Dubuque’s Upper Main Street Revitalization project completely renovated 6 blighted buildings restoring historic storefronts and creating affordable housing units.

Many of the businesses along this stretch of Main Street had been boarded up for nearly 20 years while the upper residential space had gone unused for as many as 50 years. Of the 6 structures in the project, 3 were considered structurally unsound and 2 of the buildings were just 1 day away from a demolition permit. The few businesses that were located in this area had very little economic success the past 3 decades.

This project not only restored the block’s storefronts to historic accuracy, but has helped to spark an economic rehabilitation in the area. Upper Main Street is now home to 8 new retail and entertainment businesses and 30 new apartment units. It has become a safe and walkable neighborhood with access to services and transportation. More importantly, it has been renewed with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.