An exciting new private group has committed itself to improving Fort Dodge by taking on big empty buildings.

It’s called The Better Way Project. In the last two weeks it has announced its purchase of the Carver Building at 1003 Central Ave., a building at 817 Central Ave. and the former local home of Land O’Lakes at 2827 Eighth Ave. S.

The leaders of The Better Way project are Scott and Katie Underberg, Todd McCubbin and Matt Johnson. All of them have experience in real estate investments and property management.

The enormity of the task this group has taken on should not be under-estimated. The Carver Building is huge, but it is in good shape. The structure at 817 Central Ave. is in rough shape. The Eighth Avenue South building is also very big, and it has some water damage inside.

Despite the challenges and the slim prospects for quick profits on any of the properties, the group has forged ahead. The leaders of the The Better Way project are to be commended for that.

The obvious question: Why would anyone take on these buildings?

Speaking about the Carver Building, Johnson said “if nobody takes a risk and does something significant downtown, nothing will ever change.”

“As a community, we all agree that something has to be done,” he added. “Well, apparently nobody is going to come from outside and save us, so we’re putting local money where our mouth is and we’re at least going to give it a shot.”

That is a can-do attitude that ought to be applied to all kinds of projects in Fort Dodge.

And having a local group commit to these buildings is important in a community which has seen outside operations offer big promises for the Warden Plaza and Fair Oaks Middle School and then fail to follow through.

The Better Way Project represents a new rebirth of civic pride led by the private sector. We’re pleased to see it happen.

We look forward to seeing what this group will accomplish.