Independence hardware store awarded $600,000 housing grant

10 residences to be added

Brad and Kellie Cole took around the Independence store in June 2021. (Courtesy Buchanan County Financial Growth Commission)

The proprietors of an historic downtown Independence constructing gained a $600,000 Downtown Housing Grant to aid produce 10 residences on its 2nd floor.

The developing, made in 1914 and now a Hardware Hank store, is owned by Brad and Kellie Cole, who took around the Independence retailer in June 2021.

The grant is aspect of the Federal American Rescue Act Condition and Neighborhood Fiscal Relief resources.

The Downtown Housing Grant Method is part of the point out of Iowa’s “$100 million investment decision to increase the offer of housing options and grow housing prospects for Iowans to reside in or in close proximity to the communities wherever they do the job,” the Buchanan County Economic Development Commission said in a news release Friday.

The grant system is for communities with fewer than 30,000 residents.

“This grant continues the momentum that Independence has seen above the last couple of a long time with the revitalization of the historic downtown,” Lisa Kremer, Buchanan County Financial Improvement Commission govt director, said in the release.

“Since 2020, Independence has been the recipient of two Catalyst Grants, two (Community Development Block Grant) Facade Grants and now the Downtown Housing Grant. It is so fascinating to see all of the challenging perform that has been place into this group and county becoming rewarded.”

The Plymouth, Minn.-dependent Hardware Hank chain has close to 610 retailers.