Four new Downtown Micro-Grant projects moving forward

Four new downtown building projects were approved for use of the city’s Downtown Micro-Grant Program.

The Courthouse Mall building, 128 N. Second Ave. E., 213 First Ave. W. and 205 First Ave. W. were all given the green light by city council to receive various renovations and updates to continue efforts to improve downtown aesthetics.

Courthouse Mall

Historically known as the Thriftway Grocery Store, the building located at 101 First Ave. E., was built in 1949 following the vacancy of the property after a fire in 1921. The building was occupied by the grocery store with a bowling alley in the basement until 1958. It then housed a Kresge store, the predecessor to K-Mart, Jupiter and C-Mart.

In the mid-1980s, the building was renamed Courthouse Mall and was converted to a mini-mall concept with space for several businesses.

The building has been under construction recently past with the removal of non-historic façade, installation of new windows and improvements to the brickwork. Michael Muta will receive a $2,500 grant for a new awning that will have the look of an awning from the mid-20th century in materials and design. The proposed awning will have a ridged profile, similar to what has been found in historical photos. The total project cost is $5,502.

128 N. Second Ave. E.

Having been renovated on five previous occasions, the building owned by Margaret Ellis is looking for a fresh look with a new coat of paint. Built in 1879, it saw its first remodel in 1905 with four more following in 1911, 1954, 1964 and 1979.

“The many renovations have so changed the building that it is not considered a contributing structure to the Downtown Historic District,” former city administrator Bob Knabel said. “Since it is not a historically significant structure, the consideration of this project is less about being true to the history of the building and more about ensuring that the proposed color is in harmony with the unpainted brick on the upper level of the façade as well as the other buildings within the block.”

Ellis will receive a $2,500 grant to pressure wash the building and repaint the painted areas with an exterior acrylic flat finish. She plans to retain the red awnings currently on the structure. The total projected cost for the project is $6,800.

The Grant Review Board, who reviews and approves applications prior to council approval, was supportive of the project but would like to verify and approve the final color selection to ensure the new colors fit within the context of the block and the building. Board member Marilyn Terlouw, a designer, offered assistance with the color selection at no cost to the project.

213 First Ave. W.

Originally constructed to house Daisy Lunch in 1954, the building at 213 First Ave. W. is considered a contributing resource to the Newton Downtown Historic District. Daisy Lunch remained the building until 1961 and an interior renovation took place in 1963 to house a series of photography studios.

“It retains a good level of historic integrity related to design, workmanship and materials. The Permastone facing and storefront glass set in metal framing are particularly important as these elements tie it to its mid-twentieth century construction period,” Knabel said.

Building owner Julia Prendergast will receive a $4,037 grant to replace the door, sidelights, transom window and additional windows. The total project cost is $8,075.

Prendergast originally proposed silver colored frames for the windows and doors but the review board found that dark, oil rubbed bronze color frames would be preferable for the building. The windows and doors will also preserve the original door/window opening sizes and improve the energy efficiency of the building.

205 First Ave. W.

Prendergast was also receive a $4,626 grant for a $9,253 project to replace the existing double doors and window at the Fine Things Reclaimed building. A part of the Town Square Mall building, the structure retains a good level of historic integrity related to design, workmanship and materials.

“The retention of the form, complete with the flat roof, Permastone facing, open expanse of storefront display glass set in metal framing and simple form of the second story window openings are particularly important as these elements tie it to its 20th century construction period,” Knabel said.

The building has had several improvements recently, including the removal of non-historic façade, installation of new windows and improvements to the brickwork.

Prendergast has taken steps to research the appearance of the building and provided an image from the 1960s to work from. The review board approved the update and welcomed the addition of a proposed new awning that honors the history of the building and provides a finished look on the northside of the building.

“This is exciting, it is exciting stuff,” councilwoman Lin Chapé said.

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