Pictured are members of The Browns from a photo taken earlier this year when the Le Mars based musical family won the local Open 4 Business competition. From left to right: Andrew Brown, Shelly Brown, Rich Ziettlow with Le Mars Main Street organization, Michaela Brown and Adam Brown.
(Des Moines) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority on Wednesday awarded $933,300 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 14 different communities around the state. One of those grants was given to a Le Mars Business. The musical
family group, The Browns, were awarded $75,000 for plans to convert the upper level of the Century Events Center into a five room, and two suites “Bed and Breakfast.” The total cost of the project is estimated to cost $314,530.
Michaela Brown says she is thankful for the city of Le Mars, and to the Le Mars Main Street organization with their assistance in writing and securing the state grant.
Mary Reynolds with the Le Mars Main Street Organization explains the formula for the grant, and explains how the matching challenge grant involves a commitment
from the city, state, and from the Browns themselves.
Reynolds says the city of Le Mars and many businesses have benefited from the Main Street of Iowa challenge grants. Three businesses have been a past recipient of the challenge grant.
The Challenge Grant program is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature. Since the first appropriation in 2002 through 2016, approximately $6.8 million in state and federal funds have leveraged over $45 million of private reinvestment. Over the life of the program, 138 projects in 49 Main Street Iowa commercial districts across the state have received funding. In the past, Le Mars has received the same challenge grants for the renovation of the American Legion Hall, Beauty College, and Claussen’s. Michaela Brown says construction will begin once all the contracts are signed and completed. She is hopeful the Bed and Breakfast will be open for business sometime during the
summer of 2018.
