Main Street Washington wins challenge grant

DES MOINES — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) on Wednesday awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities around the state. The grants help redevelop or rehabilitate underused buildings as a way to stimulate economic growth and further investment in Iowa’s historic main streets.

Main Street Washington received $100,000 to rehabilitate and restore a long-vacant building at 106 South Iowa Ave. Building owner Brian Bock, Main Street Washington Board President Heather Marek, Board Member Hayley Wright, business owner Megan Libe, and MSW Executive Director Samantha Meyer were among those who attended the awards presentation at IEDA’s office in Des Moines.

“Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. “New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.”

The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.

“This investment in downtown revitalization projects often creates a ripple effect, building momentum that inspires further collaboration and development,” said Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “Transforming community centers back into vibrant hubs of activity drives significant economic impact and enhances the quality of life for Iowans who live there.”

Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment.