HomeMy WebLinkAboutA013 - Resolution approving letter of support for Main Street Iowa Challenge GrantITEM #:14
DATE:08-26-25
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:SUPPORT FOR MAIN STREET IOWA CHALLENGE GRANT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Main Street Iowa offers a Challenge Grant program for brick-and-mortar building projects in
designated Main Street districts. The program supports projects that conduct impactful
building rehabilitation, incorporate quality design and preservation-based strategies, support
local revitalization efforts, and are achievable within the two-year contract period. Award
amounts range from $25,000 to $100,000.
Each Main Street district may submit one application per grant cycle. This year, Ames Main
Street is proposing to submit an application for revitalization of the Ames Train Depot
(request letter attached). The proposed project would restore the depot's facade
through tuckpointing, replacing damaged bricks, and cleaning. The Depot building is
the subject of a long-standing development agreement with the City for it to retain its
historic character even though it has not been determined to be eligible for the National
Register.
The application deadline is August 27. Ames Main Street will handle all aspects of the grant
application process. No matching City funds are being requested for the project; the only
request is a letter of support from the City. A draft letter of support has been prepared
and is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a letter of support for the Ames Train Depot project application for the Main
Street Iowa Challenge Grant.
2. Do not approve a letter of support for the project.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program provides assistance with improvements
to buildings in the downtown area. The Train Depot in Downtown Ames is an important
community focal point and is in need of exterior restoration work. Supporting the grant
would be consistent with the long-term historic value that the City has placed on the
structure since the transfer of the site to private ownership in the 1990s.
The grant application requires a letter of support from the City. No City funds or staff
involvement is anticipated as part of this project.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
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ATTACHMENT(S):
Letter of Proposal for 2025 Challenge Grant Project - Old Train Depot.pdf
IEDA - Main Street Challenge Grant.docx
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304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 | 515.233.3472 | AmesDowntown.org
Ames Main Street advances and promotes Downtown Ames as the heart of the Ames community.
August 26, 2025
Ames City Council
City of Ames
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Re: Proposal for Support of the Ames Train Depot Brick Façade Restoration Project
Dear Mayor Haila and Members of the Ames City Council,
On behalf of Ames Main Street board of directors, I am writing to request your support of our
application for state funding through the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program for the
revitalization of the historic Ames Train Depot.
The Old Train Depot, constructed in 1907, stands as one of downtown Ames’ most recognizable
landmarks and a living symbol of our community’s history. While it continues to serve the public
as a gathering space through its multiple businesses, its brick façade is showing significant
deterioration. Weathering, failing mortar joints, and cracked or damaged bricks now threaten the
structural integrity and visual character of this treasured building.
Through private investment with the building owner and management company, our proposed
project seeks to fully restore the building’s façade through professional tuckpointing,
replacement of damaged bricks and other elements with historically appropriate materials, and
cleaning that follows city codes and standards. The result will be a depot that honors its original
architectural design while benefiting from enhanced durability to serve future generations.
The impact of this project extends beyond preservation. A revitalized depot will strengthen
downtown’s economic vitality by improving its appeal as a destination for residents, visitors, and
businesses. It will reinforce the Guiding Vision plan, encourage further investment, and align with
the our mutual vision of a vibrant, walkable, and historically rooted downtown district.
We respectfully ask the City Council to approve and endorse this project and lend its support to
Ames Main Street’s application for the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant. Your partnership is
essential in demonstrating the community’s commitment to preserving our heritage and investing
in our shared future.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Respectfully,
Travis Toliver, IOM
Executive Director, Ames Main Street
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Caring People Quality Programs Exceptional Service
515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
Office of the Mayor
August 26, 2025
Sarah Lembke
Iowa Economic Development Authority
1963 Bell Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315
Dear Ms. Lembke:
RE: Letter of Intent to Participate
The City of Ames support Ames Main Street’s application to the Iowa Economic
Development Authority for a Main Street Challenge Grant benefitting the Ames Train Depot.
The Ames City Council reviewed the project at its August 26, 2025 meeting and adopted a
resolution approving this letter of support.
Ames Main Street has committed to ensuring that project will be conducted in a manner that
follows City codes and standards (including building and fire codes), and all applicable
standards for historic property rehabilitation required by the Secretary of the Interior.
Sincerely,
John A. Haila Travis Toliver, IOM
Mayor Executive Director, Ames Main Street
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