CAEDG members visit with Joe Jennison, Mt. Vernon Main Street Director
Downtown Walk-Around, IDRC
The community of Clarence welcomed Jim Engle, Director of the Iowa Downtown Re-
source Center and Tim Reinders, Main Street Design Specialist as they conducted the
Downtown Walk Around on March 15. Beginning with a community meeting in the
morning, Reinders and Engle spoke to the gathered community members about the
strengths and struggles of the City of Clarence and the downtown in particular. Follow-
ing the meeting, a group of citizens escorted Engle and Reinders on a walking tour of
the downtown district, chatting with business owners, exploring vacant buildings and
assessing the condition of the facades. After a brief lunch break, Reinders and Engle
hosted a follow-up community gathering, explaining their observations to the afternoon
meeting attendees. They both commented on the community’s energy and the poten-
tial for change.
The report from the Downtown Walkaround follows on the next two pages.