1.    What was your official position on the city commission for the Cedar Falls Parkade?

He served as chairman of the Cedar Falls downtown revitalization project; and also served on a committee with Major Bill McKinley, the Chamber of Commerce, City Government, Parks Commissioner, Cedar Falls Utilities, and the merchants of Main Street.

2.    Who devised the idea to change Main Street?

The idea came with the building of College Square Mall, scheduled to open by 1970.  The city felt that it needed to compete for the business with the new mall.

3.    What was the name of the architect who designed the Parkade?

The architect was Craig Ritland and Associate.  After extensive research on cities with parkades, the architect and city selected the style of the Grand Junction, CO parkade.

4.    What was your extent of involvement during reconstruction?

He was totally involved.  He attended numerous committee meetings and answered constant press statements.

5.    How long did the process take from start to finish?

The project began in the spring of 1960.  By the time the street was completed, it was the spring of 1970, right before the opening of College Square Mall.  The only things missing upon completion were the trees along the street.

6.    Describe the process of changing Main Street.

Cedar Falls Utilities saw an increased number of repairs happening around Main Street.  In order to update the facilities, the city would have to tear up the streets and sidewalks and replace them.  The city felt this would be the perfect time for change.

7.    What was the city's reaction to changing Main Street?

For the most part, the reaction was positive.  There were a few negative comments which ended up becoming positive.  There were also editorials and press statements that were slightly less than positive, but overall the reactions were positive.

8.    Did changing Main Street lead to big changes for the businesses?

There were a few big changes: 1). During construction of the parkade, there was an increase in business sales due simply to peoples' curiosity.  The residents could only shop in Cedar Falls downtown until the completion of College Square Mall; 2).  The sidewalks were widened.  The merchants had more snow to shovel in the winter; 3).  The changes in the streets meant that buildings and businesses would have to improve their outside appearances; 4).  The empty buildings on Main Street were soon filled up with new businesses.

9.    Who paid for the reconstruction of Main Street?  Did it result in increasing taxes for Cedar Falls' citizens?

The project was paid for in thirds.  The Cedar Falls Utilities paid for one-third, the city paid for one-third out of the park fund, and the balance was paid for by an increased tax on the property owners of the businesses on Main Streets.

There was not an increased tax on the citizens of Cedar Falls.

10.    What were the estimated costs of the renovation from start to finish?

The cost to change Main Street from start to finish was less than $500,000 (1960's dollar value)

11.    Any problems or speed bumps during the construction?

There were rain delays that limited construction at some points.  There were a few water mains that were in bad shape and ended up breaking.  This caused a delay in construction.  Also, neighboring roads such as Washington and State Streets were changed to one-ways.  Highway 218 was moved from Fourth Street to Sixth Street and then continued down to Franklin Street.