Stanton Community Director Jenna Ramsey reports the Stanton Area Industrial Foundation and the City of Stanton, are the first to complete a project that received funding from the Iowa Community Catalyst Building Remediation grant program. Renovation is complete on the Tarkio Masonic Lodge Building located at 312 Broad Avenue in downtown Stanton. The building now has an upper-story apartment which has already been rented to a young family. The Hair Company, a salon, has opened in one space on the main floor. The second space has been rented to a company that is currently located in Woodlands, Texas.

The building, constructed in 1878, was in good condition; however, the front façade needed an uplift with a historic, yet unique appeal, and the roof needed repair. The goal was to create one upper story moderate priced residential living unit with two commercial spaces on the ground level. All in effort to expand housing options, create downtown activity, expand business opportunities and become the catalyst spark needed to revitalize Stanton’s downtown.

The idea for this project stemmed from Creative Placemaking and Housing 360 initiatives that began early 2017. Volunteers raised $41,000 for the city of Stanton to participate in the unique Creative Placemaking process led by McClure Engineering. McClure conducted a Visioning Summit with 175 residents attending, which is an impressive 27.5% of the population. One of the outcomes was the identification of the Tarkio Masonic Lodge Building as an ideal re-purpose, mixed use project that would support both housing and main street revitalization.

Ramsey says “Stanton, a community of fewer than 700 people, has fostered $39 million in investments in the past 10 years. Armed with our plan, community support and a vast network of partners, we are poised to continue this momentum far into the future.” Shawnna Silvius, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Development Corporation wrote the grant application for the project and submitted it for the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program. As a result, the project was awarded the maximum amount of $100,000 in April, 2018.

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, congratulated City leaders, and residents of Stanton, “On the completed renovation of this historic building on their Main Street.” Durham said “Their thoughtful planning and active community participation are key elements in creating an environment where businesses and people can thrive.” The Community Catalyst Building Remediation grant program provides support for communities with the redevelopment, rehabilitation or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. The program is operated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

More information, including a video about Stanton is available at www.stantoniowa.com.