Projects

522 Jefferson - An Investment Opportunity

After several years of negotiations, Downtown Partners took a major step forward in facilitating revitalization by purchasing an entire half-block of historic buildings in the 500 block of Jefferson Street. Two of the buildings have since been sold. Downtown Partners seeks interested, qualified parties to purchase and redevelop the remaining building at 522 Jefferson.

Locally known as the "bookend buildings," the property is more formally known as the Forney-Mellinger Block. The twin three-story towers with stained glass, ornate tile and iron work and elaborate cornices date to 1883, bookending a two-story center building. They occupy a pivotal location in the center of downtown near the base of Snake Alley, Burlington's famous landmark. The buildings are key contributing structures to the West Jefferson National Register Historic District, making them eligible for significant historic rehab tax credits and grant opportunities. 

Beginning in fall 2010, Downtown Partners worked with a group of Master's degree University of Iowa students from the School of Urban and Regional Planning to formulate a redevelopment proposal for the bookend buildings. In the course of their term, they not only come up with an action plan for the buildings, but also conducted surveys and focus group interviews to explore a broader vision for downtown development in Burlington.

Download the Investment Proposal for the Bookend Buildings

Download the Vision for Downtown Redevelopment

Downtown Partners has made the bookend buildings more attractive by cleaning up the properties. Long hidden architectural details, such as arched window openings and tin ceilings, have been brought to light for the first time in decades. If you are interested in a Request for Proposal as a possible purchaser/developer, download the packet or contact Downtown Partners at 319-752-6365.

Download the Request for Proposal