Guest Editorial

Remain diligent in preserving past

Grant programs are available to help renovate, paint buildings

By Doug Dixon

Chairman

Design Committee

Bloomfield Main Street

Our square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. At that point, it became our responsibility to help preserve what we should consider our historic treasure. We often take for granted what we have and become complacent in our upkeep.

Our downtown infrastructure is what presents the first impression to prospective businesses and residents, visitors and tourists. Our town square and courthouse create the physical face that identifies our community. If we show the world that we’re willing to let it crumble, what does that say about our community? Basic maintenance of the roof and avoiding water damage is essential. Most of our losses and problems on the square can be traced to neglect of roofs. This is our home and our heritage, and like it or not, it’s our responsibility to protect and preserve it. If we let it fall, who’s going to rebuild it and at what cost?

There is help available in a grant program for façade and structural renovation that can provide $500 in matching funds. Another grant of $250 can apply specifically toward painting. All façade improvements are subject to review by the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.  Applications can be picked up at the Main Street office at 101 E. Franklin or call 641-664-2309 for more information.    

A look around the state at other communities that embrace their heritage and capitalize on their historic infrastructure is encouraging. Smaller communities with fewer resources like Bonaparte and Walnut have transformed their environment and utilized their historic buildings to draw tourism and create a thriving economic climate. Both are shining examples of preservation and vision. Bonaparte is the smallest Main Street community in the U.S.! 

If we are to grow and thrive as a community, we must take advantage of what we have to offer. We should not overlook our historic treasures, but instead embrace what have been constant fixtures in our lives. This will certainly change if we do not take our situation seriously. We must be proactive in preserving what tourists frequently say “makes us charming.” This is a call to community leaders, residents, private investors, and business owners to invest in what we have and take action to protect that which makes us unique.

Those wishing to make a contribution to the rehabilitation of buildings on the square can contact Main Street directly at 641-664-2309. We at Main Street are constantly striving to preserve and make usable downtown buildings through grant funding and education.

We must remain diligent in our efforts to preserve our past.