For Investors
Commercial Properties For Sale or Rent
City of Shellsburg Economic Development Report from ECICOG, March 2022
City of Shellsburg Economic Development Report from ECICOG, March 2022
Thinking of buying or locating a business in Shellsburg? Here are some facts you may find helpful:
Shellsburg adopted a planning and zoning ordinance in 2019 to better prepare the community for quality preparation in growth and development. The subdivision ordinance has also been recently updated, preparing the community for expansion. Building inspections are contracted through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, utilizing the most current national and international building codes.
City officials are receptive to voluntary annexation of property contiguous to existing city boundaries. We are eager to expand our housing options beyond the infill opportunities that currently exist. We seek mutually beneficial partnerships with community minded developers.
City utilities are modern and sufficient in size to support expansion of the community. The city is prepared to negotiate the cost of extension of water and sewer lines to points within the city boundaries. The city has also recently adopted a storm water utility ordinance which will generate revenue for storm water management facilities and planning. The wastewater plant was designed for a residential population of 3,300. The City could double in residential population or equivalent commercial load and the wastewater plant would be able to handle the increase.
Planning is being initiated to repair and/or replace a historic bridge at the south end of the business district. While this feature has been a symbol of Shellsburg’s history, this important infrastructure improvement will require several years of planning. City officials have taken the first steps to obtain funding for this project and look forward to working with engineering professionals to bring about this upgrade.
Shellsburg has a property tax exemption program that applies to upgrades or new construction of industrial properties.
Planning and fund raising is underway to build a new fire station. This effort is being undertaken by our local fire board. Once the new station is completed, the current fire station will be available for commercial development and will offer an excellent opportunity since it is in the heart of the business district.
A major streetscape project was initiated in 2015 with the east side of the business district (Pearl Street) receiving new sidewalks, curbs and lighting. This resulted in a more pedestrian friendly and visually pleasing shopping experience. Then in 2019 the project was completed with the west side of the district receiving the same upgrades. Work completed in 2019 extended west on Main Street for another approximate block to bring the same amenities to the public library and Legion building as well as to address storm water runoff issues.
Several service organizations are active in the community. The American Legion Post 166, Shellsburg Lion’s Club and the Shellsburg Area Community Group all make significant contributions to the community through fiscal support and offering programs and events. Since it’s inception in 2011 the Shellsburg Area Community Group has contributed over $70,000 toward community events, seasonal decorating, park upgrades and donations to other entities such as the school, local newsletter and food pantry.
In 2018 the city of Shellsburg successfully sought a $100,000 Catalyst Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the renovation of an abandoned, historic bank building in the business district. Work continues on this project and we anticipate soon have a new eatery which will spur more business traffic and variety in the business district.
Entertainment – Looking for a place for karaoke? Wildcat Golf Course and Banquet Facility frequently offers karaoke and other fun entertainment such as mystery themed dinners, pass holder events and tournaments. Pearl Street Social Club is more than a typical small town drinking establishment. In addition to hosting pool leagues and card tournaments, there’s a unique and very popular outdoor beer garden which frequently hosts live music!
Current city officials are making diligent efforts to improve the community’s image and property values through abatement of nuisances. This ongoing dilemma facing communities of any size is challenging city leaders to enforce ordinances to bring about compliance to desired standards. This involves a campaign of public awareness, offering of assistance to disadvantaged residents and monitoring of progress toward compliance.
Shellsburg is fortunate to have our own elementary school and we are even more fortunate to have a strong partnership with the school staff and administrators. City officials and community organizations have worked in tandem with school to address such matters as traffic near the school and use of the school’s facilities for youth recreational programming. Additionally, the city, school and Shellsburg Area Community Group have maintained an active collaboration since 2014 to create and maintain a trail system and natural prairie on the school’s property.
There is a designated truck route through Shellsburg to accommodate heavier vehicles, however approximately $40,000 is spent each fiscal year on the maintenance and upgrades to residential streets.
Benton County enjoys a lower millage rate than adjacent Linn County, resulting in lower property taxes.
From Shellsburg Comprehensive Plan:
The population growth of Shellsburg during the 1990s and 2000s may be due in part to its location near the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area and the relative ease of access between the two cities. Land to the west of the metro area towards Shellsburg continued to develop through the 2010 census and, perhaps, spurred growth in Shellsburg for those wanting to live in a smaller community and have access to employment opportunities in the metro area.
The Highway 100 bypass which runs west out of the Cedar Rapids metro area, connecting to Highway 30 – making an already short commute even shorter for Shellsburg residents.
However, with the proximity to employment and retail centers, major transportation routes and with future available land and services, the city’s population may be able to withstand small changes in the national economy and reach the plan’s projected total of nearly 1,200 by the year 2030.
Steady population increases since 1990. Accounting for the census error in 2000, Shellsburg has grown over 16% between 2000 and 2010.
Access to major transportation routes (Highway 100 bypass), busy downtown area, community support, and access to amenities such as an elementary school, trails and entertainment opportunities are but a few of Shellsburg’s marketable strengths. The city should utilize its strengths when creating a brand for marketing purposes
The entire Comprehensive Plan is here.
