MASON CITY – Downtown improvements are continuing this summer in Mason City.
On the recently-renovated plaza at the north end of Southbridge Mall, Blake Cooper, owner of DC Professional Painting & Staining, was hard at work this week painting several buildings there and in Commercial Alley, just to the east.
“It’s hot out here but we’re glad to have the work. We are painting the Bergo’s buildings green and the then over here across the plaza this one will be gray,” Mr. Cooper said, pointing to the storefront at 12 South Federal Ave. His painting business has been in operation for the last three years. Prior to that, Blake worked on windmills after putting in nearly 13 years at the now-closed IMI Cornelius plant.
“I found my niche,” Blake said.
Snyder Construction of Clear Lake is in charge of much of the work on the other facades, 10 in all, that are getting some rehab work. The project started in late August and will continue for the next several weeks.
Starting on the plaza, interested persons will see work on storefronts heading north.
Many people in Mason City find the project to be an exciting improvement to the downtown, which has seen millions of dollars come its way in recent years.
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/sQ2L0uLqkHY
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Keep up the good work, Blake!!
Don’t make it to Mason City often but have been really impressed with the downtown renovations. Looking forward to my next visit to see the plaza. Seen some of Blake’s other work and know they picked the right man for the job.
The two buildings this guy is painting are not a part of the project Dean Snyder is doing.
Yep. Completely and totally 100% sure. I”m also not sure why you’re referring to it as a $5K for $45K program. Can you explain that more?
Ahhh. Yes, I am absolutely positively 100% sure stake my life and your life on it that these properties are not part of the program.
And how many new businesses will these million dollar improvements bring to the city? A nice looking downtown is nice, but I feel the city has bigger priorities that need to be addressed first. If you really wish to improve the look of the city, start with the north end and the run down buildings that line federal in that part of town.
@just saying-It would be real nice if we could get the property owners on North Federal just to cut the weed off the sidewalks. I guess we only enforce stuff like that for home owners.
There are a lot of beautiful buildings on the North end. Unfortunately because of the bad wrap and the crap houses (those that are rentals) no one is willing to put their business there. I don’t blame them I have yet to see a decent business go in one of the buildings and flourish without any problems.
Nice improvements so far .
It is really looking good what you have done so far. Great job Blake!
Great job Blake.
Great story. Way to go Blake!!