A $500,000 grant is being sought to spruce up the exteriors of several buildings in downtown Fort Dodge.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to submit a grant application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The money would come from the Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Grant program.

The properties that would be eligible for a facade fixup with the aid of the grant money are in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Central Avenue, plus the first blocks of 10th and 11th streets north and south of Central Avenue.

There are 12 property owners in that area who want to participate in the program, according to Kris Patrick, executive director of Main Street Fort Dodge.

The grant application is due Friday. City officials will learn in July if the grant will be awarded.

If the grant is awarded, the city will have to provide $250,000 in matching funds. The participating property owners will collectively have to provide an additional $250,000.