A private group of women are moving forward with a recently purchased property in downtown Jefferson.

Why Not Us bought the Centennial building, at 100 East State Street, from the City of Jefferson this past July for $40,000 as part of a ten-year forgivable $150,000 economic development agreement. The Why Not Us Board of Directors is going through the process of selecting a contractor to renovate the building, based on the design plans by architect Peter Franks of the Franks Design Group. 

The improvement plans were delayed earlier this year, due to COVID-19 and a new business owner taking over the operation of the restaurant on the main floor. The main priority is renovating the kitchen and dining area to expedite the opening of the restaurant, and the name of the restaurateur will be announced later. 

The 45-member all female group received additional funding from a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant and is looking to include the building as part of the Jefferson Historic District to access state historic tax credits. The project also includes updating the two upper story housing units. 

The City of Jefferson purchased the building from a private owner in 2019, after a broken water pipe from the abandoned apartments flooded the facility, including the forced closure of former Angie’s Teagarden. Why Not Us is currently accepting new members, and you can contact them via email at whynotustea@gmail.com.