Shellsburg adopted a planning and zoning ordinance in 2019 to better prepare the community for quality preparation in growth and development. The subdivision ordinance has also been recently updated, preparing the community for expansion. Building inspections are contracted through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, utilizing the most current national and international building codes.
City officials are receptive to voluntary annexation of property contiguous to existing city boundaries. We are eager to expand our housing options beyond the infill opportunities that currently exist. We seek mutually beneficial partnerships with community minded developers.
City utilities are modern and sufficient in size to support expansion of the community. The city is prepared to negotiate the cost of extension of water and sewer lines to points within the city boundaries. The city has also recently adopted a storm water utility ordinance which will generate revenue for storm water management facilities and planning. The wastewater plant was designed for a residential population of 3,300. The City could double in residential population or equivalent commercial load and the wastewater plant would be able to handle the increase.
Planning is being initiated to repair and/or replace a historic bridge at the south end of the business district. While this feature has been a symbol of Shellsburg’s history, this important infrastructure improvement will require several years of planning. City officials have taken the first steps to obtain funding for this project and look forward to working with engineering professionals to bring about this upgrade.
Shellsburg has a property tax exemption program that applies to upgrades or new construction of industrial properties.
Planning and fund raising is underway to build a new fire station. This effort is being undertaken by our local fire board. Once the new station is completed, the current fire station will be available for commercial development and will offer an excellent opportunity since it is in the heart of the business district.
A major streetscape project was initiated in 2015 with the east side of the business district (Pearl Street) receiving new sidewalks, curbs and lighting. This resulted in a more pedestrian friendly and visually pleasing shopping experience. Then in 2019 the project was completed with the west side of the district receiving the same upgrades. Work completed in 2019 extended west on Main Street for another approximate block to bring the same amenities to the public library and Legion building as well as to address storm water runoff issues.
Several service organizations are active in the community. The American Legion Post 166, Shellsburg Lion’s Club and the Shellsburg Area Community Group all make significant contributions to the community through fiscal support and offering programs and events. Since it’s inception in 2011 the Shellsburg Area Community Group has contributed over $70,000 toward community events, seasonal decorating, park upgrades and donations to other entities such as the school, local newsletter and food pantry.
In 2018 the city of Shellsburg successfully sought a $100,000 Catalyst Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the renovation of an abandoned, historic bank building in the business district. Work continues on this project and we anticipate soon have a new eatery which will spur more business traffic and variety in the business district.
Entertainment – Looking for a place for karaoke? Wildcat Golf Course and Banquet Facility frequently offers karaoke and other fun entertainment such as mystery themed dinners, pass holder events and tournaments. Pearl Street Social Club is more than a typical small town drinking establishment. In addition to hosting pool leagues and card tournaments, there’s a unique and very popular outdoor beer garden which frequently hosts live music!
Current city officials are making diligent efforts to improve the community’s image and property values through abatement of nuisances. This ongoing dilemma facing communities of any size is challenging city leaders to enforce ordinances to bring about compliance to desired standards. This involves a campaign of public awareness, offering of assistance to disadvantaged residents and monitoring of progress toward compliance.
Shellsburg is fortunate to have our own elementary school and we are even more fortunate to have a strong partnership with the school staff and administrators. City officials and community organizations have worked in tandem with school to address such matters as traffic near the school and use of the school’s facilities for youth recreational programming. Additionally, the city, school and Shellsburg Area Community Group have maintained an active collaboration since 2014 to create and maintain a trail system and natural prairie on the school’s property.
There is a designated truck route through Shellsburg to accommodate heavier vehicles, however approximately $40,000 is spent each fiscal year on the maintenance and upgrades to residential streets.
Benton County enjoys a lower millage rate than adjacent Linn County, resulting in lower property taxes.
From Shellsburg Comprehensive Plan:
The population growth of Shellsburg during the 1990s and 2000s may be due in part to its location near the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area and the relative ease of access between the two cities. Land to the west of the metro area towards Shellsburg continued to develop through the 2010 census and, perhaps, spurred growth in Shellsburg for those wanting to live in a smaller community and have access to employment opportunities in the metro area.
The Highway 100 bypass which runs west out of the Cedar Rapids metro area, connecting to Highway 30 – making an already short commute even shorter for Shellsburg residents.
However, with the proximity to employment and retail centers, major transportation routes and with future available land and services, the city’s population may be able to withstand small changes in the national economy and reach the plan’s projected total of nearly 1,200 by the year 2030.
Steady population increases since 1990. Accounting for the census error in 2000, Shellsburg has grown over 16% between 2000 and 2010.
Access to major transportation routes (Highway 100 bypass), busy downtown area, community support, and access to amenities such as an elementary school, trails and entertainment opportunities are but a few of Shellsburg’s marketable strengths. The city should utilize its strengths when creating a brand for marketing purposes
The entire Comprehensive Plan is here.
To speak to a city representative, contact City Hall at 319-436-2954 or [email protected]
To learn more about Shellsburg, visit Shellsburg At a Glance
Additional Resources: Benton Development Group; LOIS (national online location analysis tool)
To learn more about Shellsburg, visit Shellsburg At a Glance
Additional Resources: Benton Development Group; LOIS (national online location analysis tool)
