A Community Vision for Downtown Decorah
with a Formal Resolution of Support from Decorah City Council
The Vision
- Create a beautiful, welcoming public gathering space in the heart of downtown Decorah.
- Develop an outdoor Performance Pavilion for music, performances, and community events.
- Enhance the Decorah Farmers Market with a more functional and inviting setting.
- Preserve flexible green space for everyday public use, gatherings, and special events.
- Create a thoughtful connection with the surrounding downtown improvements.
Sustainable by Design
- Incorporate a solar array into the Pavilion roof and Farmer’s Market canopies, combining architecture with renewable energy.
- Design the project with sustainability and long-term operating costs in mind.
- Use quality materials, including wood surfaces that provide warmth and support pavilion acoustics.
A Community-Funded Project
- The project is envisioned to be funded primarily through private donations and grants.
- Jim and Liz Fritz are committed to leading the effort with an initial $100,000 donation.
- Charitable contributions would be administered through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
- The project would be managed through the nonprofit Decorah Pavilion Plaza Group.
- Local contractors and businesses would be prioritized whenever practical.
Estimated Investment
- Current estimated project cost: $2 million.
- Potential grants and incentives, including available renewable-energy funding, could provide significant additional support.
- Our goal is to begin construction in Spring 2027, with completion targeted for late Fall 2027.
Our Purpose
- Create a lasting public space that brings together community, music, local food, green space, and sustainability.
- Build something that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors today—and by future generations.
Help us Bring this Vision to Life
- We believe the Decorah Pavilion Plaza can become a special gathering place for Decorah—a project created through community generosity and designed for the benefit of the entire community.
- Need more Information?
- Contact Project Leaders Jim Fritz 563-379-7363 Liz Fritz 563-379-8908
- send us an email decorahpavilionplaza@gmail.com
Questions? Contact Us! Scroll to the bottom of the HOME page for contact form.
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