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The Belle Center opens a new era for community and entrepreneurship with Grand Opening weekend
Southeast Iowa celebrates the transformation of a historic building into a vibrant hub for business, nonprofits, and community connection
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — The Belle Center opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, marking the culmination of nearly a year of planning and renovations for the historic Chadwick Library building. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of local residents, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders eager to celebrate the innovative coworking and event space dedicated to fostering rural entrepreneurship and community collaboration.
The Belle Center is named in honor of Arabella “Belle” Mansfield, the first woman admitted to the bar in the United States. Her legacy of breaking barriers served as inspiration for the center’s mission. Mike Heaton, one of the driving forces behind the project, highlighted the center’s three core focuses during the grand opening.
"[Belle Mansfield] overcame barriers, overcame societal things that needed to be overcome in order to pursue a career, or at least break the glass ceiling for others to pursue that career,” Heaton said. “We’ve taken that idea to sort of that next level with businesses and nonprofits. How do we help people who are starting a business, whether or not you're a woman or a man, but we have services for both, and we have an emphasis on women in a lot of our programming … We are trying to help people start businesses and pivot their businesses in order to be successful.”
The idea for the Belle Center began taking shape in early 2023 when the Chadwick Library building, which had been unused since Iowa Wesleyan University’s closure, was purchased by the team. Executive Director Sue Sorensen shared the journey from acquisition to grand opening.
“There was a bunch of us sitting around the Grange playing Texas Hold 'em, and we thought, ‘What would we do if we had a university?’” Sorensen said. “As other buildings were sold, this one felt like the right fit for our vision.”
By mid-2023, plans to transform the building into a coworking space, business incubator, and community hub were approved. Renovations began soon after, with community support playing a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life. The hard work culminated in the December opening, a milestone for the team and the region.
According to Sorensen, the Belle Center’s mission is to provide equitable access to entrepreneurial, professional development, and community resources for historically underserved populations in Southeast Iowa. She elaborated on the center’s goals:
“Our mission here at the Belle Center is to provide underrepresented Southeast Iowans with equitable access to entrepreneurial, professional development, and community resources so that they may pursue meaningful careers and fulfilling lives,” she said.
Sorensen also described how nearly every piece of furniture in the Belle Center was donated.
“Everything you see here has been gifted to us,” she said. “We have not spent any money on any sort of furniture. It’s a testament to the generosity of this community.”
The building’s transformation required significant effort, with rooms and spaces being repurposed and renovated.
“This particular room, for example … back there on the painting, it was turquoise and orange,” Sorensen said as she addressed attendees of the Grand Opening in one of the Center’s boardrooms. “This wall was so many different colors and chipped paint. The carpet was cut out where all the bookshelves were. So, it took a little bit of sweat and tears trying to get these rooms to where people feel comfortable and feel like they're a good space.”
The center’s collaborative approach extends beyond its walls. Sorensen highlighted plans for quarterly programs focusing on social media management, financing, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence.
“We want to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in today’s world,” she said. “AI, for example, can be intimidating, but it’s so useful. We’re excited to launch an AI program in February.”
The Belle Center has already welcomed three for-profit businesses and several nonprofits to its space, with more in the pipeline. Sorensen expressed optimism about the center’s role in the region’s economic and social landscape.
“It’s happening,” she said. “It took us a hot minute, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. But the momentum is building, and it’s thrilling to see.”
As Sorensen took questions from the audience, she explained some behind-the-scene details including Traction Steam and Mike Heaton’s work on the Belle Center’s branding. She also highlighted the talent housed within the Belle Center itself.
“We have web designers, grant writers, and business planners right here,” she said. “These are the people who can help take your business from A to Z.”
As the Belle Center officially opens its doors, its leadership is focused on the future. A capital campaign is underway to ensure the center’s long-term sustainability and growth. Sorensen encouraged the community to continue supporting the endeavor.
“This space is for everyone,” she said. “Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or someone looking for a place to connect, the Belle Center is here for you. Together, we can create something truly special for Southeast Iowa.”
Ray Vens of The Southeast Iowa Union contributed to this article.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
