Letters of Designation to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for Local Grayfield Tax Credit ProjectsCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE:
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
Staff Memo
Letters of Designation
Copyrighted
September 3, 2024
Consent Items # 011.
Letters of Designation to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for
Local Grayfield Tax Credit Projects
City Manager transmitting letters provided to local developers to
accompany their applications to the Iowa Economic Development
Authority (I EDA).
Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
Type
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AIFberka city
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Letters of Designation to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for
Local Grayfield Tax Credit Projects
DATE: August 28, 2024
Economic Development Director Jill Connors is transmitting letters provided to local
developers to accompany their applications to the Iowa Economic Development
Authority (IEDA).
As part of their application, developers are required to provide a letter from the
municipality confirming the project meets the definition of a grayfield. Economic
Development staff have prepared such letters for the proposed projects at the following
addresses:
• 125 W. 9th Street
• 408 W. 5th Street
• 902 Main Street
• 925-955 Jackson Street
• 1065 Jackson Street
• 1527 Central Avenue
• 1701 Central Avenue
/--
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'lI
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jill M. Connors, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Letters of Designation to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for
Local Grayfield Tax Credit Projects
DATE: August 26, 2024
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to transmit to City Council letters provided to local
developers to accompany their applications to the Iowa Economic Development Authority
(IEDA).
BACKGROUND
The IEDA administers a program designed to financially assist projects that redevelop
brownfield and grayfield sites. Iowa code defines a grayfield site as an industrial or
commercial property meeting all of the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the property,
including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or more
of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25 percent
or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
DISCUSSION
As part of their application, developers are required to provide a letter from the municipality
confirming the project meets the definition of a grayfield. Economic Development staff have
prepared such letters for the proposed projects at the following addresses:
• 125 W. 9th Street
• 408 W. 5th Street
• 902 Main Street
• 925-955 Jackson Street
• 1065 Jackson Street
• 1527 Central Avenue
• 1701 Central Avenue
RECOMMENDATION
This memorandum is for communication purposes only.
2
Dubuque
AO -Merin city
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 22010073.20201172
August 20, 2024
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Attn: Matt Rasmussen
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Dear Iowa Economic Development Authority,
Economic Development Department
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Grayfield Certification for Henry Stout Apartments Site at 125 W 9th
Street, Dubuque, Iowa
I have reviewed the definition of a Grayfield site as specified in Section 15.291 of Iowa
Administrative Code, "Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment" (updated as of
December 22, 2023). The Henry Stout Apartments Building at 125 W 9th Street in
Dubuque, IA (the "City"), meets the requirements of a Grayfield site.
The Henry Stout Apartments is a 33-unit complex serving 40, 50, and 60% AMI seniors
over 50. It sits in the heart of Dubuque's downtown business district within walking
distance to Main Street, the Historic Millwork District, and all downtown amenities. It is
surrounded by rich arts, culture, and business scenes and serves as a gateway along
the critical 9th street corridor. The building itself is the historic Dubuque YMCA,
originally built in 1894 and 1916. The space that once served the youth of the
community to stay fit and connected to each other, now serves some of the most in
need.
Since its original renovation, the building has experienced a steady decline in quality
and care. This ultimately led to a brick work project that led to the discovery of
significant structural concerns on the 4th floor of the 1916 building. In April of 2023,
Gronen purchased the building and took on the burden of restoring and rebuilding.
Through a 3-phase approach, they have laid out a path forward which would ensure that
the residents are given homes that they can afford and be proud of. Three structural
assessments and countless manpower hours later, the building is currently dry and is
stable, but still requires extensive rehabilitation.
The first phase is stabilization of the building. This included significant masonry work,
including rebuilding two exterior walls for an entire floor, as well as addressing other
weatherization issues including replacing the roof and adding the code required roof
drains. Work on the first phase is nearing completion, with the only remaining work to
be completed related to the replacement of the roof.
The second phase includes the exterior masonry and openings work. This includes
retuckpointing, brick replacement where necessary, and replacing the failed wood
windows throughout the project.
The third phase is the interior renovation. This would include top to bottom finish
updates for all the units as well as the common spaces. Special attention is being given
to the population that this building serves, so our intent is to add lighting in the halls as
well as updating 8 units to comply with accessibility requirements.
