Oskaloosa CORE Downtown Improvement Grant Program

The Oskaloosa CORE Downtown Improvement Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative created by the City of Oskaloosa, Iowa, through its Development Services Department. The program, known as CORE, which stands for Community-Oriented Revitalization and Enhancement, is designed to support the preservation and revitalization of the city’s historic downtown built environment. The initiative reflects a broader municipal commitment to maintaining the architectural integrity and economic vitality of key historic districts, including the Downtown Commercial Square Historic District, the Oskaloosa Main Street District, and specific portions of High Avenue West. By incentivizing property owners and tenants to invest in façade and structural improvements, the program seeks to enhance both the visual character and long-term sustainability of downtown properties. The primary purpose of the grant program is to encourage exterior repairs, maintenance, restoration, and historically appropriate improvements to buildings within designated areas. Eligible activities include masonry restoration, window and door replacement, roof and foundation work, and the installation of architecturally appropriate storefront elements. The program also supports the removal of non-historic façade treatments and, in some cases, demolition of noncontributing structures when it leads to compliant new construction. Architectural and engineering services tied directly to eligible improvements are also supported. However, the program strictly excludes interior systems such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, as well as signage, landscaping, and new construction unrelated to preservation objectives. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with awards of up to 50000 dollars per property. The program requires cost sharing from applicants, typically a minimum 50 percent owner match for most construction-related activities and a 20 percent match for architectural or engineering services. This cost-sharing requirement ensures that property owners maintain a financial stake in the project while leveraging public funds to achieve community-wide benefits. All approved work must comply with local and state preservation standards and may require approval through a Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as applicable building permits. Eligibility is limited to property owners of taxable buildings within the designated districts, as well as tenants who have obtained written authorization from the property owner. Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes detailed elevation drawings, material and color samples where applicable, and at least two contractor quotes or a comprehensive cost estimate if the owner is self-performing the work. These requirements ensure that proposed projects are well-defined, feasible, and aligned with preservation standards prior to review. The application review process is multi-staged and involves both administrative and committee-level evaluation. Initial review is conducted by Development Services staff, followed by consideration by an economic development committee. Applicants are encouraged to participate in committee meetings to provide clarification or additional information. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as project readiness, completeness, building and community need, design quality, alignment with priorities, and overall appropriateness. The committee makes a recommendation within approximately 30 days, after which the City Council makes a final funding decision during a scheduled meeting. Once approved, projects must be completed within twelve months, and reimbursement is issued only after all work is satisfactorily finished and documented. While progress payments are not generally issued, projects may be divided into up to three phases for partial reimbursement consideration. The program operates in funding rounds, and availability of funds may vary; for example, as of June 2026, all funds for the current round had been fully allocated, with future application periods to be announced. Interested applicants are advised to monitor official city communications or contact the Development Services Department directly for updates regarding new funding cycles.

Ensure complete documentation and strong design alignment with historic preservation standards; prioritize project readiness and community impact