City of Ames recently issued the following announcement.
The Ames Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was awarded a $14,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA).
The IDCA announced the grants recently as part of its commitment to investing in projects to preserve the state’s historical assets.
Fourteen historic preservation projects across Iowa received $118,626 in grants through the IDCA’s State Historic Preservation Office Certified Local Government program.
The Ames grant will be used to complete an intensive level survey of up to 107 properties in the city’s Chautauqua Park and Ridgewood subdivisions.
This would consist of neighborhoods near Brookside Park, north of Sixth Street and west of the railroad tracks, including parts of Ridgewood and Brookridge avenues.
The project would be administered primarily by three members of the HPC and use Iowa State University students to complete the surveys.
The students will complete a historic context, research primary source documents, photograph all resources, and complete State of Iowa inventory forms for all properties in the project area.
All grant-funded activities will be under the supervision of three Historic Preservation Commission members.
“Our Commission is delighted to receive funding that will result in a detailed inventory of this historic part of our community,” said Eloise Sahlstrom, planner with the Ames Planning and Housing Department.
“Capturing the data now helps us accurately preserve the history of these historic Ames neighborhoods.”
Iowa has one of the largest Certified Local Government programs in the country, with 90 cities and counties that rely on this state-local partnership for training and technical assistance to stabilize historic neighborhoods and revitalize downtowns.
Through this program, the State Historic Preservation Office collaborates with local governments on preserving historic properties, establishing historic preservation commissions, and enacting supportive local codes and ordinances.
“This program offers opportunities for local leaders to preserve and develop the historic character of their communities,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Chris Kramer said. “It’s an effective tool that places historic preservation at the center of placemaking efforts that create more culturally vibrant places to live, work and raise families.”
For more information about the Ames Historic Preservation Commission, go to https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/planning/historic-preservation
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Ames
