A proposed project that would return property in Des Moines to its original use as a hotel has been awarded $4.9 million from the state’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. The project was one of six in Iowa awarded more than $22 million in historic tax credits, the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced. In fall 2019, Des Moines developer Jake Christenen unveiled plans to restore property at 2525 Grand Ave. to a hotel. The property originally was a Howard Johnson motor lodge. It was converted to apartments. The project was put on hold when the pandemic began. To see the list of projects awarded tax credits, click here.