Episode 104 // Mindy Crook and Darin Smith of Arch Icon
On this episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Mindy Crook and Darin Smith of Arch Icon Development Corporation in Woodbine, Iowa (pop. 1,459). Arch Icon specializes in historic renovation and community development projects, and it all started with a Main Street restoration in their hometown. Darin and Mindy share how they, along with Mindy’s husband Dustin, built their business and started a revitalization movement in Woodbine. We also talk about why it’s important to save our historic buildings and how that’s possible, and what they’re doing to make Woodbine a place their kids will want to come back to someday — just like they did.
We were fortunate to be able to come back to Woodbine — after leaving for college and other jobs or careers — and make a living and raise a family here. Not everybody can do that. But that’s what we’re trying to do in Woodbine right now, is provide the jobs and businesses that will allow our kids to come back someday.
— Darin Smith
You’ll love the ripple effect that has come from what the Arch Icon team started with those few Main Street buildings, and hearing how their business has evolved from there. Be sure to check out the show notes to see the amazing transformations of the projects they’ve worked on, including Woodbine’s Main Street!
Listen here or on these platforms: APPLE | GOOGLE | SPOTIFY | STITCHER
When we started peeling back the layers, to see that historic integrity still there, and seeing everybody’s eyes lighting up, I think that was one of the coolest things is just seeing people’s reaction.
— Mindy Crook
I think some of that attraction to get those businesses back were the historic buildings. Having that space - the wood floors, the tall ceilings, all of that - excited people to want a business in Woodbine.
— Mindy Crook
Between that quality of living, the safety and security we have in Woodbine, the school, the closeness of the community, and we’re finding with the pandemic that people are wanting to get out of the city, they’re wanting to move back. We’ve had tons of request for apartments, for new housing that we can’t fill right now. So we’re working on expanding our housing market in that way as well.
— Darin Smith
PODCAST SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
Woodbine, Iowa
Buena Vista University
Woodbine Community Betterment & Development Corporation
Main Street America
Facade Masterplan Grant with the Downtown Revitalization Fund in Iowa
Oddfellows Building
The Junction
Lofts on 24th in Omaha
Sioux City Central High School Annex - Aberdeen Apartments
The Everett
The Flats on Howard
State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa
Main Street Iowa
Iowa Economic Development Authority
City of Omaha
Nebraska Historic Tax Credit
Iowa Finance Authority
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
The CREW Center
Dunlap, Iowa
STEM Center
Tommy Gate
Woodbine Manufacturing
Grato Holdings
Rose Vista
Alegent Clinic
Woodbine Main Street
Eagle Heights
Garage Lofts
Arch Icon Development Corporation
Find out more about the rural revival happening in Woodbine, Iowa here:
GOOD FELLOWS: A STORY OF SECOND CHANCES
SHE LOVES THE COFFEE, HE LOVES THE ART
RURAL ROUTE ROAD TRIP: WOODBINE, IOWA
And be sure to stop by Woodbine on your next trip to the Loess Hills!
Find all the great places to stop in our Loess Hills Field Guide.