WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) - The Webster City Council has approved the purchase of a historic downtown building with plans to restore the structure’s facade.
The City Council approved the $40,000 purchase of the former Elks Club building Monday, The Messenger reported . The two-story building was built in 1906.
A recent engineering inspection found that the building was structurally sound but its facade needs work to prevent moisture damage, said Lindsay Henderson, the city’s community vitality director. Those repairs may get funding from Community Development Block Grant funds, she said.
“The Iowa Economic Development Authority has given us the directive to spend down some CDBG funds that we’ve had for some time,” she said.
About 30 percent of the grant can be used for “slum and blight elimination,” Henderson said. Those funds can be applied on a spot or area basis, must be used for full facade restoration and can’t fund interior rehabilitation.
Councilman Logan Welch voted to approve the purchase.
“It just makes sense for the city to acquire this piece of property for historical reasons and downtown reasons,” Welch said.
Councilman Jim Talbot was the lone vote against the purchase. He said his reservations stemmed from the city’s previous forays into real estate.
The building is currently owned by resident Merlyn Tungesvik, who has agreed to move her belongings out by Sept. 3, Henderson said.
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Information from: The Messenger, http://www.messengernews.net
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