Two blocks of that road are to be completely torn out and rebuilt. The new design will feature an artistic look, according to Algona Mayor Lynn Kueck.

“The city is trying to make a concerted effort to publicize and bring recognition to the arts and the culture of our city,” Kueck said.

The cost of the project is estimated at $1.75 million.

The city will sell bonds to help pay for the improvements, Kueck said.

-Messenger photo by Emilie Nelson Jenson
The Carnegie Library building will house the Stinson Prairie Arts Council.

According to Kueck, construction could begin as early as the summer.

Bolton & Menk, of Ames, is the architect for the project.

Kueck said the city wanted to upgrade the road because of the buildings that are located there.

The Carnegie Library is one of them.

The city sold the building two years ago to a local businessman named Brian Buscher, according to Kueck.

-Messenger photo by Emilie Nelson Jenson
Some old streets will get more than a facelift in Algona’s long-range plan to enhance its downtown. This view is looking north on Dodge Street.

Buscher is known for creating a foundation called Johanna Restoration Foundation Inc., named after his late mother.

He purchased the building in the name of that foundation, according to Kueck.

He has since renovated the building.

“He saved the building,” Kueck said. “He had it tuckpointed — all the things that go with a brick building.”

In the fall of 2016, the interior was remodeled.

The building will house the Stinson Prairie Arts Council.

“They (Stinson) have dedicated several years to promoting and displaying the arts,” Kueck said.

The Stinson Prairie Arts Council was established by the Haggard Twogood Charitable Trust.

Surrounding the library is plenty of green space for other events held there such as Founders’ Day, according to Kueck.

“The exterior of the building we have always used it in that sense,” Kueck said. “So that’s bringing more attention to the arts.”

Just north of the Carnegie Library is Lichter Fine Arts, an art studio gallery that is set to open in the spring.

Mindy Lichter, an Algona Bishop Garrigan graduate, owns that gallery, according to Kueck.

She graduated from Iowa State University, where she majored in fine arts.

“Not only does she do her own artwork, she teaches classes to school-age children and adult classes,” Kueck said.

The building Lichter is working out of has been completely remodeled, according to Kueck.

The Kossuth County Historical Society is also located along Dodge Street.

“They are going to tell the history of the arts in Algona,” Kueck said. “All these pieces are coming together to highlight, recognize, and give priority to the arts in our city.”

Not far from there is Algona’s main retail district on State Street.

“The council decided since that’s only a one-block stretch from Carnegie to downtown, they thought let’s go one block north and keep that same motif going,” Kueck said. “If we are going to make one block look good, let’s make two blocks look good.”

Kueck said as time and funds allow, the city will continue to look at ways to continue its redesign.

The pavement, including utilities, will need to be removed.

“All the water pipes and everything, that will all be brand-new,” Kueck said.

The new pavement will include colored pavers.

Kueck said plows used to have trouble with pavers, but that problem has since been solved.

The colors and exact design of the pavement has yet to be determined.

“The whole setting will be quite nice,” Kueck said.