Decorah, Iowa

Overview of Program.  The Decorah Downtown Economic Development Program (the “Program”) is a strategic initiative to revitalize Decorah’s downtown area by supporting property owners and long-term tenants in enhancing their buildings’ exterior and converting upper-story spaces into residential units.  The required 3:1 match ensures that both the City and property owners are committed to the project’s success, fostering a collaborative approach to downtown revitalization.

* Grants are subject to a 3:1 match by the applicant.  For every $3.00 spent by the applicant on the project, the City will reimburse $1.00, up to a maximum of $10,000 for Exterior Renovation and Repair Grants and a maximum of $25,000 for Interior Renovation Grants for Upper Story Residential Conversions Grants.

* Successful applicants are required to agree to the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement and the Program’s rules.

*Applications may only be filled out by property owners or tenants within the Program boundary. Tenants must have at least five years left of their lease and must provide written approval from the property owner(s) attached to the application.

Select which grant(s) you are applying for. Please reference the Downtown Economic Development Program Guide for eligibility of projects within each grant.

• Exterior Renovation and Repair Grant (Facade improvements, structural repairs, accessibility improvements, awning installations)

• Interior Renovation for Upper Story Residential Conversion Grant (major interior renovations, safety and compliance code upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, conversion of non-residential into residential units)

The “Project Costs” to be reimbursed under the Program are only those costs directly related to the Project as set out in this Application, and subject to the terms of the Program.  The Project Costs specifically must not include expenditures for furnishings, appliances, accounting services, legal services, loan origination and other financing costs, syndication fees and related costs, developer fees, or the costs associated with selling or renting dwelling units whether incurred before or after completion of the Project.  No expenditures made prior to approval of this grant application by the City Council may be included as Project Costs or will be reimbursed with Grant Funds.