Improvements to downtown buildings continues with recent grants

The city is continuing to reinvest in the property and businesses in the downtown district with two new buildings receiving micro-grant funding.

The buildings at 119 W. Second St. N. and 123 W. Second St. N., were approved for almost $7,000 in improvements by city council at its recent meeting.

119 W. Second St. N.

Historically known as the Keith & McLaughlin Jewelers property, it retains and generally high level of historic integrity of the mid-twentieth century modernization movement in Newton, city administrator Matt Muckler said.

“The present façade is considered historic and its level of integrity as it relates to design, workmanship and materials is high,” Muckler said. “As it relates to integrity of location, setting, and association, the building contributes to the integrity of the feeling created by the generally intact commercial district found in Newton.”

The approved work includes replacing three panel window units on the front façade’s second level. The vinyl window will preserve the current opening of the building. The exterior frame will be a bronze color, which aligns with the Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines.

A total of $1,978 was approved for the project with a 1:1 match from the owner.

123 W. Second St. N.

While the building is not considered a contributing structure to the Newton Downtown Historic District, mainly due to significant changes to the building in 1977, it does retain strong mid-century modern integrity. Originally built in 1955, vertical panels were added between 1966 and 1968 with a secondary façade finished in brick around 1977. Several sections of the building were also torn down and rebuilt through the years, bringing it to its current structure.

To keep the building in its best form, it was approved to replace eight of the tinted glass panes in the grid portion of the front of the building, replace the front entry doors and replace the front upper level window. To help cover the cost, $5,000 was approved to be used towards the updates. The total project costs, excluding an interior door improvement, is $11,732.

“It is important to continue to preserve this primary façade as it helps tell the story of the development of Newton’s downtown,” Muckler said.

To date, including the two most recent grants, $84,821 in funds have been awarded to businesses in the downtown area. Private investment into downtown properties totals more than $145,000.

Following the recent grants, just more than $15,000 remains in the Downtown Micro-Grant fund, which started with $100,000 in 2016.

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