April 29, 2024

Progress unclear on Hotel Maytag project

By Jamee A

Representatives from Main Street Iowa were in Newton on Tuesday touring the former ballroom in the Midtown Building, a project the organization awarded a $75,000 grant to in October 2015. Ken Johnson, CEO of EasyKeep Management, tells the group about his knowledge of the history of the building. (Jamee A)

Main Street Iowa representatives were in Newton on Tuesday to view the progress of the former Hotel Maytag project and get an update on work being done toward the restoration of the ballroom area. The organization awarded a $75,000 Main Street Iowa Challenge grant to fund part of the rehabilitation in October 2015.

No visible progress has been made on the former Hotel Maytag project but meetings are continuing, said Andy Frantz, vice president of operations for Frantz Community Investors. Cedar Rapids-based Frantz Community Investors announced in March 2015 plans for a $10 million project to restore not only the ballroom but also add 35 market-rate apartments, commercial space and an upscale restaurant to the current Midtown building.

“I think, as opposed to saying here (is a timeline), we’ve got good heads figuring out what might make sense — that factors in everything from availability of labor to when we can get it closed,” Frantz said.

Because of the grant money and a time line attached to its use, the restoration of the ballroom has become a focus area for project leaders. About one year has gone by since the project was awarded with one year left to complete the work within the time line established.

“With the challenge grant being focused on this (the ballroom), I want to make sure from a grant timeline we are aligning with those as well,” Main Street Iowa Coordinator Michael Wagler said.

Wagler said there is some flexibility on the deadline of the project if it is showing good progress.

“What we would appreciate is as timelines start to filter down, to make sure we know, because it will help us,” Wagler said. “We are big on assurances and to make sure that were we are investing is going to be a good investment.”

Frantz said the deadline is definitely on their radar as an area they need to take care of. He was hesitant to give any firm dates because of continued talks with contractors and those involved with the project.

“To temper optimism and make sure realism is creeping in, I am leaning on the general contractors to see when they can get people here, when we can close and start to make some progress,” Frantz said.

A recent Aug. 1 deadline set by the city for Frantz came and went without any announcements by either party. City of Newton Director of Finance and Development Bryan Friedman said that meetings are continually taking place and discussions about the project are ongoing. Frantz said he hopes to have a timeline to present to the public very soon.

Opened in December 1926, the Hotel Maytag was a focal point in downtown Newton. In its early years, the ballroom was a center of activity for many social events including numerous weddings and social gatherings.

Through the years, the hotel was converted into apartments and the ballroom was repurposed into office space. Developers plan to remove the offices during the restoration of the ballroom, investing about $450,000 just in that space alone. When completed, it will hold about 300 people and fulfill a need for a downtown event center that can serve the public and surrounding areas.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com