(Area) The Iowa Economic Development Authority this past week awarded $925,000 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.
Here in southwest Iowa, Coon Rapids will receive a $100,000 grant for Chuck’s Bar and Grill to expand their business into the adjacent 514 Main Street building, enabling them to offer a quality family dining experience. The total project cost is $241,000.
Woodbine will receive a $100,000 grant for the Bothwell Building. The Bothwell Building has been the continuous home of commerce in downtown Woodbine since 1877. It is an anchor structure, contributing to the National Register Brick Street Historic District. The new owners are committed to addressing urgent structural needs to save the 145 year old building. The total project cost is $234,379.
The other communities receiving grants include Albia, Burlington, Centerville, Jefferson, Marion, Mount Vernon, Spencer and West Branch.
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.
