News that changed the landscape of Clinton in 2023
Dec. 25—The year 2023 had plenty of big local stories, but not all of them have significantly changed Clinton's landscape, figuratively and physically. Here are some that did.
Tailgate N' Tallboys
When the city of Clinton took a chance and partnered with Illinois-based promoter USA Concerts to bring the $3.3 million three-day event here, it also brought 32,000 concertgoers from 35 different states to Riverview Park last summer to experience a festival unlike any other that Clinton had ever hosted. The next two festivals over the coming summers are anticipated to show more of a positive impact on the local economy, while facilitators of the event strive to designate Clinton an entertainment destination and improve the overall quality of life of Clinton citizens.
Clinton High School renovation
The landscape of Clinton has been changed both literally and academically with the ongoing renovation of Clinton High School over the last year. Since voters approved a $39 million bond issue in early 2020 and ground was first broken in 2021, the original academic wing that hadn't been remodeled since 10 years before incurring extensive damage in 1968's historic fire no longer exists. Students began using a brand-new three-story academic wing in February that offers them exposure to sunlight and a modern experience and amenities that the original 1921 building lacked. With the 1919 building also demolished, the $62 million project is now in its second phase and construction of a new music wing, career and technical wing, and performing arts center with new parking to the south is underway. The entire project is still expected to be completed in 2025.
South Fourth Street building collapse
Clinton's landscape changed ahead of schedule when the building at 1006-1008 S. Fourth St. in August unexpectedly collapsed. The city of Clinton had just two months prior received a $500,000 EPA Brownfields cleanup grant to assist with the demolition of the buildings on that block, some dating back to the late 1800s. All but one of the buildings have since been knocked down. The remnants of these rest underneath a tarp to protect against the spread of asbestos into the air until disposed of properly. Visioning studies that have been conducted throughout the community show that, potentially, this portion of Clinton's landscape could again become a location for retail.
Atlas Roofing Corp. is coming
Clinton's western landscape is in the process of transforming with the construction of a $224 million 440,000-square-foot Atlas Roofing Corporation asphalt shingle manufacturing facility on 148 acres along U.S. Highway 30. The establishment of this location will change Clinton's workforce with the creation of 117 jobs with qualifying wages of $19.57 per hour.
Merrill Steel expands
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board in September contributed an $800,000 award through the High Quality Jobs program to Merrill Steel's $18.3 million expansion in Camanche. Merrill Steel, a leading supplier of complex structural steel and heavy plate fabrication, purchased and redeveloped the former TMK IPSCO facility that it previously leased for the purpose of expanding structural steel fabrication operations. Ninety-four jobs with qualifying wages of $19.57 per hour were created for operations at this site dedicated primarily to paint, fireproofing and en-masse steel storage.
Wilson Lofts opens in renovated historic building
The Wilson Building on Fifth Avenue South opened in March as the Wilson Lofts after the completion of a $15.6 million renovation. The building now listed on the National Register of Historic Places was originally built in 1914 with the intention of being used for the real estate company of George E. Wilson Jr. whose family owned one of the largest industrial steel companies in the country. Clinton Bridge & Iron Works structural steel was used to erect what's the tallest building in downtown Clinton. In 2013, it was announced that it would be developed into housing units. Ten years later, the renovation was completed. The ground floor now contains retail start-up incubators while the floors above offer 33 apartments to address local affordable housing availability.
Strand Theater razed
In March of 2019, the state of the former Strand Theater on South Second Street came before Clinton City Council. Rather than embarking on extensive work at a high cost to bring the building up to code, demolition of the building took place in April and May of this year. The building had been built just over 100 years before and featured movies, vaudeville and other events, including the 1928 "Miss Clinton" pageant. In more recent years, it housed businesses like England Music Center and was the headquarters of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. The potential first developers of the site envisioned retail potential. A second developer considered housing. Plans for how exactly the site will be used have yet to be finalized.
Great Revivalist Brewery opens
Great Revivalist Brewery owner Richard Schwab began renovating the former St. John's Episcopal Church on Fourth Avenue South in late 2022. In 2006, St. John's had closed and the first African American church in Clinton, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, took over the location the following year but was unable to continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schwab's subsequent undertaking completed this year resulted in the only business of its kind currently in Clinton and an establishment that offers a level of refinement while preserving the historical architecture and artistic values created with the original construction of the church in 1898.
