Situation And Needs	Bonaparte, Iowa, founded in 1837, had a bustling population of 1,200 by the turn of the century. The Des Moines River powered several large factories, and merchants built elegant storefronts and splendid homes. However, a century of changes has taken its toll on Bonaparte. The manufacturing is gone and the farm economy has suffered severe decline. In 1986, Bonaparte had a population of less than 500, and half of its homes had been demolished. Most retailers had closed their doors. This deterioration occurred so slowly and over such a long period of time that many residents became indifferent to it. But when downtown Bonaparte began to resemble a ghost town, its citizens took notice.
What Was Accomplished	In 1986 Bonaparte's major downtown retail establishment, White's Shopping Center, announced that it was closing its doors. Since the early 1950's the Whites had sold groceries, hardware, appliances, clothing, and furniture in downtown Bonaparte; their closing up shop signaled the end of an era. The buildings of White's Shopping Center included the original Whitely Market, the Opera House, and four retail shops dating back to the 1800's. Despite the shabby state of the buildings, they were still an integral part of the fabric of downtown Bonaparte. With the imminent closing of White's Shopping Center, four community members took action. A downtown businessman, a hometown lawyer, a life-long Bonaparte resident, and an industry manager took it upon themselves to form a for-profit corporation devoted to the business expansion of downtown Bonaparte. Naming the corporation Township Stores, Inc., each of them contributed $2,000 to the cause. With public support, Township Stores expanded into a broad-based, community-owned corporation in which no individual could invest more than $2,000. In a matter of three weeks the town had raised $100,000. With 17,000 square feet of retail space, Township Stores began renovation for the reopening of downtown businesses. The once vacant buildings are now occupied by a grocery store, hardware store, medical clinic, school administrative offices, two condominiums, two insurance agencies, a hair salon, and a community meeting hall. All of the money invested in the buildings came from local sources and all of the businesses serve local needs. Bonaparte's recovery has not been without periods of difficulty and even failure. The businessman who leased the grocery store in 1986 pulled out in 1988 due to poor sales, and Township Stores was forced take over management of the retail operation. A dramatic sales increase helped them to stay in business, and Township Stores now operates both the grocery and the hardware store. They are servicing their debt, although it took several years for the hardware store to become profitable. The residents of Bonaparte know that revitalization is an ongoing endeavor, one that requires flexibility in responding to often unforeseen problems. The Bonaparte community does believe that historic preservation and restoration of their inheritance is the key to their prosperity and future. A planning process has been initiated to arrest decades of decline and deterioration and to take charge of the town's destiny. Bonaparte became a Certified Local Government and established the National Historic Riverfront District, which was designated an Urban Revitalization Area. A historic preservation ordinance was established, which included design review, and Bonaparte became the smallest official Main Street community in the United States. The town has also received two Community Development Block Grants to restore housing. In the last few years Bonaparte's appearance has been dramatically changed. Along with the architectural changes, accurate period street lights have been installed in the historic district. The Bonaparte story has been featured in numerous magazine articles and television programs and was selected by a British television crew from over 200 Main Street towns to be featured in a documentary entitled "The Glories of American Architecture." More importantly, these broad-based preservation efforts have greatly improved the quality of life throughout the Bonaparte community. A substantial increase in tourism dollars and economic development opportunities foster greater pride in the community and a feeling of accomplishment among residents. In their Main Street Economic Impact Statement, released in 1993, Bonaparte reported a gain of 10 new or expanded business during a six-year period, creating 19 new jobs; the net gain was four new businesses and 11.5 jobs. Ten buildings were sold and four renovated, and almost $110,000 was been invested in downtown property acquisition. Through hard work, investment, and dedication to the principles of preservation, the 465 residents of Bonaparte have created a bright new future for their community.
For More Information	Bonaparte Main Street P.O. Box 51 103 Main Street Bonaparte, IA 52620 (319) 462-3400