300 Main Street, Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Mon – Thurs 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 12 pm
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant to support the transformation of a historic property at 980 Main Street in downtown Dubuque. The project will convert an outdated strip mall-style building into Slanted Dubuque, the region's first indoor climbing facility, along with additional modernized storefronts. The owner of the building, Tom Rauen, is working with Annie Sharp, the co-owner of the gym.
"Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts," said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. "New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state."
This grant effort was led by Dubuque Main Street. Community members sit on the organization’s Economic Vitality Committee. The committee chose Rauen’s project out of ten submissions. The process includes a one-page interest letter, application, and property owner interviews. This is Dubuque Main Street’s 14th successful Challenge Grant application. The last award was to the Voice’s Studio building located at 1585 Central Avenue. These funded projects total 1.189 million dollars.
The renovation project will restore individuality to multiple storefronts while maintaining the building's historical significance. As the only indoor climbing facility within a 99-mile radius, Slanted Dubuque will serve as a unique recreational destination, creating new jobs and promoting community wellness. The project includes comprehensive updates to ensure ADA compliance and maintain the building's existing commitment to sustainability, showcased by its 2014 solar array installation.
"This investment in downtown revitalization projects often creates a ripple effect, building momentum that inspires further collaboration and development," said Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. "Transforming community centers back into vibrant hubs of activity drives significant economic impact and enhances the quality of life for Iowans who live there."
The grant is part of a larger initiative that has awarded more than $15.5 million in funds since 2002, leveraging over $70.5 million in private investment. This year's program will distribute matching grants to ten Main Street programs across Iowa, with total project costs estimated at more than $3.3 million.
Dubuque Main Street | 1069 Main Street | Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563.588.4400 | Fax: 563.588.0645
www.dubuquemainstreet.org
The 980 Main Street project stands at a crucial intersection of six districts in downtown Dubuque, positioning it to catalyze further economic development while preserving the area's architectural heritage.
For more information about downtown Dubuque revitalization efforts, visit www.dubuquemainstreet.org.
For more information about the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program, contact Sarah Lembke at 515.348.6181 or sarah.lembke@iowaeda.com.
