Dubuque developer blurs lines between property owner and investor
From The Iowa Business Podcast · 38:44
Show by The Iowa Business Podcast
While some small downtowns across the country are dying, towns like Dubuque, Iowa are growing. John Gronen, founder of Gronen Development explains how their role has evolved into a hybrid of a typical state economic development, tourism office, and investment firm. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/downtown-dubuque-iowa 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq ⚖️ Get guidance from Dentons Davis Brown: https://www.dentons.com/en/dentons-davis-brown Gronen's approach has been profitable, but isn't solely focused on the numbers. He doesn't see himself as just a developer but also an investor and partner with many of his tenants. He will turn down tenants to preserve the local culture local entrepreneurs have worked so hard to build. He explains how his team works alongside retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and corporate offices, and SMB leaders to see and understand the unseen value of community. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Meet the Developer 01:14 - Amazon and Remote Work 02:19 - Dubuque's Downtown Draw 04:35 - When Remote Work Fails 08:19 - Collaboration Comes Back 10:12 - The Downtown Revitalization Pitch 10:42 - Depac and the Voices Building 15:34 - Tax Credits and Mixed Use 17:24 - What Is New Markets Credit 18:24 - Downtown Retail Shifts 19:12 - Building Vibrancy Strategy 20:43 - Critical Mass Wins 22:56 - Developer Tenant Partnership 27:15 - Curating the Right Tenants 31:28 - Starting the Revitalization 36:13 - Tax Credits as Catalyst 36:53 - Closing and Wrap Up
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