(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with SWIPCO (the Southwest Iowa Planning Council), based in Atlantic, says the City of Atlantic has been working hard to meet goals set forth through their comprehensive plan and a great deal of progress has been made in the past five years. The city is currently working on their next comp plan, making it a great time to reflect and evaluate.  One major area of focus has been downtown revitalization and historic preservation. The city was fortunate – SWIPCO says – to obtain a Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Revitalization in 2019 that updated 7 building facades on Chestnut Street. This work also sparked other downtown buildings to make improvements. In addition to building facades, four upper-story housing projects have also been tackled. This investment has breathed new life into downtown buildings and provided housing opportunities in the heart of Atlantic, including some units designated for low to moderate income individuals and families.

Multiple buildings have been revitalized through grants and other funding throughout downtown. A major project was the renovation of The Whitney at 222 Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic. Mark Smith purchased and speared the renovation of the historic building that originally dates to 1883. The building includes office space, a community room, and 16 one and two-bedroom apartments. The Downtowner Restaurant, Rush CPA & Associates, and Eastside Salon all call the updated building home.

Another transformation took place at the Telegraph building at 14 E 4th Street. This building was the former home of The Downtowner Restaurant and was purchased and renovated by the non-profit group Shift ATL. The lower portion of the building was renovated into a commercial business space and the upper story was converted into an apartment that Shift ATL offers as an AirBnB.

First Whitney Bank spearheaded the redevelopment of the building at 300 Chestnut Street. The upper-story of the building was transformed into two two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom apartments. The ground floor has been updated into a retail space and a storage area that will both be rented out. Other updates have taken place at 6th and Chestnut buildings, the former Coke Museum building and more in progress. Another area of focus for the City of Atlantic has been to bolster the city’s neighborhoods and business climate through design practices. New murals have been created in several places around the community including Sunnyside Pool and the Telegraph building.

New community entrance signs were also installed or updated at the major thoroughfares into Atlantic. A large sign was installed at the intersection of Highways 6 and 71 and that design theme was carried over into updated signs on Olive Street and Highway 6 on the south side of town. New colorful banners were installed through town on 7th Street and Iowa State University students have conducted a beautification study to help identify and guide further updates.

Another way to improve quality of life is to enhance recreation opportunities and Atlantic Parks and Recreation has made big strides. Some of the major projects that have been completed are a brand-new playground on an innovative surface at Harl-Holt Park, community garden beds and paved trail erected at Mollett Park, two new playgrounds and pavilions at Schildberg Recreation Area, an expanded campground at Schildberg Recreation Area, and camera installation in city parks.

A major project that was completed is a community splash pad next to Sunnyside Pool. The assembled amenities were tested Monday (Nov. 4th), and are now being prepped for the winter months. The project was a major fundraising undertaking, and several community members stepped up to make it a reality. SWIPCO says it will be exciting to have youngsters enjoy the new space in 2025.

The process of creating the next five-year comprehensive plan asks for participation from residents. A survey will be sent out in mid-November, followed by a public meeting set for December 18th to begin turning the wheels on a new plan with new goals to strive toward. The plan primarily deals with land use planning and sets the basis for zoning. SWIPCO encourages all Atlantic citizens to participate in the process.