(KIWA Staff Photo)
Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Nearly $100,000 in grant funding is supporting exterior upgrades at four downtown Sioux Center businesses as the city continues its broader downtown revitalization efforts.
The City of Sioux Center created the one-time SCORE Grant Program — Sioux Center Opportunity for Restoration and Enhancement — to encourage property improvements during the Highway 75 reconstruction project.
The Sioux Center City Council allocated $100,000 for the program. Grants totaling $99,962 were awarded to State Farm, Furniture Mart, Reichert Tax & Bookkeeping, and Avenue Vet Supply. Combined project costs for the four businesses total $376,817.
State Farm and Avenue Vet Supply have completed their improvements, while work continues at Furniture Mart and Reichert Tax & Bookkeeping.
Two Types of Grant Assistance
Sioux Center Building and Code Official Kris Pieper, who helped coordinate the program, said SCORE offered two funding opportunities.
- Restoration grants of up to $10,000 helped businesses restore or replace existing façades and exterior features.
- Revitalization grants of up to $25,000 supported new exterior features or building expansions.
Pieper said the program was designed to complement the Highway 75 reconstruction and support the city’s long-term vision for downtown Sioux Center.
Building Momentum Downtown
City Manager Scott Wynja said the SCORE program fits into a broader strategy to strengthen Sioux Center’s downtown. He said the Highway 75 reconstruction, the grant, and potential redevelopment of city-owned property are all coordinated steps in that long-term plan.
He adds that downtown master planning was identified as a top priority during this year’s strategic planning process. Wynja believes the recent improvements will help prompt other property owners to make improvements to their property, which will encourage more residents and visitors to spend time downtown.
