Awards will support historic building rehabilitation, housing and commercial space across six Iowa communities
DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 2, 2026) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded more than $18.5 million in State Historic Preservation Tax Credits to support the rehabilitation of eight historic properties across Iowa.
The projects are located in Burlington, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Ottumwa and Waterloo. Together, they will help return historic buildings to productive use while preserving architectural features and supporting community revitalization.
The application round opened in July and attracted 16 applications requesting nearly $51 million in tax credits. IEDA evaluated proposals based on project readiness, financing, and local support and participation.
“I love seeing these historic buildings find a new purpose and continue to be part of their neighborhoods,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “Whether they’re creating new places to live, opening doors for small businesses or bringing activity back to downtown, these projects show how we can preserve what makes our communities special while making room for what comes next.”
Historic Rehabilitation Projects Add Housing and Business Space
Among the eight properties receiving support, four highlighted projects demonstrate how historic preservation can address housing needs, reactivate storefronts and create updated office space.
Burlington: Former High School to Become Affordable Senior Housing
The former Burlington High School is being converted into 45 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents age 55 and older.
Opened in 1910, the building later housed Apollo Middle School and an alternative high school before remaining vacant for decades. It was named one of Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties in 2017 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
The redevelopment supports ongoing revitalization in the Saunderson Heights neighborhood, where a formal neighborhood plan became part of Burlington’s comprehensive plan in 1998.
Des Moines: Historic Warehouse Returns to Use as Offices
The Davidson Bros. Company Warehouse in downtown Des Moines is being rehabilitated into office space.
Constructed in 1901 for a wholesale grocery business, the property later accommodated offices and furniture-related retail operations. Following years of declining occupancy, the building became vacant.
Rehabilitation includes masonry repairs, replacement windows, updated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and improved life-safety features. The warehouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
Dubuque: Sullivan Block Rehabilitation Restores Apartments
Completed in August, the rehabilitation of the James M. Sullivan Block has returned nine apartments to use while preserving the building’s historic character.
Originally constructed in 1896 as three multistory rowhouses, the property was later divided into 18 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Most units had been vacant for years and were no longer rentable before the project began.
Work restored original porches, removed later additions and repaired masonry, contributing to the surrounding historic district and local housing supply.
Iowa City: Union Bakery Project Reactivates Historic Storefronts
In Iowa City’s Northside neighborhood, the Union Bakery building is being rehabilitated for commercial and residential use.
Two renovated ground-floor commercial spaces have welcomed new small businesses, bringing activity to storefronts that had been vacant for years. The spaces offer smaller, more affordable locations for business owners.
The project also includes 12 apartments under construction on the upper two floors, along with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety upgrades.
Built in 1862, Union Bakery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program
Administered by IEDA, the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program offers a state income tax credit to encourage historic building rehabilitation while retaining significant architectural features. All rehabilitation work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The next application round will open in January 2027, with applications due in March 2027.
For program information, visit the Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit webpage.
