Public and Private investment in Downtown Winona and its surrounding neighborhoods continues at an incredibly rapid pace.
The Gateway to Levee Park
The City of Winona began work on the Gateway to Levee Park in the Spring of 2017. The majority of the project investment is over $3 million and is largely financed with bond dollars. The project will be complete in 2018.
Features of the project include a gateway at Second Street and Main Street that includes a pedestrian plaza and a new crossing over the railroad tracks to Levee Park, a trail connecting Levee Park to the riverfront trail, improvements to the Levee Park patio and new lawn landscaping.
The Boathouse Restaurant Facility
A $65,000 investment in the city-owned Boathouse Restaurant building in Levee Park included Roof, HVAC, and repainting.
Masonic
Currently, the Masonic houses the Friendship Center. Bond funds will be used to complete $1.8 million in code updates and building improvements. In the future, the building will house a historic theatre and programming will be provided.
Housing Study and Housing Taskforce
The Port Authority contracted with Maxfield Research for a Housing Study. This was followed by the Mayor establishing a Housing Taskforce to begin developing recommendations to serve as a framework to promote diversity, preserve existing affordable housing, and to spur housing development. A key is to reach housing for a wide Parking
Parking
Winona business owners and residents have expressed a concern about downtown parking. The City and Port Authority have approved undertaking a parking analysis to help identify needs at 60 Main and the entire downtown. This work will occur in the fall of 2017 and be presented in January of 2018. range of income levels.
Hardees
The Port Authority of Winona acquired the final parcel on the “Hardees Block” in 2017. The block was identified in the Comprehensive Plan as a mixed use redevelopment area.
Unified Development Code Update
The City Council, Planning Commission and City Planning Department worked diligently to update the City of Winona’s Zoning Code from the 1960’s. The update will meet modern expectations and provide standards for the downtown area.
Wayfinding Signage
Work continues on wayfinding signage in downtown Winona.