Emporium -Washington Iowa

06/16/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC & PARKING NOTICE – 2026 DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT 🚧

Construction crews have placed barricades on South Iowa Avenue and North Marion Avenue and work on the Downtown Streetscape Project is underway!

Residents and visitors should expect temporary parking restrictions and intermittent sidewalk closures in active construction areas.

Phase 1 construction, beginning today and expected to wrap up August 14th will affect:
• East side of 200 block South Iowa Avenue
• West side of 100 block North Marion Avenue

Phase 2 construction is expected to start August 3 running through mid-October will affect:
• East side of 100 block North Marion Avenue
• North side of 200 block West Washington Street
• East side of 100 block North Iowa Avenue

Please note:
✅ Downtown businesses remain OPEN and accessible.
✅ Safe pedestrian access will be maintained.
🚫 Parking directly in front of active work zones will be unavailable during construction.

⚠️ Drivers are encouraged to use caution, follow posted signs, and allow extra travel time when visiting downtown.
We appreciate everyone's patience as these improvements are completed. Updates will be provided as construction progresses.

(Note: Dates are subject to change)

06/13/2026

Tea make and take!

06/10/2026

Faves this week 🤗

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Looks like this big cell will be done around 12, so we will be open after! But I'll have treats!😁

06/09/2026

✨🚧Excuse our growing pains while we make big gains! 🚧✨

The 2026 Downtown Streetscape Project is officially getting underway, and we want to make sure you have the quick facts on how our district is leveling up this summer!

This project is a huge win for our entire community because it’s extending beautiful, seamless upgrades to the vital blocks stretching just off the central park area (it’s also updating vital water mains under the sidewalk). We are one connected downtown district, and these new walkways will make our outer blocks feel more integrated, cohesive, and welcoming than ever before!

Here is what you need to know:
👉 We are 100% OPEN: Every shop, restaurant, and service provider in the district will remain accessible. The contractor is working closely with everyone to maintain safe pedestrian access. Keep supporting your favorites!

👉 Phase 1 Starts June 15: Crews will begin sidewalk removals next week on the East side of S Iowa Ave & the West side of N Marion Ave. Phase 1 is expected to wrap up by August 14.

👉 Phase 2 Starts August 3: Shifting to the East side of N Marion Avenue, North side of W Washington St and the East side of N Iowa Avenue, running through mid-October.
A little dust now means a more vibrant, connected downtown tomorrow! Thank you for walking the extra few steps to support our incredible local businesses. 🛍️☕

(please note that dates are subject to change)

06/04/2026