Iowa’s national reputation is getting another boost today as Keokuk is being presented with the Great American Main Street Award. It’s the first time the small southeastern Iowa community has attained the honor for the preservation and revitalization of its downtown.Brian Rose is vice president of Main Street Keokuk. Iowa now has more Great American Main Street Award winners than any other state -four- with Dubuque winning in 1995, Bonaparte in 1996 and Corning in 1998. Rose says Keokuk has put a lot of work into preserving its history for future generations. Since three banks created a pool of money in 1986, some 250 new construction and building rehabilitation projects have been completed in downtown Keokuk.Rose, who manages a Keokuk grocery store, doesn’t see Keokuk doing anything differently to promote itself, since the town’s current plan has worked well. Downtown Keokuk has revitalized itself with banners, trees, and downtown clean-up days.
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