Keokuk, IA – One organization had big plans for the building that collapsed in downtown Keokuk.
Executive Director Joyce Glasscock says Main Street Keokuk had made an offer on the property at 528 Main Street. She says it had expired, though, because the owner had not acted on it.
Glasscock says the organization targeted the former Green Tambourine building for a large-scale redevelopment project. She says it was to feature commercial and residential space.
Glasscock says Main Street Keokuk wanted to set an example by selecting an extensive project for its first redevelopment. "The private sector really wasn't going to act on that property," says Glasscock, adding "it was too big a project and too costly a project that had to be acted on right away."
Glasscock says Main Street Keokuk identified 14 properties for potential re-development. She says the organization has been researching buildings for the last 18 months.
Glasscock says nearly $40,000 has already been raised for the project. She says a second investment meeting will take place soon.
Glasscock says the project will move forward through profit and non-profit avenues. She says grant funding and tax credits will be available.
Glasscock says the idea is to create a blueprint for the private sector to follow in redeveloping downtown Keokuk.