Mason Council accepts $59,500 historic-preservation grant for library window rehabilitation

The Mason City Council on Aug. 4 approved Resolution 2025‑37 to accept a $59,500 Certified Local Government award from the State Historic Preservation Office to fund partial window rehabilitation at the Mason Public Library.

Council members and staff said the grant will cover rehabilitation of about 10 windows as estimated by staff; the project’s full window rehabilitation estimate is $150,000. Staff told council the original project scope had targeted roughly 13 windows at an estimated project request of $75,000 with no city match, and that the city could provide a $15,500 match from fund balance to keep the larger scope if council preferred.

Staff recommended accepting the awarded $59,500 and reducing the project scope to match the grant so work could proceed without a city match. A city staff member said the $59,500 award would fund rehabilitation of approximately 10 windows and that the contractor-provided estimate is the basis for the up-to-10 figure; staff also noted the work has not been formally bid and the estimate is not a final contract price.

Council members asked for details about the per-window cost and what rehabilitation entails. Staff said historic rehabilitation requires stripping, lead‑paint remediation with specialized removal and containment, refurbishment of existing window frames, sealing and evaluation for possible storm windows, and work by a specialist in historic windows. A council member asked why a single window was estimated at about $6,000; staff attributed that to the specialized historic restoration, lead remediation and required containment and safety measures.

City staff also reminded council that the city will accept donations for public building projects and that multiple grants or fundraising efforts would be needed to complete full restoration of all windows. After discussion, council voted 7 to 0 to approve Resolution 2025‑37.

The resolution directs staff to accept the certified-local-government award and proceed with work scoped to the grant unless council later authorizes a city match or a larger scope; staff said they will pursue additional grant or fundraising opportunities to complete remaining windows.

The city did not provide a final construction bid during the meeting; staff said exact costs will be known only after competitive bids are solicited.