OVERVIEW

The following report summarizes the observations and recommendations resulting from an Iowa Downtown Resource Center Assessment conducted in Storm Lake, Iowa by the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Downtown Resource Center team.  In preparation of this report, the Assessment Team learned about Storm Lake’s downtown history, recent planning efforts, economic development and quality of life initiatives.

The Team’s familiarization process began with a review of materials supplied prior to the visit, a pre-visit survey, a driving tour of the city and a walking tour of the Downtown commercial district.

The intensive three-day visit also included interviews with approximately 90 community leaders, individuals and groups representing the public and private sectors. Based upon these activities and the Assessment Team’s extensive working knowledge in downtown economic development, this report summarizes their findings and recommendations for Storm Lake.

VIEW THE 2024 DOWNTOWN ASSESSMENT REPORT 

“The assessment visit is a great way for a community to take a step back and get honest feedback from downtown professionals and community residents,” explains Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “The five-person team will highlight the downtown’s strengths and challenges, and will offer some practical recommendations that the community can implement over time.”

This Downtown Assessment report and recommendations for Storm Lake are based on the Team’s downtown development experience. Their beliefs are grounded by the philosophy that for Downtown to re-establish itself as the social and commercial center of the community—the physical heart and soul of the city—Downtown must become more valuable physically, economically, socially and politically.

The health of Downtown has a direct impact upon the entire community’s economic well-being. They are inter-related. Downtown revitalization IS economic development. Downtown is a prime location for incubating small business, it is an affordable location for independent businesses and is historically one of the community’s major employers. The commercial center provides a compact environment with multiple stories for commerce, government and living spaces, thus reducing sprawl and the cost associated with extending city services and infrastructure. The pedestrian friendly environment is convenient and accessible, serving as the center (community space) for not only commercial trade but also cultural, social, and civic engagement. Historic downtown districts can serve as heritage tourism attractions. A building’s condition, the business’ viability, and maximization of the building’s square footage for income generation affect not only the property’s value, but also the value of the neighboring properties and real estate in the entire community. Investments in Downtown allow it to “pay its fair share” in taxes resulting in lessening the tax burdens of its citizens and city government.

Most of our memories are directly associated with a place. We “go back” to places we feel good about. We “go back” to places where we have had positive shopping experiences. We “go back” to places where we have had fun. We “go back” to places we think are important. We are also attracted to places where we think we will have a positive experience. We must strive to make Downtown a “go to” kind of destination, not an avoidable area we pass through on our way to somewhere else.

PURPOSE

The City of Storm Lake worked with the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), to conduct a Downtown Assessment to raise awareness, educate, make recommendations, and encourage the local community.

This assessment and recommendations should serve as a call to action and provide the community with current information to formulate strategies necessary to address improving the downtown for future generations.

This report cannot and does not provide all the answers. Ultimately, Storm Lake citizens must explore their options, decide what is relevant and realistic and acquire additional information and resources as they address Downtown’s future.

The plan was initiated by the City, but the Iowa Downtown Resource Center team can’t stress enough that the plan is for everyone. The City can’t be the only implementer of projects. There is opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce, community clubs, churches, etc. to buy into the plan and work together on implementation. Good things are ahead for Storm Lake. 

PRESENTATION

THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN - On Thursday, April 25, 2024 a public meeting was held in the City Hall council chambers, where the Iowa Downtown Resource Center Assessment Team shared its findings and recommendations.