The Iowa Economic Development Authority is awarding more than $23 million through the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program to revitalize 11 historic properties across the state. 

The most recent application round opened in July with $42,750,000 available for awards. IEDA received 23 applications requesting more than $49 million in tax credits. Projects were evaluated on readiness, financing, and local support and participation.

Awarded projects include: 

• Des Moines: Two projects were awarded in Des Moines. Repair of the single-family home known as the Coffin House received a $318,290 tax credit award. The other, Highland Park Fuel and Feed Co., involves converting a former office building into a restaurant and bar; its tax credit award is $555,259. 
• Cedar Rapids: Brucemore, Iowa’s only National Trust Historic Site, is restoring three early 1900s Servants’ Village structures: the Servants’ Duplex, Lord & Burnham Greenhouse and Bookbindery. The project aims to stabilize the buildings, repair exteriors and support ongoing public education, tours and cultural programming.
• Davenport: Completed last year, the rehabilitation of the 1910 J.F. Kelly Co. Warehouse transformed the building into Bucktown Lofts, offering 21 upper-story apartments and nine ground-floor commercial spaces. The project also addressed earlier restoration issues and ensured long-term structural stability.
• Jefferson: The former Jefferson High School, built in 1921, is being adapted into 25 modern apartments. The project will provide a mix of affordable and market-rate units to support workforce needs and downtown revitalization.
• Waterloo: The long-vacant 1925 Rath Packing Co. administration building, once the corporate headquarters for one of the nation’s largest meatpacking operations, is being rehabilitated into 87 affordable apartments. The $25 million project is expected to spur economic activity in the surrounding neighborhood.

A full list of awarded projects is available online.

“Historic preservation is economic development,” IEDA Director Debi Durham said in a news release. “When we restore these buildings, we’re protecting the stories and craftsmanship that shaped Iowa while creating new opportunities for housing, business growth and community vitality.”

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program provides a state income tax credit to encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings while maintaining the architectural features that make them significant. All work must meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by IEDA. The next application round for large projects opens in January, with applications due in mid-March. For more information, visit the program webpage.