Newton Manufacturing building receives city grant

Since purchasing the former Newton Manufacturing Building in December, Newton Elite Properties has been hard at work filling it with new businesses. Another step is bringing the building back to life is improving the curb appeal of the building itself.

City council approved an economic development grant in an amount not to exceed $16,000 to the company for improvements to the exterior of the building to begin the process.

“The grant would be used to place awnings on the east and north side of the existing building,” city administrator Matt Muckler said. “Concrete repairs would also be done to the east side as well as improving the landscaping on the property.”

Muckler reviewed the history of the building with the council including how it sat empty when Newton Manufacturing left and a failed attempt to sell the building at a public auction. After Newton Elite Properties stepped up and purchased the building, the city wanted to show its support by improving the exterior aesthetics, which is a key objective in the city’s comprehensive plan, Muckler said.

“One of the things city staff talked about was going to bat for them at the council level and bring before you some sort of grant to help them improve their curb appeal,” Muckler said. “The awnings, as soon as the council approves it, they would get those on order and up. The concrete, I don’t know an exact schedule on that, but they would like to get that done this spring.”

He also said after conversations started with Newton Elite Properties, additional city staff members became aware of the project and started formulating other ways to help improve the property. Through those talks, the city came up with an idea to potentially improve the 12th Street corridor using additional funds beyond the approved grant.

“We figure, while they are going to go out and make these improvements, what we would like to do is to meet with Newton Elite Properties, bring in some staff members and see if there is anything we can do for the street side of things, whether a new curb or some landscaping, bring some additional city funds and push them towards this project to see if we can come up with something even better,” Muckler said. “If we just do what is on the paper, you will see something that is much better on that corner. I think if the city can bring some additional resources, we can make it even better.”

Muckler said if any further improvements beyond what was approved for the grant is anticipated, the council would get an update on the project and what work it includes.

“It is a visible location so it will be appreciated,” councilwoman Evelyn George said.

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