Building Owner Resources

1. Design Assistance

   A design consultation with a Main Street Iowa architect can lower overall project costs, illustrate what your ideas will look like when completed, solicit advice from a design professional with experience working on old buildings, initiate the process of applying for Historic Preservation Tax Credits, or strengthen your application for a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant.

2. Downtown Improvement Grant Program

   The City of Newton and Newton Main Street have partnered to provide a façade improvement grant program for buildings in the Newton Main Street District. Eligible projects include: sign placement or sign removal, non-historic façade removal, façade rehabilitation, painting or paint removal, awning or awning removal and architectural fees.

3. Building Design Guidelines

   Newton Main Street and the City of Newton worked with consulting architecture firm Bergland & Cram to create voluntary design guidelines for Newton Main Street District buildings. The guidelines highlight principles of historic preservation and preservation strategies to meet the needs of Newton Main Street District buildings.

4. Historic Preservation Tax Credits

   In 2014, Newton’s downtown was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation brings financial incentives for district building owners. Substantial renovations of historic buildings within a National Register district can receive state and federal historic preservation tax credits.