Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant

About this archived opportunity

The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant is a grant program provided by Main Street Iowa (MSI) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for brick-and-mortar building projects in designated Main Street districts. Highly competitive applications include: • Impactful building rehabilitation projects that provide increased business, housing or job opportunities. • Projects that incorporate quality design and preservation-based strategies. • Projects that support local revitalization efforts and stimulate additional district investment. • Projects that are well planned and achievable within the two-year contract period. Grant Awards Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses incurred and expended within the eligible funding period. Eligible Applicants Main Street Iowa programs in good standing and in compliance with all contractual requirements from previously awarded funds, if any, may apply on behalf of a property or project within the designated district. The local Main Street organization MUST be the applicant on behalf of local property owners. Awards will be made to the applicant Main Street organization, hereafter referred to as the Grantee, for disbursements to locally designated grant beneficiaries. NOTE: Previous Grant Beneficiaries (projects/buildings) who are completing a large, phased project may apply for additional Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant funding so long as the scope of work authorized in the previous award is complete and all funds dispersed. Eligible Projects 1. Rehabilitation and/or restoration of significant commercial properties within the designated Main Street district. This can include, but is not limited to: • Exterior rehabilitation (front, rear and side facades) • Interior rehabilitation (first floor commercial and upper story housing) • Structural repairs and building system improvements • Single specific phase of a large rehab. The project must have a specific defined focus and clearly identified scope of work, with commitment to future phases demonstrated. 2. Multiple properties connected by a common need or issue. Multiple property projects might include but are not limited to: the removal of inappropriate slipcovers/siding materials; façade restoration for several buildings; activation of a series of highly visible rear entries; or installation of an elevator and common hallway linking several buildings to support upper story development. Programs considering a Multiple Properties application are strongly encouraged to discuss the project with Main Street Iowa Staff before submission. Eligible projects must be within the designated Main Street district (a map showing eligible Main Street districts is available here). Ineligible Projects • Projects involving public government buildings or religious facilities. • Projects involving building demolition or deconstruction. • Projects involving first floor storefront residential use (including short term/overnight lodging accommodations). Rehabilitation/Instruction standards Main Street Iowa staff will review building plans and specifications for design appropriateness. Plans must meet all local code and design review requirements. Applicants should be aware of the Iowa Green Streets Criteria and provide Green Streets Best Practice checklists to appropriate project contractors and/or subcontractors. If a property is listed or deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or part of a National Register District,