The City of Perry is looking to improve the downtown area even more with a unique proposed project.

The City Council approved at their most recent meeting in October a Community Development Block Grant application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for an Upper Story Housing Conversion project at 1306 2nd Street. Mayor John Andorf says the grant is for $536,000 to help fund three one-bedroom apartments in the building and part of the grant is for low-to-moderate income of tenants that are 80% or less of the federal poverty level. He feels this is a great way to help begin to address the demand for housing.

“We’ve had some great downtown development, including housing downtown. Perry is in need of additional housing for all practical purposes, we currently have zero vacancies in our rentals in the community of Perry. Any further downtown development in housing is also appreciated.”  

Andorf talks about the development group, the Nudgers, and they will work with the grant administrator Region XII Council of Governments, if the grant is awarded, to revitalize those apartments to provide a unique living space in the downtown area. He is thankful to have a group like the Nudgers to do these types of projects.

“The Nudgers have renovated a number of buildings downtown and each time they do a great job. I really appreciate their efforts. The most recent one, prior to this one, the building that the Perry Chief was housing for a number of years.”  

If the grant is awarded, the Council also approved paying Region XII $25,000 for administrative services.