Historic Preservation Grant for Historic Downtown Courthouse Square District
Adel's Courthouse Square District (ACSD) is comprised of buildings dating from 1868 through the mid-twentieth century. These architecturally and historically significant buildings, along with the brick streets, contribute to the unique ambiance of Adel. To preserve the historical significance and retain and promote a retail presence on the square, the City of Adel and Adel's Historic Preservation Commission has committed funds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for qualifying interior and exterior renovation and new construction within the ACSD area.
The Historic Preservation Grant Program (HPGP) has been developed to provide monetary incentives to businesses and property owners to preserve the historical attributes and functionality as long as the enhancements do not detract from the historical significance of the building. Any improvements must comply with the design guidelines adopted for the ACSD and all applicable building codes. The City appropriates limited funds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to support this program.
An applicant may receive grant assistance of 50% of the project costs, up to a maximum of $5,000.00 for interior capital improvements and renovations of existing structures. The improvements must comply with the Design Guidelines for the ACSD and meet American's with Disabilities Act guidelines if the renovation tlu·eshold meets said requirements. No funds will be authorized for in-kind labor.
An applicant may receive grant assistance of 100% of the project costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.00 for exterior improvements on both old and new structures. The improvements must comply with the Design Guidelines for the ACSD. No funds will be authorized for in-kind labor.
Application Process:
Application forms are available at City Hall, or may be requested electronically by e-mailing the City Administrator. Prior to beginning the application process, perspective applicants must meet with the City Administrator to discuss the project and determine if it is eligible to proceed. The completed application form must be submitted to the City Administrator, who will forward it once complete to the five (5) member Adel Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) along with any comments for consideration.
For interior and exterior improvements, the application shall be accompanied by support materials, which include, but are not limited to the following: design and scope of work; architectural drawings of proposed alteration; site plan and building elevation drawn to scale if required; current photographs of the building; historic photographs of the building; product specifications including colors and materials to be used; projected cost estimates and any other information requested by the City, its staff or boards and commissions.
The AHPC will review the application and supplemental material at a regularly scheduled and properly noticed meeting. The AHPC will make a recommendation to the City's Economic Development Committee (EDC) I City Council. The AHPC shall either recommend that the application be approved as submitted, denied, or approved with conditions. Recommendation of the project requires affimiative vote of at least three (3) members of the AHPC. Any person affected by the decision may file a written appeal to the City Council within 15 days after the date the AHPC's findings are published.
The City Council makes the final decision regarding what monetary assistance may be provided based on the overall project, recommendation from the AHPC and EDC and available funds. All projects must obtain building permits if applicable and all work must conform to applicable building codes.
