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The highly anticipated façade renovation project in Osceola’s historic commercial district has officially reached completion! Thanks to collaborative efforts between building owners, the City of Osceola, Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS), Southern Iowa Council of Governments (SICOG), and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the project marks a significant milestone in preserving and revitalizing the heart of the community.
The total investment for this transformative initiative exceeded $850,000, reflecting contributions from property owners, the city, OCMS, and IEDA. These enhancements go beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to restore structural integrity, preserve historic value, and ensure the long-term prosperity of the downtown area.
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Majority of the buildings in the project were constructed in the early 1900s, making them over 120 years old. Without surpassing the state’s slum and blight thresholds, they would not have qualified for funding. This effort wasn’t just about beautification—it was about safeguarding these buildings as economic assets for future generations.
“With the support of state and federal resources, we’ve been able to make meaningful investments in our downtown”, said City Administrator, Ty Wheeler. “This project exemplifies what we can achieve when the city, local organizations, and community members come together with a shared vision.”
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The journey to completion was not without its hurdles. After months of preparation for the Façade Grant Program in 2021, a Community Development Block Grant-CV was awarded to the City of Osceola in January 2022. However, the pandemic and heavy contractor workloads delayed progress, with no bids submitted that year.
Undeterred, the project team sought and secured a grant extension in May 2023, allowing the project to move forward. Barry Larson & Son Inc., based in Elkhorn, Nebraska, was selected as the general contractor to oversee the simultaneous renovation of eight buildings.
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This ambitious project leveraged a mix of funding sources. The IEDA CDBG-CV grants covered up to 50% of renovation costs, while building owners contributed at least 20%—with some investing additional funds for broader updates. Another 25% was funded by the City of Osceola through American Rescue Plan allocations and OCMS kicked in $5,000 per building project.
“We encourage everyone to stroll through downtown and witness the incredible transformation,” said Ashleigh Eckels, OCMS Executive Director “Great things are happening here, and this is just the beginning.”
With the completion of this project, Osceola’s downtown stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in the future, ensuring this historic district remains a vibrant centerpiece for generations to come.
This feature was originally published 1/31/25 on the Osceola Chamber Main Street website.
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