Vacant building in downtown Waukee eyed for restaurant in effort to revitalize the area
A vacant building in downtown Waukee may soon get a remodel as part of the city's plans to revitalize the area.
The Pin Oak building at 405 Sixth St. has been empty since 2014, when the Pin Oak Gallery women's clothing, home decor and picture framing shop closed. It was open there for 26 years.
Jennifer Brown, Waukee's economic development director, said the city is working to finalize a development agreement with Elbert Real Estate Group on the future of the property. The space will be converted into a "modern-day American eatery" to draw residents and visitors downtown, according to a city news release.
More: Waukee denied funding for affordable housing townhomes near Northwest High School
Patrick Elbert, president and owner of West Des Moines-based Elbert Real Estate Group, said in the news release there's been a strong core of small businesses at the heart of downtown Waukee for decades.
"The opportunity to be a part of that, contribute to growth and deliver on a community want and need is something we’re all passionate about," he said.
It will cost about $430,000 to renovate the building, which includes structural and roof repairs, new insulation, plumbing and electrical wiring, a new bathroom and paint. The developer also plans to restore some original features and add windows and a skylight to bring in more natural light.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority recently awarded the city of Waukee a $100,000 grant for the project. Brown said the city would reimburse Elbert Real Estate Group with that money, as well as give the company a $50,000 downtown grant.
Brown said the renovation would need to be complete by 2025.
The project is part of a larger effort to bring more daytime foot traffic to downtown Waukee, Brown said. Known as the Wauke Triangle for the shape its streets make, downtown has a few bars, an ice cream shop, a hardware store and a Heartland Cooperative grain elevator.
"Adding more destination businesses like an eatery will increase the visibility of downtown Waukee as well as add opportunities to gather," Brown said.
An Iowa Economic Development Authority assessment recommended several initiatives for the area, including to add navigation signs, public art, seating and bike racks, as well as improve crosswalks and intersections. It also suggested a district clean-up initiative to address overgrown weeds and general wear-and-tear.
"Almost every building needs some kind of work," the report said. "Redevelopment of the Pin Oak building could be a catalyst for additional retail and restaurant growth in the district."
Brown said there may be a presentation at the Oct. 9 Waukee City Council work session about "concepts for improving safety and wayfinding," as well adding benches and trash bins.
She said that there are two grant programs available to downtown businesses to improve their facades and property. The facade program provides up to $7,500.
Phillip Sitter covers suburban growth and development for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Vacant Pin Oak building in downtown Waukee may become restaurant
