A group of Albert Leans want to see the downtown area restored to its former glory.

Saturday, August 11, 2001

A group of Albert Leans want to see the downtown area restored to its former glory.

The group, called Destination Albert Lea, is gathering support from the community and putting its agenda together, said President Jonathan Green. The first goal is to put together a comprehensive plan for the merchants and historic buildings of downtown.

&uot;This city has a lot going for it,&uot; said Green. &uot;But the future, I think, starts with downtown. We’ve got the lakes and plenty of great people, but every city’s downtown is its heart.&uot;

Green said the Destination Albert Lea’s goal is to promote the city, preserve its history and draw more visitors into town. The group is already extending invitations to city leaders, the port authority, the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, hoping to include them in the process.

&uot;We want to collaborate with the city fathers and other people and groups in the community. We all have something to gain from getting downtown back on its feet,&uot; Green said.

Meanwhile, member Anthony Trow is already looking to other regional cities for advice. He wants to know how Owatonna, Faribault, Redwing, Lanesboro and others managed to keep their downtowns so vital.

&uot;We know it’s not impossible. Many other cities have great downtowns,&uot; Trow said. &uot;I’ve already sent requests for sample ordinances, funding sources and plans.&uot;

Trow said the fact that most of downtown is on the National Historic Register is only an acknowledgement of potential. The city still has to take the initiative in forming a vision.

Trow complimented the city council for purchasing the Freeborn Bank building and the Jacobson Apartment building to protect the properties and search for good developers.

&uot;That’s an example of the kind aggressive policy that can turn downtown around,&uot; he said.

At its first meeting, Destination Albert Lea listed a number of concerns including:

* Attracting more businesses to the downtown area such as the new restaurants Crescendo and Gos-sip.

* Restoring the facades and exteriors of downtown’s signature buildings.

* Beautifying the city to attract more shoppers and tourists.

* Finding developers willing to put an emphasis on historic preservation

* Attracting more specialty shops to downtown.

* Funds and policies to support current building owners and occupants.

* Grant and fundraising possibilities.

Though the list gives the new organization an initial agenda, Green said, but the group’s mission will come into focus as membership grows and more research is gathered.

&uot;We’re still looking for more input and still looking for interest from the whole city,&uot; he said. &uot;We need a lot more information before we can really begin our work.&uot;

Green offered an open invitation to the public to attend Destination Albert Lea’s next meeting Monday at the Albert Lea Art Center beginning at 5:15 p.m.