About JSA Development

Restoring Downtown Waterloo Since 2001

In its glory days, downtown Waterloo was the central hub of the city where people flocked to restaurants, shops and offices of all kinds. Over time, the area lost much of its business, charm and liveliness. 

In 2001, Jim Walsh, an attorney, executive, politician and developer established JSA Development to help bring some life back into downtown Waterloo. Walsh saw the potential of the area and has since worked with local building professionals and contractors to help restore not only the buildings, but also the former glory for years to come. 

Each member of the JSA Development staff provides a different set of skills to work toward the goal of reviving downtown Waterloo. Here you can meet a few of our staff members and learn more about their role in JSA Development’s vision. 

JSA Development Projects

JSA Development has worked on over 35 downtown properties since 2001, and has completely restored the following downtown Waterloo buildings: 

• The Steely Block Building housing seven lofts
• The historic Odd Fellow Building that is home to Jameson’s Public House
• The old Walker Shoes Building, now the Union Block Building, home to HQAA, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., Black Hawk County Gaming, Otto Scholtz Foundation, R.J. McElroy Trust, and Waterloo Community Foundation
• The Fowler Building, which houses the Screaming Eagle Bar and Grill, and three lofts
• The historic Newton’s Jewelry building, which is now home to Newton’s Paradise Café and two lofts
• The Haffa Building, which houses Beau Monde Boutique & Salon, Goodwill Industries and six second-floor lofts
• The second floors of 206 and 208 East 4th Street housing three lofts and Hungry Charlie's Lunchbox Deli
• The historical Asquith building home to three lofts and Pretty Good Co
• The Repass Building, which houses BankIowa and seven lofts
• Waterloo Workspace, a shared working environment for public use in the JSA office
• The Brown Derby Ballroom
• The historic Master Service station is now home to Silos and Smokestacks at 500 Jefferson
• The General Machine building is occupied by many including Local Bar Hop, The Loft, Panache Tea Boutique, S&N Cuts, Splash of Pearl Boutique, and seven lofts
• Historic former Fire Station #2 and Shriner Club, now home to Experience Waterloo and three of our newest lofts
• Wiggly Field at Newton's Park - the Cedar Valley's only downtown, off-leash dog park with controlled- access along with the areas only outdoor beer garden Anton's Garden