Spring Open House in Downtown Burlington
April 2, 10 AM - 4 PM
It's Happening in Downtown Burlington this Spring! The Spring Open House on April 2 will give shoppers the opportunity to view new trends and try new foods with eateries and drinkeries showing off their new food and drink menus.
You will also be able to register for up to $750 in Downtown Dollars! We are looking forward to Spring weather and exploring the Downtown during this fun shopping event.
Register to win $750 in Downtown Dollars at these participating businesses:
*Law's Antiques & Jewelry
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Downtown Burlington It's Happening!
The Downtown Partners, Inc. Branding Committee and DPI Board of Directors are excited to unveil the new Downtown Destination Brand to the community!
The Destination Brand will help create an identity highlighting all the assets Downtown Burlington has to offer. When fully implemented, the Downtown Burlington Brand will be featured on banners, in communications, and marketing promotions. The first of these will be a 2023 billboard located at the RecPlex beginning this spring (see the mock-up above).
Downtown businesses will have access to this brand for products and marketing. Classes are being held on how to use the brand for marketing and product purposes.
Watch the short brand launch video HERE.
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2023 Open 4 Business Competition
Applications Due April 1
If you have been in business since March 31, 2022 and are either currently or planning to be located in Downtown Burlington, you qualify!
The Open 4 Business program is designed to encourage business
development in designated Main Street Iowa districts around the state. Applicants complete an online application by visiting Greaterburlington.com.
A complete application must be submitted by April 1. Downtown Partners, Inc. will choose a contestant for the June semifinal judging to compete for a chance at $8,000. The five statewide finalists will then present their ideas in the Open 4 Business contest at the Iowa Downtown Conference on August 1 in Sioux City for up to an additional $20,000 in funding.
Downtown Partners, Inc. sent The Beancounter Coffeehouse & Drinkery to the finals for Open 4 Business last year, where they were awarded $15,500.
If you are interested in applying and for more information please contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365.
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Seeking Farmers Market Vendors
The Jefferson Street Farmers Market Steering Committee is offering a discount to returning seasonal vendors who sign up in advance, as well as for new seasonal vendors - only $150 a space for the entire 22-week season. This rate is through April 1.
The market will take place on Jefferson Street on Thursdays from 4:30 to 7 PM beginning May 4.
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Mayfly Mayhem Project
The Iowa Arts Council recognized the Art Center of Burlington's commitment to creativity and community by awarding them a grant in 2022 for the Mayfly Mayhem public art project.
This project has come to life in 2023 through a collaboration with local artists and organizations, who are creating beautifully stenciled mayflies to be showcased on various buildings throughout Downtown. In addition to adding a playful touch to this unwelcome yearly visitor, the Art Center of Burlington hopes to foster community engagement and drive tourism. They look forward to sharing this exciting project with the community and continuing to find creative ways to connect art, humor, and community pride.
If you would like to have a mayfly painted on your building or would like to learn more about the art projects happening in the community, please visit The Art Center of Burlington.
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A Very Vintage Market
Saturday, July 15, 2023, A Very Vintage Market is back!
Vendor applications for A Very Vintage Market are now online.
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Cecile Houel's Spring Open Studio
April 15
If you're looking for a unique and inspiring way to spend your Saturday, don't miss the Spring Open Studio event at Cecile Houel's studio on April 15 from 11 AM to 7 PM.
This event will give you the opportunity to explore Cecile's new artwork and Nobel Peace Prize Collection, while also enjoying refreshments and appetizers at 5 PM.
Cecile Houel is a talented French-American artist who is known for her dedication to her craft and her ability to push technical limits while staying true to her own artistic identity. Her work is a reflection of her fascination with humanity, and her paintings are both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The event will take place at Cecile's Studio, which is located at 409 N 4th Street on the 3rd floor of the Old YWCA Building. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a fan of Cecile's work, or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, this is an event you won't want to miss.
For more information about the Spring Open Studio event, be sure to check out Cecile's Facebook page or give her a call at 319-601-6420. We hope to see you there!
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Earth Day Clean-up April 22
Participants of all ages are invited to come out for the annual Earth Day Clean-up on Saturday, April 22. Individuals, families, businesses, church groups, and organizations are all encouraged to lend a hand in caring for our piece of earth. Please follow the Keep Burlington Beautiful for more details or call Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365.
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Cultural & Entertainment District Designation in the Works
In partnership with the Art Center of Burlington, Capitol Performing Arts Center, and Downtown Partners, Inc. an application will be submitted to the state for the Cultural & Entertainment District designation. This designation is granted by the state of Iowa to areas that offer a high concentration of cultural and entertainment venues and activities, with the goal of promoting tourism, economic growth, and quality of life for residents.
The application process for the designation is rigorous and requires collaboration between multiple organizations in the community. The partnership between Downtown Partners Inc., the Art Center of Burlington, and Capitol Performing Arts Center is a positive sign of the cooperation and coordination needed to achieve this goal.
The benefits of a Cultural & Entertainment District designation are numerous. It can attract more visitors to the area, boosting local businesses and creating new jobs. It can also increase the quality of life for residents by providing access to a wide range of cultural and entertainment offerings.
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Rock Night feat. The Hong Kong Sleepover and more!
