Public House Transformation

The story behind the Public House & Lounge

If you’ve walked past the corner of State and Chestnut in downtown Jefferson over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed the transformation taking place inside one of the square’s most recognizable buildings.

What was once a longtime hardware store has been completely reimagined into Jefferson’s newest restaurant and bar, The Public House & Lounge. The project didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s been years in the making, involving historic restoration, major renovations, community partnerships, and a vision that never wavered.

A vision for a place that belongs to everyone

Back in 2019, owners Amanda Bills and Addi Meyer purchased the historic building that once housed Ace Hardware. From the start, they imagined something more than just another restaurant.

They envisioned a place where the community could come together, whether for birthdays, celebrations, casual dinners, or a drink with friends. The name they chose reflects that idea.

To Amanda and Addi, The Public House represents a house that belongs to the public, a welcoming space for the entire community. They even dreamed of incorporating personal touches from Jefferson residents, including community-donated plates that guests might recognize from family kitchens or local homes (which they have done!)

Small details like that help turn a building into something more meaningful, a place that feels like it belongs to everyone who walks through the door.

Timeline

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Breathing new life into a historic building

Transforming a nearly century-old building into a modern restaurant is no small task.

Originally constructed in 1932, the building required significant work to restore its historic character while preparing it for a completely new use. Early design work focused on bringing back elements of the building’s original façade. During a previous renovation, portions of the front exterior had been covered with panels, but those panels had been intentionally installed in a way that would allow future restoration. Plans were created to reintroduce large windows and improve the building’s appearance while honoring its historic design.

At the same time, plans were being developed to renovate the upper floors into much-needed downtown housing, an important part of strengthening the downtown district.

See the full renovation

The scale of the project meant that multiple funding sources and partnerships would play a role in bringing the vision to life.

In 2019, the project received a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant, a competitive program designed to support historic building improvements and downtown revitalization across the state. The grant helped fund a portion of the building’s restoration, including façade improvements, apartment renovations, and elements of the future restaurant space.

Support from state and local programs

Additional support came through private investment, historic tax credits, loans, and later a Community Development Block Grant that helped make the upper-story apartment renovations possible.

Restoring upper floors in historic downtown buildings is often complex, but the effort pays off by adding housing options and increasing activity in the district. The project ultimately created five renovated apartments overlooking the downtown square, bringing new residents and life into the building.

Large projects rarely happen quickly, and this one was no exception.

Construction and funding phases stretched across several years, requiring patience and persistence. Because of the requirements tied to the housing grant, the apartments had to be completed and occupied before work on the restaurant space could begin. By the time the final pieces fell into place, the total investment in the project exceeded $2 million, representing a significant reinvestment in Jefferson’s historic downtown.

It would have been easier to build something new outside of town. Instead, Amanda and Addi chose to restore an existing building on the square, preserving its history while creating something entirely new for the community.

A long road to opening

In late 2025, the long-anticipated moment finally arrived. The Public House & Lounge officially opened its doors, welcoming guests into a space that had been thoughtfully transformed from top to bottom.

Inside, visitors will find a warm, inviting atmosphere designed for gathering, conversation, and great food.

Opening the doors

The restaurant has already brought new activity to the square, created jobs for dozens of employees, and added another place where locals and visitors can spend time together.

A new chapter for a familiar corner

The building at State and Chestnut has been a cornerstone of Jefferson’s downtown for generations.

Now, after years of planning, renovation, and determination, it begins a brand new chapter. What was once a hardware store has been transformed into a place for laughter, celebrations, dinners with friends, and stories shared around the table.

And after years of work behind the scenes, Jefferson finally gets to enjoy it!

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