The City of Knoxville is engaged in a comprehensive downtown revitalization process. A key element of the Revitalization Program involves the re-creation of Historic Downtown Knoxville. Many small Iowa cities have chosen this path and have seen many improvements in the appearance and image of their downtowns, increased civic pride, visitation, consumer spending, business investment and property values.
Rehabilitation of Downtown's commercial buildings and returning their upper stories to productive use plays a key role in this revitalization strategy. To this end, the City has created a Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Program to assist building owners in restoring the original brick facades of their buildings.
Downtown commercial building owners who are intending to improve their facades now have an opportunity to apply to the City for financial assistance. Maximum award in the form of matching 50% reimbursement grants up to $10,000 are available. The applications must be received by May 1, 2023, to be considered.