Council approves $100,000 Iowa Economic Development Authority grant contract for 1701 Central Avenue rehabilitation
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Summary
The council authorized a contract to accept a $100,000 IEDA Community Catalyst building remediation award for 1701 Central Avenue; developer and city staff plan façade restoration, asbestos removal, mechanical upgrades and new residential units above commercial space.
The City Council on Monday authorized a contract with the Iowa Economic Development Authority to accept a $100,000 Community Catalyst building remediation grant for the rehabilitation of 1701 Central Avenue.
Economic Development Director Jill Connors told the council the developer, Adam Vogel Building LLC, plans to rehabilitate mechanical systems, remove asbestos from floors and walls, make roof and masonry repairs, restore the historic façade per State Historic Preservation Office guidance, rehabilitate four uninhabitable residential units and create a fifth ground‑floor rear unit, and restore commercial space on the First Floor. The project also includes security and exterior lighting upgrades.
The IEDA grant requires the city to be the applicant and to pass funds through to the developer as reimbursements for eligible costs; the council’s action authorized the contract to receive and administer the award. Connors said the project is also expected to use city incentives under existing programs — a rehabilitation grant (up to $35,000) and a housing creation grant (up to $50,000) — that staff anticipates bringing forward in September as part of a development agreement.
Council members praised the ongoing redevelopment activity along Central Avenue and noted that multiple partnerships — Dubuque Initiative, city economic development staff and private developers — are driving momentum on the 1700 and 1800 blocks. Rick Dickinson, president of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and a board member at Dubuque Initiative, addressed the council in public input supporting the project and said the redevelopment is part of a broader revitalization of adjacent blocks.
The council adopted the contract resolution by unanimous roll call. Staff said the rehabilitation will be reimbursed from the IEDA award and then by city incentives where eligible, and they will return to council to consider the rehabilitation and housing grants as part of the final development agreement.