On Feb. 5, the City of Jefferson submitted an application for a Community Development Block Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority for funding in the downtown façade revitalization project. The $1 million project must be structured in a match, with half of the costs picked up by the city and the business owners. Jefferson has committed $250,000 with the building owners picking up the remaining 25 percent of costs. Owners of the buildings to be renovated have been working with architect Peter Franks to estimate costs and have signed a letter of commitment with him to continue on with the project if the grant is awarded. The announcement of grant recipients is expected on Monday, May 16. If Jefferson receives the funding, Region XII Council of Governments grant writer, Fred Kesten, who assisted Franks with writing the grant, would serve as administrator, and construction would be expected to begin in the spring of 2017. A full listing of the 16 buildings in the Jefferson Main Street District that are involved in the block grant application can be found below.
Muir Embroidery
Masonic Lodge
John’s Appliance
Royal Jewelers
Greene County Abstract
Unger Insurance
Printer’s Box
Addie’s
Homestead Coffee & Bakery
Greene County Historical Museum
Treasure Chest
Doc’s Stadium
Ace Hardware
Meythaler Photography
Fudge’s Flower Shop
MacDonald Insurancec
