OTTUMWA —
Two years ago, the 300 block of East Main Street was designated as a slum and blight area.
But Ottumwa city planner Nick Klimek hopes that if the city is awarded a $500,000 grant, a downtown facade initiative could have a positive, reverse effect on downtown Ottumwa.
The Ottumwa City Council approved the CDBG application for the Downtown Master Facade Improvement Program at its meeting this week.
“The level of participation is what makes this project truly transformative,” Klimek said.
Out of the 12 building owners in the block, 10 have agreed to participate.
And based on lineal footage, 90 percent of the blighted facades — not including those already being renovated or in the process of being renovated — would be addressed through the program.
“If we do include the buildings that have been renovated or are in the works, this would improve 93 percent of the facades in the 300 block,” Klimek said.
The approximately $1 million project will bring in funding from multiple sources: $125,000 from the city’s Capital Improvements Program, $250,000 from the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation and $125,000 from property owners in the proposed block.
The grant application will request $500,000 from the state of Iowa to put toward the project. The city will be notified in May or June if it has been awarded the grant, and construction would begin next year.
This project fits in with ORLF’s Reclaim Main Street initiative, said ORLF president and CEO Brad Little.
“Last week you discussed the notion of pride in Ottumwa,” Little said. “Just as the saying goes, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the same goes for pride.”
In October, an Iowa Economic Development Authority team helped the city immediately connect the downtown facade program with an opportunity to revive downtown Ottumwa.
The team also made clear its expectations, Little said, which include collaboration, multiple funding partners, investment by the property owners involved and a “wow factor.”
“This will allow us to keep the momentum going down Main Street,” he said. “It’s a great example of what pride in your community can look like.”
Klimek said the location of this project would be a strategic piece in the revitalization of downtown, adding on to successful renovations of the KMGO building and Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company, as well as the Market on Main in process right now and ORLF’s Capri V Theatre renovations down the block.
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed,” said Councilman Brian Morgan.
Councilman Mitch Niner said it’s a shame the last two property owners could not be reached to participate in the project.
“Yes, it is, but we’re happy with the level of participation we do have,” Klimek said. “We’ve gone through extensive lengths to reach them. Both property owners reside outside of Ottumwa and frankly are not easy to track down.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
These design renderings provided by the city’s Planning and Development Department show the potential for change in downtown storefronts in the 300 block of East Main Street if the city is awarded a grant from the state for facade improvements.
-
These design renderings provided by the city’s Planning and Development Department show the potential for change in downtown storefronts in the 300 block of East Main Street if the city is awarded a grant from the state for facade improvements.
Group hopes to create ‘wow factor’ downtown
Entire block could receive new storefronts if city awarded grant
- Local News
-
- Changes coming to council chambers OTTUMWA — Four city officials are up for re-election this fall, though only two plan on running. Mayor Frank Flanders, as well as Councilmen Bob Meyers, Brian Morgan and Jeremy Weller, will finish out their terms at the end of this year. "Things are
-
Not guilty plea entered in death of Oskaloosa infant
OSKALOOSA — An Oskaloosa man charged with murdering the infant he was babysitting has pleaded not guilty. On Monday, Bryan Draper Vilcone, 24, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, a Class A felony. On April 18, Oskaloosa Police officers respond
-
Hatchet attack suspect pleads guilty
OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa man charged in last summer's hatchet attack is headed to prison. Charles Julian Jason Zwer, 27, pleaded guilty this month to willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony, and assault while participating in a felony, a
- Lightning damages city communications equipment OTTUMWA — After lightning struck the water tower in Memorial Park, the public works department has been struggling to communicate with the city's pump stations. In May, lightning struck Memorial Park's water tower, damaging nearly $20,000 worth of ra
-
Trial set in 1974 murder case
OTTUMWA — The man accused of murdering a 17-year-old Ottumwa girl 39 years ago will stand trial this fall. Robert Eugene Pilcher, 67, was charged with first-degree murder in November after DNA evidence linked him to the death of Mary Jayne Jones, 17,
-
Preparing for the future
ELDON — The animal competitions at the Wapello County Fair aren't just about giving away ribbons — they're preparing for the future of the industry.
-
Board to meet on Monday
OTTUMWA -- The Wapello County Board of Supervisors will have a short agenda when they convene on Monday.
- Ottumwan arrested for sexual assault OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Police Department has arrested an Ottumwa man on a sexual assault charge. The OPD reported that on Friday, law enforcement received a report that a 14-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted. During the course of the initial i
-
Treat yourself to fried Jell-O
ELDON — As I walked past the vendor booths at the Wapello County Fair this week, two words caught my eye — Fried Jell-O. Yes, you read that right. Welcome to the wonderful world of fair food. At Dave and Brenda Cox's vendor stand Friday, Leah Hallgre
-
A show of strength
ELDON — Monster Arm Wrestling brought the die-hard fans out to the Wapello County Fair on a wet, dreary Friday evening. Lee Ann Krough, of LeGrand, has been the Mother Monster for 33 years. She was a national champion in 1984, and now she takes Monst
- More Local News Headlines
