The project would use a $500,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to pay much of the cost of refurbishing the facades of 11 buildings. Those buildings are located in the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Central Avenue, plus North 10th Street, North 11th Street and South 11th Street.

The City Council on Monday was expected to award a contract for the work, but did not do so.

”We found out there are a couple of little tweaks to be worked out with one of the property owners,” City Manager David Fierke said.

He said the proposed contract will be put before the council for its June 22 meeting. He added that the delay is not expected to significantly impact completion of the project.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Some of these buildings in the 1100 block of Central Avenue will get refurbished facades thanks to a project made possible by a $500,00 grant awarded to the city by the Iowa Economic Development Authority last year. A delay in awarding the contract for the work is not expected to have a significant impact on it.

Cornerstone Commercial Contractors Inc., of Corning, submitted the apparent low bid of $870,000 for the job.

The grant was awarded to the city in July 2019. At that time, it was announced that these buildings would receive facade upgrades:

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

• 11 N. 10th St.

• 15 N. 10th St. (Brass Monkey Lounge)

• 1018 Central Ave.

• 1020 Central Ave. (Sew Formal)

• 16 N. 11th St. (Fireside Lounge)

• 1101 Central Ave. (Harty’s Caddy Shack Cafe)

• 7 S. 11th St.

• 1104 Central Ave.

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

The grant will cover 50 percent of the cost. The city government will contribute 25 percent through tax increment financing and the property owners will contribute 25 percent.