Yesterday (Thursday), the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Main Street Iowa announced $950,000 in challenge grants to Iowa communities, and Manning and Guthrie Center were among the recipients. The grants are used to rehabilitate underutilized buildings in communities’ downtowns. Guthrie Center was awarded $50,000, leveraging an additional $70,000 in local funds, for a $120,000 historic building restoration at 312 State St. Renovations include an updated brick façade, new windows and doors, and a refreshed interior. Once completed, the space will be made available for a future business tenant. Manning will receive a $100,000 grant to be matched with $137,200 in local funds to renovate the former Home Mutual Insurance building at 721 Third St. for a $237,200 total estimated cost. Planned work there includes extensive and specialized exterior work to maintain the structure’s historic exterior and the addition of a daylit basement apartment. IEDA Director Debi Durham says, “These projects are examples of the creativity and persistence we see in communities across Iowa. When we invest in our main streets, we’re investing in the places where people come together, where entrepreneurs get their start, where families build memories, and where the character of our communities truly shines.” The funds are administered through IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa. More than $16.5 million in challenge grants have been awarded since the program’s creation in 2002. A list of the other recipients is included below.
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