Le Mars approves $50,000 for downtown façade grant program, keeps $15,000 per-building cap

The Le Mars City Council on Aug. 19 approved a $50,000 contribution from economic development funds to continue the city’s façade grant program, which the council established in 2003 to encourage architectural restoration and improvements to commercial building facades.

Staff told the council the city last contributed $50,000 in 2024, and since the program’s inception the city has contributed just over $402,000. The program is matching in nature and has a cap of $15,000 per building. Staff said eligibility is limited to commercial buildings within the city; the geographic boundaries have been expanded from the original downtown area to include commercial buildings elsewhere in the city.

The council discussed a modification that resets the $15,000 maximum when a property changes ownership; staff explained the change is intended to encourage new owners to invest in buildings without being disqualified because a previous owner used some or all of the prior owner’s allocation. Staff also explained that if an owner uses only part of the $15,000 cap, the remaining amount is available after a three-year interval.

A motion to approve the proposed use of economic development funds for the façade program carried on a voice vote. Staff noted that all awards continue to be subject to approval by the Historic Preservation Commission and the program is intended to preserve historic character while helping downtown and citywide commercial development.