancements and wayfinding projects
[An RFP for design services was completed and approved at the April 3, 2006, City Council meeting.]
Complete the implementation of the Downtown streetscape improvements along the remainder of Main Street from
1st to 14th Streets
[A work-session was held on March 27, 2006, with City Council and attended by representatives from Engineering.
City Managers and Planning departments, as well as representatives from DMSL. In addition, Old Main property
owners and business owners were in attendance. Based upon the discussion, City Council directed city staff to
prepare bids documents for the replacement of the sidewalk with decorative sidewalk as proposed in the city's
budget. City staff will work with DMSL and property owners to determine the construction schedule. (As preferred
by most stakeholders, construction likely to occur in Spring of Calendar 2007.)]
Element 5: Residential Living
Actively maintain the critical elements of the Downtown neighborhood - schools (Prescott School), churches-
through advocacy, education and financing
[Construction of the Downtown School is underway, and the building is listed as 90 percent complete. Washington
Neighborhood Association has been re-established and has held their first meeting.]
Pass an ordinance enabling the Housing Trust Fund Committee to make decisions related to housing policy in order
to qualify for state funding
[Gronen Restoration also received a 2005 IFA LIHTC award of$2.6 million for an historic restoration ofthc former
Dubuque Casket Factory. This adaptive re-use will create 35 apartments and a 16,000 square foot first floor for
office uses. Construction is on-going and ahead of schedule.]
Pre-negotiate lender participation including subordination
[On-going: With cooperative nature of this effort, Master Plan task force still questioning need for a formal
procedure here, until a specific project/need is evident.]
Encourage the reuse of historically significant buildings for residential use - lofts, condominiums, row houses;
stream line the process and create financial incentives for restoration where feasible
[Gronen affordable housing (moderate income) occupied by downtown professional workers and a few
manufacturing employees. Gronen Restoration also received a 2005 IFA LIHTC award of$2.6 million for an
historic restoration of the former Dubuque Casket Factory. This adaptive re-use will create 35 apartments and a
16,000 square foot first floor for office uses. Construction is on-going and ahead of schedule.]
Provide education for property owners who don't know there is a residential market, or how to access funds and
redevelop projects
[See Element 3 - item #2 of Plan, and note new housing-preference study being conducted in partnership between
DMSL & Dubuque 365.]
Provide predevelopment assistance - manpower, financial, legal, and organizational resources in order to streamline
and reduce costs
[Goal of resource center now opening - end of June 2006, with construction underway.]
Complete initiatives under Green space Evolution catalyst concept and continually improve the livability of
Downtown
Work with property owners to establish appropriate improvements district mechanisms (SSMID) to assist in the cost
of delivering a livable environment downtown
[See Element 4 - item #3 of Plan]
Promote the advantages of living Downtown to the local market.
[See item #7 in Plan, and DMSL applied for a DRA Grant for print collateral materials for this initiative.]
Establish a diverse "tool box" of financial and regulatory incentives for Downtown housing projects. Among those
resources to be researched are funds available through the New Markets Tax Credit Program
[See Element Ia - item #1 and Element Ib - item #12 of Plan]
Element 6: Transportation
Work with merchants and City to coordinate transit operations and levels of service on roads, promoting mobility
and connectivity
Consider a range of methods to promote the pedestrian environment -linking parking lots; coordinating traffic
signals; widening sidewalks; adding street furniture and lighting; and, coordinating future transit stops
[Award RFP for transit shelters on trolley route (3 historic designs) & see various items in element #4 of Plan.]
Commit to participation by merchants in all downtown transit planning projects
[DMSL needs to be made aware of all going on and will coordinate appropriate meetings.]
Strengthen the connectivity between the Port of Dubuque and the Central Business District including the Cable Car
Square shopping area
[City staff working with CYB to develop and install pedestrian wayfinding system to connect downtown and Port 01'
Dubuque. Providing third year of looped shuttle service between the downtown and Port of Dubuque starting
Memorial weekend 2006 and in conjunction with America's River festivaL]
Improve vehicular accessibility to the Port of Dubuque
Complete a parking management strategy and establish parking districts downtown wherein parking design,
development and management issued among multiple facilities are controlled by a single entity
[Upper Main district stakeholders expressing more and more concern about parking with the increase in employment
and housing in that district. Upgrades in parking in two oldest downtown parking structures occurring in spring
2006.]
Improve pedestrian accessibility to the Port of Dubuque
[See Element 6.3 & 6.7 ofplan]
We value the opportunity to support the efforts of the City of Dubuque in downtown and
riverfront development through our four points of emphasis. If you have questions, please give
me a call at (563) 588-4400.
Sincerely,
8~~&-~
Dan LoBianco
Executive Director