Dayton landmark gets a second act
Grant will help to restore former opera house into community space
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By Kelli Bloomquist
DAYTON -- A downtown building that has sat empty for years is headed for restoration after its owner secured a Community Catalyst grant to help rehabilitate the historic opera house at 39 S. Main St.
The building, known to most of Dayton as the former Iron Saddle, has taken on nearly every job a Main Street building can. It has housed a tractor dealership, an appliance store, and a restaurant and bar.
Owner Francisco Miranda now plans to restore the building and bring in a restaurant and a drive-thru coffee shop, with a bar and event space to follow. He will lay out those plans at the Dayton City Council meeting on Wednesday.
“As someone who lived in a couple of small towns, I know firsthand how much every local business and building matters,” said Miranda. “I really hope this space becomes a hub for locals and visitors alike, helping bring more entertainment, business, and community opportunities to the area.”
He is also asking for help. Miranda said he wants volunteers, contractors, trades people, and local businesses involved in the work through cleanup days, construction labor, donated materials, loaned equipment, or whatever else people can offer.
“This building is part of Dayton’s history,” said Miranda, “and we want the community to be part of its future.”
The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program is a state grant administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Cities apply on behalf of a project and contribute their own financial or in-kind support, with the money going toward the rehabilitation of a commercial building. Awards are capped at $100,000, and a share of the funding each cycle is set aside for communities with fewer than 1,500 residents.