The City of Jefferson recently acquired the property at 205 North Wilson Avenue.

City Administrator Mike Palmer says it’s the commercial building to the north of Angie’s Tea Garden, which is located at the intersection of Wilson Avenue and State Street.  He states that the building was owned by the Bud Nelson Estate and the City also received $5,000 in addition to acquiring the building.  Palmer talks about what the City plans to do with the building.

“We’ve evaluated the building, (and) it’s in pretty good shape.  The foundation is excellent on it (and) the roof might need a little repair.  But we felt that it’s a good building to have and get it in (the) City’s hands.  What we’d like to do is utilize it as a (Jefferson Matters) Main Street (JMMS) project.”

JMMS Program Director Peg Raney thinks that this is a great project for their organization to take the lead on restoring the building.

“And I think what (Jefferson Matters) Main Street has is the historic preservation, a team of people with Main Street Iowa.  And the City, I think they are going to be looking at some of the financing through maybe the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District.  (And) seeing what kind of business will work in there also.”

Raney adds that the next step after the building is renovated would be to fill it with a needed business for the community.