December 29, 2025
(Shenandoah) — Property owners in and around Shenandoah can learn more about a catalyst grant program aimed at renovations for vacant downtown buildings.
Vision Shenandoah’s Downtown Dream Team is hosting an information session on the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Community Catalyst Grant Program on Tuesday, January 6th, at 6 p.m. at the Shenandoah Public Library auditorium. Each year, cities in Iowa can submit one application to the state, seeking a catalyst grant of up to $100,000. Applications can include one commercial building per community or two adjacent buildings with the same ownership. Vision Shenandoah Executive Director Margaret Brady tells KMA News that while the group was initially formed to assist with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation’s “Revitalize Southwest Iowa” initiative, one of their goals is also to help connect residents with additional funding opportunities.
“Where I thought it would be helpful is for people to learn more about what types of projects would be good for that community catalyst grant,” said Brady. “One of our goals at Vision Shenandoah is to not only work with the fabulous Southwest Iowa Lakin Initiative, but to get people connected with other grant programs. So, we thought this would be a great idea to have a learning session.”
Brady says attendees will be able to watch the same video used during the state’s Community Catalyst Training session, along with details on the city of Shenandoah’s application process. One main point, Brady says, is that the program targets specific types of projects–primarily vacant downtown commercial buildings in need of renovation and historic restoration.
“So they’re looking for, like what we tried to do with the Johnson Brothers Mill Building, maintaining the outward appearance or keep the windows the same size with the same look,” Brady explained. “Maybe it’s exposing a tin ceiling or keep some of the features that are in that historical building. So, those are some of the things they’re looking for.”
She adds there would then be a couple of weeks to relay any questions from residents to the IEDA. Brady notes that, because it is a catalyst program, the state agency is also seeking projects that will bring new businesses to the downtown area.
“So they want that street level to be some kind of retail space or something that’s going to have a lot foot traffic in and out and then they’re looking to put upper story housing in the upstairs to help owners of those buildings have a secondary income,” said Brady. “Because we know those buildings are expensive and they can keep those buildings alive with some extra income.”
Brady notes that while the project can receive up to a $100,000 grant, the building owner is still expected to fund around 60% of the total project cost. She adds that the community catalyst program is also “near to her heart” after she received funding for the work on the former Johnson Brothers Mill Building along Sheridan Avenue, which now functions as “The Mill.”
“I was awarded an emergency community catalyst grant to work on the Johnson Brothers Mill Building, so that has been a huge help along with the city’s TIF money that they put in and the money and what the Johnson family put in,” she said. “That allowed us to save that big old building and get started on the journey to make it into something more.”
Cities are also required to provide financial or “in-kind” resources for the project. Applications in Shenandoah are due at City Hall by 10 a.m. on January 24th. Those wishing to apply can contact the city at 712-246-4411. Brady notes that the information session is open to residents throughout southwest Iowa. But she said residents would need to follow up with their respective city halls for specific application details.
