Dubuque Main Street recently presented its annual awards for excellence in economic vitality, design, promotion and organization to both individuals and businesses.

Award recipients were presented with a custom trophy designed by Laura Bertjens of Dubuque Main Street using wood donated by Kyle Fitzgerald and Tony LoBianco. The wood was deconstructed and salvaged from a historic downtown Dubuque building. The awards were made, in part, at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library’s Maker Space.

The 2024 State of Main award recipients were:

• Dan LoBianco Lifetime Achievement Award: John and Mary Gronen, Gronen.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Eric Helminak, Origin Design.
• Ruth and Russ Nash Cultural Corridor Award: Yara Lopez, Dubuque Unidos and LatinX Fiesta.
• Excellence in Total Building Rehabilitation: Woodward Communications, Inc. at 801 Bluff St.
• Excellence in Downtown Housing: Central 12 Lofts at 1199 Central Ave.
• Excellence in Renovation & Relocation to Downtown: Ludovissy & Associates at 302 Locust St.
• Excellence in Facade & First Floor Renovation: Belle Allure Minkz and Boutique at 1736 Central Ave.
• Excellence in Neighborhood Placemaking: Dubuque Forward for the 897 Central Ave. pocket park.

“People’s Choice” awards were presented to:

• Outstanding Farmers Market Vendor of the Year: Angie and Jackie Ma, of Limerick Candles.
• Outstanding Nonprofit: Centrally Rooted.
• Outstanding Health and Beauty Services: Crow’s Nest Tattoo.
• Outstanding Downtown Business Impact: Key City Creative Center.
• Outstanding Downtown Event: Wicked River event promotion for Millwork Night Market.
• Outstanding Nightlife and/or Music Venue: Backpocket Dubuque.
• Outstanding Retail Store: The Midwest Girl.
• Outstanding New Business: Birdie’s Bistro.
• Outstanding Restaurant: Tie between Charlotte’s Coffee House and Foodie Garage Eatery.