Some projects don’t just change a streetscape, they change the way a community sees itself. For the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® and the Downtown Boone organization, the Boone Arch became exactly that kind of project.
When Boone was officially designated a Main Street community in August 2024, it marked a turning point for the city’s commitment to preserving historic character while strengthening the economic vitality of the downtown district. A renewed vision for the 17-block Main Street district along Story Street was taking shape, and the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® was eager to support it.
One of the earliest and most transformative initiatives to emerge from this new energy was the Boone Arch project. The goal of the project was to recreate downtown Boone's historic 1915 arch, which once served as a defining gateway to downtown Boone before being dismantled during World War II. As the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, we knew immediately that this was a moment where our leadership, resources, and member engagement could make a meaningful difference.
Members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® understood the importance of this project and knew it was an opportunity to engage the National Association of REALTORS® through the Placemaking Grant program. The $7,500 grant and an additional $2,500 from the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® provided the foundational support and momentum needed as community leaders worked to bring the Boone Historic Arch back to life.
The original goal was to unveil the arch during Boone’s beloved Pufferbilly Days festival in September 2025. But shifting leadership at the city level introduced delays that required flexibility, patience, and creative problem‑solving from everyone involved. Even with these challenges, the shared commitment to honoring Boone’s past while investing in its future never wavered. We stayed engaged throughout the process, offering insight, lending a helping hand whenever possible, from addressing mailings to making calls and championing the project within the community. REALTORS® know their communities deeply, and that insight helped guide decisions and encourage partnerships.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the collaboration it inspired. We worked closely with local leaders, including project champions Holly Stecker, downtown Boone’s executive director, and George Eckstein, a longtime Boone business owner and resident, as well as other elected officials who helped navigate permitting, design approvals, and community engagement.
Today, the completed Boone Arch stands proudly as both a historic landmark and a symbol of what strong partnerships can accomplish. The new structure blends historical authenticity with modern lighting and durable materials that reflect both Boone’s heritage and its forward-looking vision. Its presence at the entrance to Boone’s Downtown District welcomes visitors, serves as a catalyst for the area’s revitalization, and fosters further economic growth.
The Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® is proud to have played a role in bringing this historic arch back to life. This project simply would not have been possible without the National Association of REALTORS® and its Placemaking program, which played a pivotal role in bringing the vision to reality.