A recent announcement includes some new buildings on the downtown square in Jefferson as part of a prestigious group.

The Centennial Block, which is owned by Why Not Us, along with the Funky Zebras Jefferson Boutique and The Stitch were named as contributing resources to the National Register of Historic Places. According to Why Not Us, these properties join the list of other buildings that were included in the original declaration of the Jefferson Square Commercial Historic District in November of 2011. Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community Board President Jamie Daubendiek appreciates the work that went into getting the three locations added to this organization.

“It’s a big accomplishment. We didn’t have that when we first became a Main Street (Iowa community), the National Historic District (and) contributing buildings is a big word for that. And so to have it be counted as a contributing building was very nice to have that.”   

The listing in the National Register provides recognition and assists in preserving the nation’s heritage. Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer says these buildings now qualify for grants and other benefits.

“It does send the message though that a community is very, very serious about the historic fabric of their buildings. People know if they come into town, this is a very serious group about this.”

Why Not Us Board points out other benefits this listing includes is eligibility for state tax credits for rehabilitation and federal tax benefits.