Eight Properties Participating In Downtown Revitalization Program


Eight properties are included in Glenwood’s Downtown Revitalization program, including these two at 11 N. Vine St. (above) and 14 N. Walnut St. (below).

Eight properties on Glenwood’s Town Square are on track to get a facelift with the help of funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Downtown Revitalization program.

Coordinated through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the Downtown Revitalization Fund provides matching funds up to $500,000 to communities for improvements and restoration of facades on privately-owned buildings in the downtown business district. All incorporated cities and counties in the state, except those designated as entitlement areas by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are eligible to apply for and receive funds through the program.

Under the funding formula, owners of buildings selected for the revitalization project will be required to pay for 25 percent of the cost. The city of Glenwood wll kick in an additional 25 percent and the CDBG grant will fund the remaining costs.
In October, the Glenwood City Council passed a resolution authorizing and directing Mayor Ron Kohn to make an application to the Iowa CDBG Fund for $497,299 to assist with the revitalization of eight properties in the city’s downtown business district. The total cost for the projects is estimated at $944,990 with the city contributing $243,453 and individual property owners kicking in $204,239.

Glenwood’s downtown revitalization program has been an on-going, collaborative effort between the Mills County Chamber of Commerce, City of Glenwood and Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO).

A document posted on the IEDA website states, “The Downtown Revitalization Fund provides grants to communities for activities contributing to comprehensive revitalization in historic city centers or core downtown areas. The program is primarily focused on building façade improvements to privately owned buildings in downtowns. Buildings with first floor residential use are prohibited from program participation.  Work on roofs, for up to 40% of that building’s total costs, is also eligible.

“Front façades of buildings and side facades, when clearly visible from the travel lane of the adjacent public street are eligible. Rear facades are eligible only under very rare circumstances. Upper story residential units are subject to lead-based paint requirements.”

The application process required the city to hire an architect, West Des Moines-based Curtis Architecture and Design P.C., to prepare cost estimates and renderings for each building selected for the program. The firm would receive $1,200 per façade. Glenwood State Bank and the Mills County Economic Development Foundation jointly agreed to contribute up to $12,000 for the one-time architectural costs associated with the project.

A list provided by the Mills County Chamber Of Commerce indicates the following Glenwood property owners are participating in the Downtown Revitalization grant program:

* Karen Lincoln Trustee, 426 1st St.

* Dougherty Storage, LLC, 409 Sharp St.

* Tamera Riemann, 11 N. Vine St.

* Mark and Mitzi Mossman, 411 and 413 Sharp St.

* Mike Kenkel, 407 Sharp St.

* Kalambokidis Properties, 14 N. Walnut St.

*Amber Landolt, 6 N. Walnut St.

The Opinion-Tribune

116 S Walnut St Glenwood, IA 51534-1665
P.O. Box 377, Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-527-3191
Phone: 712-623-2566
Fax: 712-527-3193

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