A face-lift for Avoca, Iowa

AVOCA, Iowa — Elm Street in downtown Avoca is going through a transformation, the Avoca Streetscape Project, with completion of the first phase expected in the next couple of weeks.

The new bricks bordering Elm Street in downtown Avoca are more than simple blush. Below lie an updated storm system and new sewer and water lines.

“The project is two-thirds infrastructure and one-third enhancements,” said Clint Fichter, Avoca city manager.

Ground broke for Phase I in March, and Phase II will begin next year. The cost of Phase I totaled $1.2 million, and Phase II is estimated at $535,000. The city has received $1.2 million in grants for the project, including $358,762 from the Iowa West Foundation and a $580,225 from the Cities Grant Program.

Downtown visitors and businesses will see a marked difference in Phase II. Along with landscaping and a plaza area in front of the old courthouse, storefronts will be improved with the help of downtown improvement grants. Three storefronts have been completed.

“It's important for public places to have a nice design and identity,” Fichter said.

When people are drawn to a space and use it and make it the center of town, businesses notice.

“It's an economic development component,” he said.

Another boon to downtown Avoca will be the renovation of the rundown Avoca Hotel. The project will convert the three-story property into living units and commercial space.

“We had to demonstrate an interest to get the grants,” Fichter said. “We had nine people say they were interested in renting once it's completed.”

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