Oskaloosa Project Awarded Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant

Pictured: Representatives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Main Street Iowa, and Oskaloosa Main Street pose for an award photo. Left to right: Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla, Jim Engle, Angella Foster, Linda Howard, Lisa Larson, and Debi Durham.

Oskaloosa, IA – An Oskaloosa project has been selected as one of only 10 across the state to receive funding through the prestigious Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant.

Lisa and Carl Larson, local business and property owners, will use the grant to help fund a major upgrade to the upper story of Jaarsma Bakery’s new location at 203 High Avenue East in downtown Oskaloosa. The building, a key part of the Historic District, will preserve its original architectural allure while supporting increased foot traffic in the vibrant downtown area.

In addition to the first-floor remodel, the upper story of the bakery will undergo extensive improvements, including the installation of nine new wooden upper-story windows, a new cornice, decorative molding, masonry repairs, and additional interior enhancements.

Larson’s project is not the first in the community to benefit from Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant funding. Other local projects funded by the grant include Trolley Place (2009), the McMillen Building renovation (2015), the Dixon Block renovation (2017), and Town Square Dental Care (2021). The Larson’s project will receive a $69,000 grant. In total, Oskaloosa has earned 14 recognitions through the Challenge Grant program.

“Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. “New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.”

The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.

“This investment in downtown revitalization projects often creates a ripple effect, building momentum that inspires further collaboration and development,” said Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “Transforming community centers back into vibrant hubs of activity drives significant economic impact and enhances the quality of life for Iowans who live there.”

Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment.

“We are deeply appreciative of this grant program and the substantial economic impact it continues to bring to our community,” said Angella Foster, Executive Director of Oskaloosa Main Street. “This project holds great significance for us, and we look forward to seeing it come to achievement.”

The IEDA’s official press release, featuring a complete list of grant recipients, is available at https://www.iowaeda.com/iowa-news/2024-msi-challenge-grant-awards/.

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