Downtown developments, transformation highlighted during Maquoketa walking tour

MAQUOKETA, Iowa — Jackson County economic leaders believe downtown Maquoketa is well on its way to revitalization.

Now, they hope to take progress to the next level.

On Thursday, nearly three dozen area residents participated in a walking tour of the downtown area hosted by Jackson County Economic Alliance.

The tour showcased more than a half-dozen downtown properties that have recently benefited from a facade-improvement program supported with city funds and developed by the JCEA and Maquoketa Betterment Corporation.

Nicolas Hockenberry, assistant director of the JCEA, said Mexican restaurant La Casa De Pancho, at 100 N. Main St., was the first to take advantage of the program. Buildings that house Elegant Nails and Farrell Tax & Accounting also have undergone facade improvements.

The tour also featured multiple buildings currently under renovation, including a property at 144 S. Main St. that soon will feature an antique store on the main level and wine bar in the basement.

Co-owner Sue Mayberry said the business will operate under the name Farmer’s Creek Antiques & Wine Bar. She anticipates a summer opening and hopes it will serve as an exciting downtown gathering spot.

“We’re going to have international wine, craft beer and we’d like to have some live bands,” she said. “We want to tap into the local talent.”(full article…)

BY JEFF MONTGOMERY Dubuque Telegraph Herald, April 1, 2017

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