Iowa City Launches 50/50 Grants for Commercial Building Upgrades

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa City is inviting commercial property owners and tenants to apply for financial assistance through its Building Change Grant Program (BCGP), a 50/50 matching grant designed to boost investment and modernization in key business districts.

The initiative supports upgrades that enhance both the functionality and appearance of buildings in the Downtown, Northside Marketplace, Riverfront Crossings and Towncrest Urban Renewal areas. According to city officials, the goal is to reinforce local identity while encouraging economic activity.

The program is intended to strengthen “the social, historic, commercial and cultural fabric of the community” by helping revitalize existing structures. Property owners or tenants — with owner approval — are eligible to apply.

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

The grant covers materials, equipment, and labor tied to improvements such as:

• Façade renovations, including upgrades to historic or non-historic exteriors and signage
• Accessibility enhancements like entryway adjustments, elevators or interior ADA-compliant modifications
• Reactivation of underutilized areas, including upper floors or vacant storefronts converted to residential or mixed-use space when permitted by code
• Energy-efficiency upgrades, such as improved HVAC systems, building automation, lighting, insulation, high-performance glass, reflective roofing, mechanical upgrades, alternative refrigerant systems, and solar installations

However, the city clarifies that solar installations alone are not eligible. They must be paired with other energy-efficiency improvements that directly reduce energy consumption.

Two Grant Tiers + Bonus Funding

The BCGP offers two tiers of support based on project scope:

Tier 1: Step Up

• Grants from $10,000 to $50,000
• Typically for projects between $20,000 and $100,000 in total cost
• No minimum cost required for accessibility or energy upgrades demonstrating meaningful impact
• Ideal for façade renovations, accessibility improvements, or activating unused space

Tier 2: Power Up

• Funding up to $100,000
• Reserved for projects incorporating energy-efficiency improvements
• No minimum project cost if focused solely on energy or accessibility enhancements

Add-On: CoSign+ (Exclusive to Downtown District)

‍Businesses in the Downtown District planning signage, awnings or lighting enhancements can also apply to CoSign+, a separate assistance program.
If approved, CoSign+ funds can be applied toward the applicant’s required 50% match for the Building Change Grant, reducing out-of-pocket costs even further.

Expert Support Available

During the application window, applicants can access free architectural consultations by appointment at the MERGE Business Resource Center (136 S. Dubuque St.). Business advisers will also host standard consultation sessions to help applicants refine their proposals.

Deadline Approaching

Applications must be submitted online by 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17.

Originally reported by CBJ News Staff in Corridor Business