[Winona Online Democracy] I recently stayed overnight in Dubuque, Iowa at the old downtown Julien Hotel. http://www.julieninn.com It isn't as finely detailed and restored as Red Wing's St. James Hotel. But they are working on it, although not with absolute historical accuracy as a goal since it has been "modernized" a few times over the years.
But what might be of more interest to you WODs is the pretty spectacular riverfront and downtown revitalization efforts that are underway in Dubuque . http://www.americasriver.com They cleared out the blighted, industrial brownfield area that separated downtown from the river and relocated non-river related businesses. (BTW, they didn't remove all of the trees in the process) There is a new museum addition, a hotel with waterpark, river promenade, and convention center, all of which must have involved professional architectural planning. (I know, hiring an architect is an unnecessary extravagance when you can order up buildings from pole barn catalogues. e.g. our latest riverfront landmark) Anyway, the museum alone is worth the trip if you are interested in Mississippi River history or ecology. And the web site has lots of information about their revitalization efforts. Follow the 'learn more' link: http://www.americasriver.com/conference.htm Note that Dubuque does indeed have a Super Wal-mart. Evidently, that alone isn't an insurmountable obstacle to improving a downtown's vitality. But a deficit in the "vision thing" department certainly is. John N. Finn _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
