Jefferson Makes Match Commitment to Community Block Grant

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