MASON CITY, IA - There’s a lot in downtown Charles City that’s been empty more than twenty years. Charles City Chamber of Commerce Director Veronica Litterer says a historic hotel once stood there but it fell victim to a fire. Now the land sits as an eyesore in the community."There are actually four lots there that have been owned by different parties over the last 20 years."
But in the last five years there's been a lot of discussion on how to fill the empty skyline. Now, with the help of I-Jobs money, there’s a plan.
"We just really haven't up until now been able to secure financing and make all of the pieces fit together, it was a matter of waiting for the right time."
Developers are hoping to build a three story building. The first floor plan includes space for new businesses and the top two floors are set to house people. Litterer says downtown apartments are growing in popularity.
"Hopefully it will help attract some people to our downtown for living and shopping and coming to our events."
Litterer says they are getting $700 thousand from I-Jobs and the project is going to cost more than $2 million. But that amount is enough to get things moving
"There is going to be a bit of other financing coming in to play through other programs as well as some personal financing through an investment group."
She says the next step within two months is to get the construction documents finalized and get the city council to approve them.
"Then they'll have an 18 month window for construction on the property, so definitely looking for a quick turnaround from the construction standpoint."
The city believes the project is also inspiring to other potential developers in the area.
"We are really hopeful that this type of project will spur on other developments both in the commercial sector and in the housing."
An effort to improve Main Street for "America’s Home Town."
