The City of Jefferson has applied for a new grant to renovate downtown upper story apartments.

The City Council recently approved an application for $500,000 federally-funded Community Development Block Grant with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Jefferson resident Chris Deal presented the idea to renovate five apartments in the downtown area, including three at 200 East State Street and two above John’s Appliance.  

Currently the City owns the property at 200 East State Street, but Deal explains what would need to happen if they were awarded the CDBG grant.

“It’d be creating an LLC, similar to what we did for the Forge (and) Gravitate would probably be a part of that as a tenant in that building. And so (we’re) putting together some kind of ownership group. For this project to be done it has to be a for-profit LLC.”

The City Council approved a $1,000 contract with Region XII Council of Governments for professional services and grant administrator at their most recent meeting on July 14th, following a public hearing for the grant application. The deadline for applications is July 31st.