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Two downtown Luverne buildings will be improved with help from the city’s Historic Facade Improvement Program.
At their Sept. 14 meeting, members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved funds for John Bowron’s building on East Lincoln Street and for Luverne Counseling LLC on West Main Street.
306 E. Lincoln Street
Bowron, doing business as Prairie Heights Bison, submitted an application for a facade improvement project at 306 E. Lincoln Street.
The scope of work includes restoring and tuck pointing the brickwork on the front of the building; replacing the door and transom window as in original design; restoring one window bay similar to original design; and replacing signage with projecting sign and exterior lighting.
Bowron's project is estimated to cost $43,338 and he is applying for a grant in the amount of $15,168. He has chosen to forgo the loan portion of the program.
LEDA earlier this year approved a $5,000 commercial demolition grant for Bowron, who purchased the property from Big Top Tent Rental. He said the east 80 feet of the building is substandard and needs to be demolished.
Bowron also owns the adjacent building on the west side and is improving that structure to use as a vehicle rental storage business.
118 W. Main Street
Luverne Counseling LLC submitted an application for a facade improvement project at 118 W. Main Street.
The scope of work includes removing the shingled roof front facade; repairing brick and joints; tuck pointing existing brickwork; washing, priming, and painting; installing built up composite trim and dentils; replacing windows and doors; removing and rerouting AC from front facade; installing four awnings; and electrical work for three exterior lights.
The project is estimated to cost $76,800 and Luverne Counseling is applying for the maximum grant and loan allowed through the program — a $21,000 grant and a $21,000 loan. The business will invest $29,800 in owner equity.
The loan, at 2-percent interest, will be repaid over a period of seven years.
The Historic Façade Improvement Program was developed in 2014 to support the revitalization of Main Street and downtown Luverne while restoring buildings as closely as possible to their historic appearance from 1878-1948.
The city covers architectural costs for a professional design proposal to ensure projects align with the goal of a historic Main Street.
Funding provided through the program can be used for materials, construction, awnings, signage and lighting.
One-third of qualifying projects is paid by a grant, one-third by a low-interest loan, and one-third is owner equity.
The LEDA also approved a $5,000 Rural Business Assistance Loan to help with its facade improvements.
The loan (secured by personal guarantee) was approved at 0 percent interest for five years, with monthly payments starting in December 2020.