Main Street Washington has applied for a Main Street Challenge Grant to help bring new life to a downtown space that’s sat empty for 15 years.

Main Street Washington Director Sarah Grunewaldt and Edward and Isabella Santoro presented their plans to renovate the former Winga’s Cafe and open a restaurant to the city council last week. The Santoros purchased the building this past December which incurred water damage, mold, and other issues after being shuttered for over a decade. They plan to reopen the restaurant as “The Northside Cafe” which is anticipated to have classic American fare hearkening back to the previous business. Main Street Washington requested $25,000 from the city toward the renovations estimated at $341,000. The council and Mayor Jaron Rosien responded with overwhelming support, noting that having more dining options downtown benefits the community overall. Isabella reflected Rosien’s comments, “I agree with Jaron that this is the good kind of competition where more options of places to eat means more people coming to Washington. And ultimately making that space open again and trying to reuse a lot of the things that came with the building is kind of what we’re thinking, keeping it a classic.”

The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant is awarding projects dollars ranging from $25,000-100,000. The Santoros have already begun work on the project, the scope of which includes three new bathrooms with ADA accessibility, new plumbing, ductwork, new drywall and flooring, new electrical and a fire alarm system. They hope to complete the work by fall of 2022.