Our Projects
Flower Baskets
Each year more than 200 flower baskets are hung in the Downtown Decorah district. The Hanging Flower Basket program is possible because of DDBA annual memberships as well as generous partnership and support from the City of Decorah, Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, and Decorah’s SSMID.
Lawn Chair Night
Free. Family Friendly. Every Thursday night this summer in Downtown Decorah! Lawn Chair Night has been a program of Downtown Decorah Betterment for more than 25 years. It's now made possible by DDBA in partnership with Visit Decorah Tourism and Impact Coffee, along with generous contributions from top sponsors AJ Realty and Oneota Food
Co-op in addition to more than 10 supporting sponsors. This free, public event features both local and regional talent. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and their toe tappin' shoes. For the Washington Street shows, attendees are encouraged to purchase a beverage at Impact Coffee, our event partner.
Downtown Pocket Parks
DDBA has long been champions for the improvement and creation of outdoor public spaces in Decorah's downtown area. Norm Smith Plaza (often called Water Street Park) and Dry Run Plaza are both projects that were championed by DDBA and done in partnership with the City of Decorah. Our Board is excited to see the addition of two seasonal parklets in 2024 - two more gathering spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy! Decorah's downtown is vibrant and visitor-friendly, but don't just take our word for it. In 2023, downtown Decorah was recognized by the State of Iowa for being exceptional and was awarded status of an Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District - Only 18 communities in Iowa have this designation. It celebrates the art and cultural events that take place in the downtown as well as the district's safety, walkability, live music, and number of shopping and dining locations.
Rooftop Lighting
Started in the 1990s, the Rooftop Lighting Initiative is one way that DDBA sought to add warmth and a cheerful aesthetic to the downtown in the winter season. Each year, the Board works with downtown building owners and business owners to replace burnt bulbs, update old lines, and add new lines. Local electricians complete the installation - which now includes timers and more energy efficient bulbs. Many businesses pay for the rooftop lighting installation for their property in its entirety - checking in with DDBA on color / warmth for bulbs and to source an electrician - but there are opportunities to cost share a portion of the expense. Interested businesses should contact a DDBA Board Member regarding available funds which are limited. DDBA encourages all rooftop lighting owners to have their lines on from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Some businesses choose to add the cheerful ambience year-round.
Kiosks
Four downtown electrical boxes in the district are covered with unique kiosks. These decorative kiosks are intended to share history about the community of Decorah as well as interesting information regarding architecture, famous persons, etc. DDBA is planning updates to the kiosks in 2024 and 2025 to address structural deterioration and updates to content. The restoration will allow the continuation of the kiosk structures - which are arguably more attractive than the electrical boxes - while also maintaining public access to interesting and applicable community information for residents and visitors.
Downtown Parking
DDBA promotes the importance of workers and downtown residents parking for longer periods away from prime customer parking areas, such as Water Street and one block north and south.