Warm wishes on behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, for a bright, healthy, prosperous 2021.
 

As one of the most unusual years of my lifetime has closed, it is important to search for the lessons and the positive progress that the challenging year provided.  While our staff, like many others, worked from their dining room tables for a couple of months in 2020, the number of projects and the impact they will have on our community were nonetheless significant.  

Based on the work over the course of the past couple of years, what are the great things we have to look forward to in 2021 and beyond?

THE RIVERFRONT:

After removing some Brownfield/Greyfield sites and replacing the necessary infrastructure in the Twin Steeples development, DEDC began the task of cleaning up the riverfront and extending the trail system to include a walking/bike path along the river and a foundation for future riverfront amenities.  We look forward to the spring of 2021 when final grading will take place and we can begin to plan for future events and activities in this redeveloped area.  DEDC was fortunate to receive a grant for bike racks along the trail from the Dyersville Area Community Foundation and will place one more bike rack along the trail, in the area designated for river access.
 

THE LANDING - Mixed use building:
One of the most exciting and visible aspects of the redevelopment is the 4 ½ story mixed use building, known as The Landing.  Cedar Rapids based development company, Archiprop, LC, began construction on this property just one year ago and as I write this, Spireon is moving their Dyersville operations into approximately 10,000 square feet of the first floor. With build out scheduled to be complete in early Spring for Select Physical Therapy, there is about 5,700 square feet of commercial space remaining for sale or lease.  If you are interested in commercial space in this building, please contact Jacque Rahe for more information, 563-875-2311.

The top two and one half floors are dedicated to residential space for sale or lease, featuring five two-story condominiums with spacious, partially covered patios overlooking the river and downtown Dyersville. It is anticipated that apartments and condominiums will be ready for occupancy in May, with selection and contracts available at the end of January. For more information on the residential units, send requests to thelandingdyersville@gmail.com

A new 40 space parking lot has been created as part of the downtown development just northeast of The Landing. Plans for Dyersville’s first electric car charging station will be located in the parking lot in late Spring or early summer.

Undoubtedly, the influx of employees during the day and residents in the evening will provide great opportunity for existing and new businesses in the downtown.  
A huge THANK YOU to Spireon, Select Physical Thereapy - Select Medical, and especially Archiprop, LC for your investment into our community.

1ST AVE PLAZA:
Connecting our Main Street to the riverfront development, this Plaza, adjacent to Ideal Decorating, provides an area to overlook the North Fork of the Maquoketa River and the new Riverfront Trail.  The Plaza will feature benches and flower pots to enjoy and offers stair access to the riverfront scenic trail extension.
 

TEXTILE BREWING COMPANY:
While completed in 2019, Textile Brewery has continued to draw people to our downtown area and added some great furniture to their outdoor patio in 2020, giving patrons an opportunity to safely enjoy the delicious craft beer, gigantic pretzels and beautiful sunsets. Check out their Facebook page at Textile Brewing Company for specials and new releases.

We are very excited to present another proposed concept for the City Square area adjacent to Westside Park. While 2020 saw the addition of diagonal parking on the south side of the square and the hope of hosting the Beyond The Game festivities in conjunction with the MLB game, the Dyersville City Council wanted to see another flood resilient rendition for the property that would encompass active open activity space, a performance venue, safe pedestrian circulation, permanent market sheltered space as well as ecosystem learning and play space.  Park benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles and shade sails have been obtained through a $10,000 grant from AARP for the City Square.

The question posed: What would help Dyersville to attract more young families to live and invest in the community?

Over the course of community planning, many of the active participants in Dyersville’s Young Professionals group have touted the need for a family focused entertainment venue.  The YP committee explored many models that included sensory play and discovery centers paired with an opportunity for adult interaction and entertainment.  They prepared pro-forma statements, sponsorship opportunities, child care provisions and toured many potential locations for such a facility.

The YP committee’s recommendation to the DEDC Board of Directors was the Hurricane Lanes and former Royal Supper Club location. DEDC purchased the property in late March and began making improvements to the property by replacing the leaky roof with a new rubber membrane system and we are currently in the process of making some much needed improvements to the entry and pro shop area of the Hurricane Lanes leased space. 

As we explore options for the old supper club section, we welcome ideas, investment and partnership opportunities from the community.  Gearing up for players and fans from Baseball factory, tourists and the development of the 12th/13th Ave Bridge, this location provides ample opportunity for an entertainment venture.

DEDC and the City of Dyersville have been working with Creative Adventure Lab in securing funding and a location for a satellite Innovation Lab that will provide co-working space and entrepreneurial services to Dyersville. While a couple of downtown locations are being considered, we hope to be able to have the space and services up and running by the Spring of 2021 to take full advantage of the funding opportunities from Dubuque County, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Dupaco Community Credit Union.  Thank you to Creative Adventure Lab for bringing this co-working space to our community.
Stay tuned for location announcements.

We will also continue to enjoy the fruits of our 2020 labors with the If You Build It Exhibit and Ghost Player Mural in our downtown.  If you have not been to the If You Build It Exhibit, depicting the story behind and the making of the Field of Dreams, it is well worth your while in 2021.  We are anxious to showcase the exhibit during the MLB game and corresponding festivities. www.beyondthegameiowa.com

We also would like to thank the Iowa Economic Development Authority for sponsorship of the “Is This Heaven mural” that is sure to bring tourist into downtown for a photo opportunity. 

With many other exciting projects in the works, we will be keeping an eye on the Tegeler Dairy renovation project, led by California-based movie actor, Dwier Brown and his redevelopment partner, David Feign.  Recipients of a $100,000 Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant, substantial clean-up of the interior space has begun and developers continue to speak with interested tenants. 
Read the Des Moines Register Article Here.

Thank you to Developer Chad Ellis for giving us a sneak peak of the Rose Garden Senior Living facility.  It turned out so nice and we can’t wait for it to open. Last minute touches are being added now and it should be ready for tenants sometime in February, according to Chad.  There are tons of safety and comfort features built into the  facility.  Residents will love the entertainment  options and hassle free living accommodations.  Visit www.rosegardenliving.com for information on floor plans, tours or reserve your spot.

Stay informed and keep up to date by following Dyersville Economic Development Corporation on Facebook and Instagram.  Take advantage of our community information and free Job Board at www.dyersville.com

Thank you to my fellow board members for their service and dedication to the betterment of our community and for the opportunity to serve as your President.

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