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Months after a handful of buildings in downtown Fort Dodge got a new look thanks to a program funded by state grants, a similar project is about to begin.
A $ 500,000 community development grant was awarded to the city government and Main Street Fort Dodge on Wednesday to fund a second facade improvement effort.
The money came from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which gave the city a similar grant about two years ago. This grant helped pay for upgrading the exteriors of several buildings at the east end of downtown.
“It is exciting to continue the progress that our city, Main Street Fort Dodge and our downtown businesses have been working on for several years,†said Mayor Matt Bemrich.
He said the progress was “visible to our community”.
The last grant was awarded shortly after the end of the last grant funded project.
“I think it shows that the state recognizes that we have invested this money wisely and created a return on investment on those tax dollars,†Bemrich said.
He said state officials knew it was “easy to trust Fort Dodge with these funds.”
When city council applied for the grant in August, it said the money would go to blocks 700 to 900 of Central Avenue and adjacent streets. The north side of the 800 block of First Avenue South was also within the proposed target area.
The city government will contribute $ 250,000 to the effort.
Landowners who participate will collectively contribute an additional $ 250,000.
Bemrich said he would like eligible owners to be notified immediately.
“The state doesn’t give us that kind of fund to sit on,†he said.
Work on the previous facade project was completed last spring. It was aimed at buildings housing businesses such as Harty’s Caddy Shack Cafe, Little Joe’s Computers, Fireside Lounge, Brass Monkey, and Mary Kay’s Gifts and Home Decor.
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