The city of Waukee is moving forward with projects to revitalize its downtown, often referred to as the Triangle, and create opportunities for more gatherings and events as well as commercial redevelopment.

That redevelopment includes the conversion of the former Pin Oak building into space for a restaurant, with the Littleleaf Luncheonette opening there last fall, and the construction of a new, mixed-use 12,000-square-foot building that will bring new tenants to the area.

It’s all part of the city’s collaboration with the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center to study ways the city could activate its downtown.

Jennifer Brown, the city’s director of economic development, said the improvements will include some street redesign to add parking and the closure of Walnut Street between Fifth and Sixth streets to create a pedestrian mall.

“We’ll be working to create an opportunity for more gatherings and activities downtown, and so we can bring more events downtown as well,” Brown said. “We’ve heard a lot about where do we park and how can we add to that, and how can we activate the downtown? That’s all part of the downtown plan.”

While concepts have been reviewed by the city council at work sessions, final designs are awaiting approval, Brown said.

She said the Littleleaf Luncheonette opened in October and is a “great addition to the Triangle.”

The building, at 405 Sixth St., was redeveloped by Patrick Elbert and Husk Homes. The new building, at 420 Sixth St., was developed by Steffaney Cronin and SJC Construction. (Look for stories on those two projects in the Business Record in the coming weeks).

Looking at building revitalization was a top priority in the downtown plan, Brown said.

“One of the top priorities in that downtown assessment was, do we have vacant properties, and what can we do to catalyze redevelopment in our downtown?” she said. “And Pin Oak was No. 1 from a vacant property perspective, because that had been vacant for 10 years …  so that was a good starting point, and also a centerpiece to some of those conversations.”

Brown said the redesign work on the streets won’t likely begin until at least August.

“We wanted to work with the business community and the farmers market and those types of things and make sure that work doesn’t impede some of those activities,” she said.

The concepts are the result of the survey done by the IEDA team and focus groups, Brown said.

“We took a closer look and we knew there were some opportunities to bring people to the heart of our community and we’re hearing from the business community that there was a lot of interest in the downtown as well,” she said.

She said focusing on and revitalizing downtowns has become a trend in recent years.

“It has certainly increased the investment, and the priorities of our council are that we want to invest in our downtown,” Brown said. “In Waukee, the Triangle is a small but mighty center and it’s certainly something our residents enjoy and we know there is an opportunity to bring more events and opportunities for people to gather.”