Design Committee

Committee Purpose

The purpose of the Design Team is to create an inviting community atmosphere; celebrate our community’s historic character; and foster accessible, people-centered public spaces.

Committee Members

Rich Ziettlow, Chair, Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Individual Member

Sue Brandenburg, KLEM Radio/Powell Broadcasting

Draven Haefs, Le Mars Arts Center

Iris Hemmingson, Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Individual Member

Julie Hurt, CENTURY 21 ProLink

Mark Sturgeon, City of Le Mars

Debra VanDenBurg, Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Individual Member

Current Activities

Façade Grant Administration

The City of Le Mars supports this program by offering matching (1:1) grants for façade renovation projects. Funding is available to commercial properties within Le Mars city limits and, at the committee’s discretion, to non-commercial buildings with historic designations.

Since the program initiation in 2004, funds have been allocated annually by the City of Le Mars based on program needs. As of April 2026, total of $452,500 has been provided, of which $407,288 has been awarded supporting 93 facade projects.

Facade Grant Packet

Facade Grant Application

Facade Grant Budget Worksheet

Facade Grant Request for Reimbursement

Downtown Scavenger Hunts

Fiberglass Cones

More than 55 six-foot fiberglass ice cream cones are displayed throughout the community, creating a unique and vibrant public art experience. These cones are available for local businesses to sponsor, paint, and install at their own locations.

Participating businesses are responsible for purchasing the cone, selecting a design, and commissioning an artist. All designs are reviewed and approved by the Design Team to ensure consistency and quality. Once the cone is completed, the Design Team coordinates with the City of Le Mars for installation.

The cost of each cone is $3,000, with a $1,500 deposit due at the time of application and the remaining balance due upon installation.

This program is made possible through a partnership with Side-by-Side Ministries.

Ice Cream Cone Sculpture Application

ConeMap

Past Projects

Alley Art

The first artwork was installed in September 2013. A total of 115 people worked on the murals, including 38 local professional artists. Artwork is installed on 42 buildings in 10 downtown alleys. Guided tours are a popular request for the various tour groups coming to town. In 2026 the project was turned over to the Le Mars Arts Center for ongoing support and maintenance of the artwork. Learn more here: https://www.lemarsarts.com/alley-art

Community History Driving Tour

Youth on Main Street

In 2015-2022 the YoMS program was offered to high school juniors. The group met once a month on the early-out Wednesdays. The students were immersed in Le Mars’ history and developed their own project(s) out of what they learned. Projects included: Downtown Historical Tour, murals/banners on the Armory building, history of the Plymouth County Fair, County Fair historical scavenger hunt, downtown vacant store window artwork, and posters of Le Mars historical characters for the County Museum.

Seniors on Main Street

You Are Here Signs

Wayfaring Signs

Historic District Signs

Downtown Historical Scavenger Hunt