The Public House

Two housing projects were recently awarded grants from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. 

The Public House, located at 123 Chestnut Street, was announced as one of the recipients of a state Historical Preservation Tax Credit grant of $582,696 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The grant funds will be used for renovating the six upper story apartments as low to moderate income. The Historic Preservation Tax Credit is a grant that is from income tax credits and given to projects that rehabilitate historic buildings and preserve the character-defining features of the structure and ultimately improve the surrounding neighborhood and community. 

Co-owner Amanda Bills tells Raccoon Valley Radio the apartment project is nearing completion and once a certificate of occupancy is issued, the project will then shift to the first floor restaurant. 

Additionally, an IEDA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was awarded to Why Not Us, the private organization of women who own The Centennial, located at 100 East State Street, for $453,071 through the city of Jefferson. The funds will be used to build two one-bedroom apartments above the main floor restaurant for a total of $503,071 project. Following approval of the grant by the Jefferson City Council, Region XII Council of Governments – which is the grant administrator – indicated that the next steps would be to develop plans and specifications with Franks Design Group, and then bid the project later this summer.