A Fort Dodge firm plans to fix up a handful of houses and apartments in the older core of the city.
Certified Home Inspection Services LLC received the initial approval Tuesday for some state tax credits that will help make the renovation jobs possible.
The company plans to buy a five-unit apartment complex at 217-221 S. 12th St. According to information presented to the city’s Enterprise Zone Commission, the planned upgrades include a new driveway and expanded parking area, new windows, new overhead garage doors, carpeting and paint. The work is expected to start next month.
The total investment at that site is estimated at $107,000, including the purchase price and cost of renovations.
Also, the firm will buy a house at 919 S. 20th St. A new detached garage will be built there and the home’s exterior will be spruced up.
The home at 1617 Fourth Ave. S. is on the company’s list as well. The planned work there includes a new roof, painting, the installation of a modern kitchen and repairs to the deck. Work on both houses is also expected to start in July.
The company also plans to buy two additional houses that will be renovated. Those properties haven’t been identified yet.
The total investment in the four single-family homes is estimated at $260,000, according to information presented to the commission.
‘‘These sound like some very exciting projects,’’ said commission member Jim Kesterson.
The commission voted to recommend Certified Home Inspection Services LLC for a 10 percent state income tax credit and a refund of all Iowa sales, service and use taxes paid during construction.
Duane Amhof, Mark Crimmins and Sara Messerly were absent from the otherwise unanimous vote.
The Iowa Department of Economic Development will have the final say on awarding the incentives. The department generally goes along with the recommendations of local commissions.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
