Fort Dodge was one of 29 communities in the state that were awarded Community Development Block Grant funds for community development and housing rehabilitation projects.

The city, in partnership with Main Street Fort Dodge, applied for the federally funded grants in May. Officials were notified Tuesday of the results.

“Strategic investments in Iowa’s smaller communities via these federal funds ensure all areas of our state are developing and advancing,” said Debi Durham, IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority director. “As a result of these projects, thousands of Iowans will see rehabilitated housing, new community facilities and exciting enhancements in their downtowns.”

Maggie Murray, the senior city planner, said facades will be improved on 12 buildings located in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Central Avenue and adjacent side streets.

Murray said other parts of the downtown would likely be the subject of future applications submitted by the city.

In the fall, architect firms will meet with the property owners on cost estimates and develop construction documents, Murray reported.

She said the earliest construction would begin on the buildings is is the spring of 2020.

The following buildings at these addresses will improved using the funding from the CDBG:

• 1000 Central Ave. (Little Joe’s Computers)

• 1006 Central Avenue (vacant)

• 11 N. 10th St. (vacant)

• 15 N 10th St. (Brass Monkey Lounge)

• 1018 Central Ave. (vacant)

• 1020 Central Ave. (Sew Formal)

• 16 N. 11th St. (Fireside Lounge)

• 1101 Central Ave. (Harty’s Caddy Shack)/7 S. 11th St. (vacant)

• 1103 Central Ave. (vacant)

• 1104 Central Ave. (vacant)

• 1108 Central Ave. (Mary Kay’s Gifts and Home Decor)

The city of Eagle Grove was among other Iowa communities to receive funding. That city was awarded $214,251 to rehabilitate 12 of its downtown building facades.