OSKALOOSA — The plastic-sheet facade covering the Iowa Building came down Saturday morning to reveal a beautifully restored exterior that was on display for all to see.
Local officials and members of the Oskaloosa Downtown Development group cut a red ribbon at 2 p.m. to open the building for people to tour.
About 150 years ago, the Oskaloosa downtown was composed of many one-story, wooden buildings. However, a group of individuals invested in a two-story brick building to enhance the city’s downtown. Now, the members of the ODD group are continuing that vision, said David Ahmad, of the ODD group.
Ahmad said the Iowa Building is a “cornerstone” of the downtown.
Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Dixon said the unveiling of the Iowa Building was “a tremendous day for Oskaloosa.”
“Renovation doesn’t do justice” to the restoration effort, he said. “This is really incredible.”
Dixon thanked Dennis Shankster and his work crew for their efforts in the exterior renovation of the Iowa Building. Dixon also said the members of the ODD group had “tremendous vision, foresight and perseverance.”
Dixon was pleased that a group of individuals were willing to invest time and money to enhance the city.
“This is graphic proof we have a vital, vibrant and sustainable community for the future,” he said.
Joe Crookham, of the ODD group, echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
The renovation of the Iowa Building exterior is “preserving our future,” he said.
“We’re at a beginning point” with the project, Crookham said. The new Iowa Building exterior will “create a lot of community pride,” he said.
Crookham said that seven pieces of the original Iowa Building have been integrated into the exterior renovation. Those pieces include marble columns, the Bank block above the entrance and two red blocks.
The columns should be emplaced around the Iowa Building entrance sometime this week and the sidewalk will be poured soon.
Crookham said now the community needs to discuss how to utilize the building.
Crookham presented Shankster with a photo of the work his employees have done as a way to say “thanks.”
“Thank you a ton,” Crookham told Shankster.
The Iowa Building exterior now looks as it did in 1896. Some of the materials used in the restoration include 117,000 pounds of mortar mix, 25,050 bricks and 361 architectural cast stone pieces, according to a flier distributed at the ceremony.
While the exterior renovation is complete, the interior restoration has only just begun. The building was opened for public tours Saturday, and the interior featured several displays of historic photos of the Iowa Building.
Some people attending Art on the Square in the city square took time to give their thoughts on the Iowa Building.
“It’s beautiful. It looks so much nicer,” said Sarah Shearer, of Oskaloosa.
“It’s a showpiece,” Oskaloosa resident Ron Vande Kieft said.
Artist Leon Van Weelden was born and raised in Oskaloosa, but now calls Springfield, Mo., home. He came to Oskaloosa Saturday to participate in Art on the Square.
“The city itself looks spiffy. The Iowa Building looks great,” he said. “I’m proud to say I’m from Oskaloosa.”
Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com
Homepage
Related Photos
Iowa Building's new look uncovered
- Local News
-
-
Jury finds VanWeelden guilty of all three charges
Mahaska County Supervisor Henry “Willie” VanWeelden, center, confers with his defense counsel Friday afternoon after the jury delivered a guilty verdict on all three charges he faced in Mahaska County District Court.
-
Faculty art on display at William Penn's Foyer Gallery
- Prosecution, defense give closing arguments in VanWeelden case
-
Skate park construction continues in warmer weather
- VanWeelden takes stand in trial
-
- CNHI/Southeast Iowa
-
-
More deer taken in Ottumwa's 2011-12 bow season
The rise from the previous season was by more than one-third and brought the total number of deer harvested in seven seasons to 612.
Continued ... -
Sneak peek at this year's hottest Super Bowl ads
The Super Bowl is a must-watch TV event, if not for the outcome of the biggest football game of the year, then at least for the multi-million dollar commercials that run throughout. And this year’s buzzworthy spots include celebrity appearances, homages to movies and lots of humor.
Continued ... -
VIDEO: Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction
More than 18,000 people descended on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day celebration.
Continued ... -
New police chief sworn in
Robert Bokinsky is Pella's new police chief, with 32 years already served in law enforcement.
Continued ... -
Winter Family Times
-
More deer taken in Ottumwa's 2011-12 bow season
- Sports
-
-
Tyler Sash football career slide show
New York Giants safety Tyler Sash keys in on a Carolina Panthers ball carrier during a preseason game in 2011.
Here's a look back at New York Giants safety and Oskaloosa native Tyler Sash's football career from his rookie NFL season through his college career at Iowa and his days as an Oskaloosa Indian. The Giants face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Continued ... -
Giants’ Sash enjoying the ride
Oskaloosa native and New York Giants rookie safety Tyler Sash is set for action for this Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI.
Continued ... -
IMCA Mach-1 Sport Compacts new at Southern Iowa Speedway
There will be a different class of of racing vehicle this season at the Southern Iowa Speedway.
Continued ... -
William Penn Sports Report
The latest in William Penn sports.
Continued ... -
Oskaloosa YMCA Aerials competed at Chow’s gymnastics meet at Vet’s Auditorium
The Oskaloosa YMCA Aerials JO (Junior Olympic) Compulsory and Optional Teams competed at the 9th annual Chow’s Winter Classic Invitational in Des Moines at Vet’s Auditorium.
Continued ...
-
- Obituaries
