City Offers Former Community Center and $100,000 Grant

December 29, 2006

CITY OFFERS FORMER COMMUNITY CENTER AND $100,000
TO INTERESTED DEVELOPERS

The City of Hawarden is offering its former city hall and community center building at no cost.  The City will also contribute $100,000 or 1/3 of project costs to aid in the renovation of the historic structure.  Interested developers must submit a renovation and usage plan to Hawarden’s City Administrator for consideration.  A developer will be ultimately chosen by the City Council.  Proposals are currently being accepted and will be accepted until further notice. 

“The building was facing demolition, which was a significant cost to the community”, said Mayor Ric Porter.  “There is some great value for the community in saving the building as a historic treasure and as an anchor in our Main Street retail district,” he added.  The City Council decided to offer the cost of demolition as a grant to a developer willing to help the community save the facility. 

Many uses have been proposed for the facility, ranging from a distribution/warehouse or offices for a new business to a movie theater, to loft apartments and condominiums.  “We have begun a nationwide search for a someone with construction, real estate, or other backgrounds that may have the vision it takes to convert the building into a productive use for the community”, said Jason Metten, Hawarden’s City Administrator.  “We are working with several individuals but have not yet received any written proposals or plans”, said Metten. 

The former city hall is located at 715 Central Avenue.  It was originally built in 1917 and served as the Hawarden City Offices until 1980.  The building was used as a community center until 2004.  The building includes a total of almost 9,000 square feet of space including an open main level with hardwood floors and a stage at the west end and a lower level divided into office space. 

Interested developers should contact the Hawarden City Offices at (712) 551-2565 or 1-866-403-6460.  Details on the building are located at http://www.hawardendevelopment.com.