Three development projects in Des Moines have been awarded more than $17.8 million through Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, the state agency announced.

The financial awards were part of more than $28.1 million allocated to historic revitalization projects from the tax credit program.

IEDA received 18 applications requesting nearly $39 million in tax credits during the most recent application round that opened in early January. Projects were evaluated based on readiness, financing and local support and participation.

“This program is about more than preserving buildings; it’s about bringing them back to life in ways that serve today’s communities,” Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority, said in a prepared statement. “These projects create housing, support local businesses and help ensure these historic places remain part of Iowa’s story for generations to come.”

Projects in Des Moines that received awards include:

• Two Ruan Center, 601 Locust St., which was awarded $15.63 million in tax credits. Office space in the building is being converted into 221 apartment units. The redevelopment by Ruan Redevelopment Partners LLC is expected to include the addition of fitness centers, coworking space, a bike wash and repair station, a rooftop lounge and covered indoor parking. Construction of the structure, originally known as the Carriers Building, was completed in 1982. The building’s name was changed to Two Ruan Center in 1986.
• Central Lutheran Church, 525 E. Ninth St., which was awarded, $1.1 million in tax credits. The nonprofit Starts Right Now is converting the historic building into 18 studio apartments and an alternative school for homeless youths.
• University of Commerce Building, 615 Euclid Ave., which was awarded just over $1 million in tax credits. Developer Brian Clark has proposed rehabilitating the two-story building including adding residential units as well as first-floor commercial space.

Projects in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, Sioux City and Davenport also received awards from the state tax credit program that encourages the rehabilitation of historic buildings while maintaining the architectural features that make them significant. All work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.