March 29, 2024

Former Newton City Hall building approved for micro-grant

The building historically known as the Newton City Hall and Fire Station will be getting an exterior makeover. Now housing E-Clips and the Art Junkie, the building at 225 First Ave. W. was approved for a Downtown Micro Grant in an amount up to $5,000.

Owner David Scott Creech submitted the grant request to replace the existing storefront windows and doors on the primary facade at the street level. The renovation will also include installing doors and windows that have frames in the oil-rubbed bronze color.

The building was constructed in approximately 1885, as a two-story brick structure. In about 1915, a one-story brick Permastone facade addition was completed adjoining on the south of the building.

“The facade of the Newton City Hall and Fire Station building reflects a mid-20th century modernization,” city administrator Matt Muckler said. “At that time, the building’s commercial Italianate details were removed and replaced by a monolithic, brick face reflective of the modern influences prevalent during that period.”

The storefront has a dual, off-set entrance, one for the main floor commercial space and one for the upper story, and a display area on the west that likely dates to the modernization. The upper story windows are simple, punched openings with concrete sills, Muckler said, and with no applied decorative elements, its visual character relies instead on simplicity and mass.

The building retains a generally high level of historic integrity related specifically to a significant modernization movement of the mid-20th century, which drastically altered the building’s facade, Mucker said. With the facade alteration dating back 50-plus years ago and because it reflects a significant period in the history of the community, the present facade is considered historic and its level of integrity as it relates to design, workmanship and materials is high.

The downtown grant review board approved a grant for the window and door replacement of up to $5,000, provided a 50 percent match requirement is met. It also approved of the bronze framing, which aligns with the Newton Historic District Design Guidelines.

The micro-grant program was established in 2015, as a way to encourage downtown property owners to reinvest in their property and businesses in accordance with the historic design guidelines. Since starting, more than $250,000 has been invested in the downtown, Newton Main Street Executive Director Graham Sullivan said.

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