April 8
Head to the Auditorium and rock your faces off with Stars In Toledo, Cole Hollow, Greylight Divide and The Hong Kong Sleepover! Doors open at 7 PM and the show starts at 8pm!
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Get tickets at the Auditorium Box Office or click the ticket link here. Must be age 21+ to attend.
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Titanic A Library Experience
Titanic! She is the most famous ship in the world.
Her untimely demise affected the lives of so many people around the world, including people in Burlington!
Come to Vacation Thru Time: Titanic to learn about the survivor that made his home here after the sinking, and check out artifacts from the time period provided by Des Moines County Historical Society.
Vacation Thru Time is so excited to offer Virtual Reality Tours of this amazing ship during our Exhibit hours! Come check out the VR headsets and get a very Unique look at this one of a kind ship!
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Comedy Thursdays at Memorial Auditorium
Comedy Thursdays take place the first Thursday of each month at the Memorial Auditorium. On April 6 see April Macie!
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B.R.E Brew Fest
Join Burlington Riverfront Entertainment for Brew Fest Saturday April 22 inside the Memorial Auditorium.
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Blade Sign Grant
Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program offers applicants up to $300 in matching grant funds for perpendicular “blade” signage for their businesses!
Blade signs have several benefits:
- Accentuating the traditional historic and walkable character of Downtown Burlington
- Emphasizing the Downtown district as a collection of small, independent, locally owned businesses
- Adding to the liveliness of the streetscape
- Freeing up sidewalk space occupied by sandwich board signs
- Encouraging businesses to explore their individuality and examine their branding
- Increasing business visibility for potential customers who would otherwise not know anything about the business unless they were directly in front of it
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Watch Our Progress: Downtown Burlington Is Open for Business
With all of the projects happening in the Downtown District, remember "We Are Open for Business." Come down and see the progress for yourself! Stroll, shop, eat, drink, and enjoy the Downtown!
Follow the most recent TIGER Project updates at:
A customized version of "Preparing for Construction Guide", outlining ideas and proposed implementation activities are being utilized in the Downtown District.
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Downtown Living
The Churchill Lofts are a newly constructed 48-unit luxury loft building in Downtown Burlington on the corner of 4th and Valley.
The Churchill Lofts offers 48 pet-friendly, secure, and spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom lofts. Each unit was built specifically with the tenant in mind. There's stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer, beautiful windows, tons of natural sunlight, hardwood floors, large bedrooms with closet space, a private parking lot, open floor plans made for hosting friends and family, and complimentary access to a newly developed fitness center.
Come live in a private luxury loft steps away from the Mississippi, boutique coffee shops, restaurants, and so much more that Downtown Burlington has to offer.
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It's Happening in Downtown Burlington...
Grand Opening:
Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington
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Visit the Art Center of Burlington for classes, new art installations, and events for a date night, girls night out, or family fun!
It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center
Grants:
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American Express "Backing Small Business" Grant If you are awarded a $5,000 grant through this program, your business may be eligible to be considered for an additional $25,000 Enhancement Grant! You will need to showcase how, if selected, the project would further improve the business, while providing goods or services that address cultural, environmental, and/or access needs in the local community. A limited subset of 25 grantees will be selected to receive the additional $25,000 Enhancement Grant. Visit backing small businesses.
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Downtown Loan Guarantee program IEDA and IFA can provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees for eligible Downtown revitalization projects. For more information, visit Downtown Loan Guarantee Program (iowaeda.com)
- Main Street Challenge Grant will be coming this summer. It's time to start thinking about building projects in the Downtown.
Thank You:
- We are so thankful for the wonderful volunteers and supporters. Downtown Partners, Inc would not be able to host all of the events, give the tours, and make Downtown so vibrant without you! There are so many hands that help make these events such a success. Thank you to the volunteers, businesses and community organizations that have created such wonderful memories Downtown!
Love Downtown?! Donate Today:
- Downtown Partners, Inc. works hard to present special events, encourage building and business improvement, and beautify the city center. We hope you will show your support for our activities by contributing at a level that is meaningful to you.
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open Sunday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. The store is also available ONLINE. Items may be picked up on site or shipped to any destination in the U.S. Follow the Port of Burlington Welcome Center on Facebook to stay in the know when new products are added.
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"Downtown Partners, Inc. is a volunteer-driven Main Street Program established to preserve and revitalize downtown Burlington while improving the quality of life for the community."
A Main Street Iowa Program
An Affiliate Program of the Greater Burlington Partnership
RiverPark Place
610 N 4th Street, Suite 200
Burlington, IA 52601
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Downtown Partners, Inc.
Board of Directors 2023
Mercedes Ponce - Chair
Titan Broadcasting & Digital Group
Todd Darnall - Past Chair
McConnell Lofts
Tom Burch - Treasurer
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Todd Ackerman - Chair Elect
World Insurance
Kansha Tiwari
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Brittany Jacobs
Burlington Public Library
Lynda Graham-Murray
City of Burlington
Elizabeth Pappas
Art Center of Burlington
Vanessa Watson
Great River Health
Suann Wells
The Beancounter
Coffeehouse & Drinkery
Alec Cornick
Universal Fitness
Angie Hedges
Heritage Hill Wellness
Chelsea Stevens
Burlington Vintage & Co.
Jerilyn Horn
Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Company
Jessica Gerling
City of Burlington
Chad Bird
City of Burlington
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