10 Communities Receive $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants
For more information, contact:
Ms. Kanan Kappelman
515.348.6248
communications@iowaeda.com
10 Communities Receive $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants
Projects will leverage private investments to revitalize downtowns across the state
November 6, 2024 (DES MOINES) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities around the state. The grants help redevelop or rehabilitate underused buildings as a way to stimulate economic growth and further investment in Iowa’s historic main streets.
Projects include:
- Transforming two vacant historic buildings in downtown Keokuk into first-floor commercial space and upper-story housing.
- Rehabilitating a historic gas station along Lincoln Highway in Woodbine to accommodate a one-stop hub for real estate services.
- Enhancing the facades of five historic storefronts, including the thriving Lansing Hardware Hank retail business in Lansing, to create a cohesive look and elevate the visual appeal of the entire block.
“Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. “New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.”
The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.
“This investment in downtown revitalization projects often creates a ripple effect, building momentum that inspires further collaboration and development,” said Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “Transforming community centers back into vibrant hubs of activity drives significant economic impact and enhances the quality of life for Iowans who live there.”
Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment.
For more information about the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program, contact Sarah Lembke at 515.348.6181 or sarah.lembke@iowaeda.com.
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Download a list of today's awards here.
