Perhaps residents, local elected officials and others are not content to have the town of 1,654 (2022 U.S. census) only be considered a “bedroom” community.

This attitude is developed from recent investments and those made 36 years ago.

Specifically, in November of 2024, voters approved of a $1.5-million bond issue. The funds will allow the town to add on and renovate the fire station. Iowa law requires that such issues attain a “supermajority” of at least 60 percent in favor to pass. Ballots from 723 voters registered 439 – or 61 percent – in favor and 284 against, according to Times-Republican archives. The previous bond issue had failed by an extremely narrow margin.

There is more.

Critical to State Center’s success has been the State Center Development Association (SCDA) – which has melded private and public funds to first improve its Main Steet and later the town overall.

The not-for-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors was formed in 1989, according to Jim Eckhardt – its president since its founding. He is a resident and local businessman.

SCDA’s mission then was to save the historic Watson’s Grocery Store on Main Street.

The family that owned the store had listed it for sale and were planning to sell off the original fixtures at an auction. However, the SCDA and community rallied to raise funds to save and restore it to a bygone era. It now serves as a testimonial to the entrepreneurs who opened the store in 1895 and kept it open through two world wars, The Great Depression and numerous economic downturns. Now it serves as the centerpiece of the annual Watson’s Fall Festival.

A second opportunity arose, and the SCDA acted.

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY — The UnityPoint Health Family Medicine Clinic in State Center is undergoing extensive renovation, according to a UnityPoint Health official. Pictured are new windows. A new roof was also installed. Renovations will continue in April.

“In 2000, State Center was given the opportunity to be an Iowa Main Street Community and this was a real catalyst to our progress over the last 25 years,” Eckhardt said in an email to the T-R. “Our first revitalization project was started also in 2000 when SCDA was given a dilapidated building in our Main Street District – the district is on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was restored and sold in 2006 for $100,000.”

SCDA was not satisfied – it continued to build off the momentum.

“Since that time SCDA has restored 10 buildings on Main Street which were purchased for $60,501 and how have been sold or are now assessed at an astounding $1,259,101. This has restored confidence in owning and running a business in State Center,” Eckhardt said.

He said with the Main Street restoration slowed, SCDA has turned its attention to dilapidated buildings in town.

“So far, SCDA has purchased seven properties for $30,500 and presently have turned those properties into $1,720,752 of new dwellings with old dwellings demolished,” he said. “The community has aggressively promoted itself with promotions during the year which are well attended. We offer the Easter Event, Rose Festival (established 1958), Watson’s Fall Festival and Old Fashion Christmas on Main.”

T-R FILE PHOTO — The iconic Watson’s Grocery Store museum is pictured in State Center recently. It is also the headquarters of the State Center Historical Society.

In a recent interview with the T-R, Mayor Craig Pfantz said State Center is “working on Phase I of a complete reconstruction of the town’s sanitary sewer lagoon system, which was mandated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Phase I consists of renewing the lift station to the lagoon. Bids were opened recently and reviewed by the city council.

Another point of pride for State Center is that UnityPoint Health Clinics recently added a new roof and windows to its Family Medicine Clinic at 503 Third Ave. SW. The street is a main thoroughfare.

“I can confirm the remodeling project will pick up in April,” said Sean Hylton, UnityPoint Health Clinic spokesperson.

By all accounts, the future is bright for the community located smack dab in the middle of Iowa about halfway between Marshalltown and Ames.

“State Center is looking to grow, and the time is right to look into all the town has to offer,” said Eckhardt.