OSKALOOSA —
Members of the Oskaloosa Downtown Development Group celebrated the restoration of a historic Oskaloosa landmark with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon.
The ODD Group purchased the buildings at 114 High Ave. W. in 2005 for restoration. Phase One of the restoration will add six apartments and 7,200 square feet of commercial space. A second phase of the restoration will add additional living and meeting space.
The cost of the restoration is $5 million.
“It’s a big day for all of us,” ODD Group Vice President Jim Hansen said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Hansen said the restoration project was funded through a variety of grants. The project received a $1 million grant from Housing and Urban Development, an $800,0000 Main Street Iowa grant, an $80,000 Iowa Jobs Main Street grant, a $50,000 grant from the Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund and several tax credits. The remainder of the funds came from a bank loan, in-kind contributions from businesses and volunteers.
Hansen thanked businesses and organizations for their efforts in the restoration project.
Hansen also paid tribute to the intellectual godfather of the project — Chuck Russell.
“He was our leader in terms of historic preservation,” Hansen said. “He came up with the name of ‘Trolley Place.’
“It couldn’t be more aptly named,” he added.
Trolley Place is named for the hub of trolley lines — both horse-drawn and electric — that served downtown Oskaloosa beginning in the late 1800s.
Members of the ODD Group then cut a yellow ribbon to open Trolley Place for tours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
CNHI/Southeast Iowa
Related Photos
-
Members of the Oskaloosa Downtown Development Group cut a ribbon to open Trolley Place for tours Thursday afternoon. Herald photo by Duane Nollen
Discussion
Restoration recognition in downtown Osky
- CNHI/Southeast Iowa
-
-
Photos: Aftermath of massive tornado in Moore
Storm victims were pulled from the rubble and residents began surveying the damage late Monday and early Tuesday in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, where a powerful tornado destroyed entire neighborhoods and left dozens dead.
-
Where to get the best deal on beer, haircuts, movies
Looking for a good deal on a six-pack of beer? Try Charlotte. A haircut that won't burn a hole in your wallet? Harlingen, Texas, is your best bet. A trip to the movies? Hilo, Hawaii, is supposed to be nice this time of year.
-
VIDEO: Tornado survivor's missing dog found during TV interview
Barbara Garcia was being interviewed by CBS News about how she survived the destruction of her home to Monday's massive tornado in Moore, when the dog she feared dead was suddenly discovered alive in the rubble of her home.
-
Barber shows no signs of cutting career short
OTTUMWA -- Darrell Smith's hands are steady and sure as he picks up his clippers and straight razor to begin his first haircut and shave of the day. Smith, 88, has cut hair for 62 years and has owned Smitty's Barber Shop on Albia Road for the past 58
-
Okla. front pages capture tornado aftermath
View how several Oklahoma newspapers covered Monday's massive tornado in Moore. Please note that officials revised the death toll downward early Tuesday morning after some papers were printed, but it is expected to climb again as recovery efforts continue.
-
Corn planting soars on break in the weather
The percentage of corn planted in Iowa grew by more than 50 percentage points last week with what experts called the first really good week of weather for farmers.
-
VIDEO: Pres. Obama's remarks on the Okla. tornado
President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.
-
69-year-old leads deputies on high speed chase
A homeless man driving a stolen vehicle May 15 in Appanoose County at 2:30 a.m. in an attempt to elude law enforcement rammed the pursuing patrol car and is now facing five class D felony charges. Roy Steed Cope, 69, has been charged by the Appanoose
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
- More CNHI/Southeast Iowa Headlines
-
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