All this work is organized and phased in order to give each of the residents a home they
can live in as long as they can and one that they can be proud of. Many of the existing
residents have called this place home for many years and have struggled with the state
it currently sits. The opportunities for this project to create lasting change and fully fulfill
its purpose can be accomplished, but without support, the developer can only address
so much.
I do certify that the City of Dubuque believes the Henry Stout Apartments Building
meets the Grayfield requirements as stated in Section 15.291 of Iowa Administrative
Code.
Sincerely,
Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
August 26, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'(lI
, 11,
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for Plastic Center, Inc. and their project at 408 W. 5th St.,
Dubuque
The City of Dubuque has received notification from Plastic Center, Inc. of their intent to
submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial assistance
to redevelop 408 W. 5th St., Dubuque, IA, which is an underutilized residential building.
As part of their application, Plastic Center, Inc. has requested a letter from the City of
Dubuque indicating whether the subject property at 408 W. 5th St. is located on a qualified
Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—chapter 65, "Brownfield
and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the property,
including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or more
of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25 percent
or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 408 W. 5th Street is a qualified
Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The building was built in the 1890s as a residential building.
2. The building has been 90% unoccupied for several years.
3. The property has not seen significant improvements since selected renovations in the
1950s, which would now be considered obsolete.
The City looks forward to productive use of this property, as it will provide 9 much -needed
additional residential rental housing units in the heart of downtown which will help continue
the revitalization of downtown Dubuque.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-4213.
Sincerely,
Jill M. Connors
Economic Development Director
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
July 16, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'lI
, 11,
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for FEH Design Office Remodel — 902 Main Street,
Dubuque, IA
The City of Dubuque has received notification from FEH Design of its intent to submit an
application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial assistance to
redevelop 902 Main Street, Dubuque, IA, which is vacant commercial building.
As part of its application, FEH Design has requested a letter from the City of Dubuque
indicating whether the subject property at 902 Main Street is located on a qualified
Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—chapter 65,
"Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the
property, including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or
more of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25
percent or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 902 Main Street is a qualified
Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The property is a commercial building built in 1900.
2. The building has been largely vacant for the past 30 years despite changes in
ownership and completely vacant since 2016.
3. The property has not seen significant improvements since at least the 1990s,
which improvements would now be considered obsolete.
The City looks forward to a productive use of this property, as it will restore the
architectural integrity of the structure while generating new commercial space in an
underutilized block of the business district. Overall, the project will significantly
contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown Dubuque.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-
4105.
Sincerely,
/cA/vv Hatch
Ian C. Hatch
Assistant Economic Development Director
City of Dubuque, Iowa
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
July 16, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'lI
, 11,
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for Millwork Distilling Co. — 925 & 955 Jackson Street,
Dubuque, IA
The City of Dubuque has received notification from Millwork Distilling Co. of its intent to
submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial
assistance to redevelop 925 & 955 Jackson Street, Dubuque, IA, which is vacant
commercial building.
As part of its application, Millwork Distilling Co. has requested a letter from the City of
Dubuque indicating whether the subject property at 925 & 955 Jackson Street is located
on a qualified Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—
chapter 65, "Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the
property, including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or
more of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25
percent or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 925 & 955 Jackson Street is a
qualified Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The wood frame metal sided structure was built in 1900 and the brick structure
was built in 1909.
2. The building has been largely vacant since at least the 1990s.
3. The property has not seen significant improvements since at least the 1990s,
which improvements would now be considered obsolete.
The City looks forward to a productive use of this property, as it will preserve the history
and architecture of the neighborhood while creating a commercial space that is
community oriented and filling a need that is missing in our market. Overall, the project
will significantly contribute to the continued revitalization of the Historic Millwork District
in the City of Dubuque.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-
4105.
Sincerely,
I ct4 i }{ Gitch
Ian C. Hatch
Assistant Economic Development Director
City of Dubuque, Iowa
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
August 14, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
AII•America City
II I I le r
2007*2012*2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for Millwork Flats, L.L.C. — 1065 Jackson Street, Dubuque,
IA
The City of Dubuque has received notification from Millwork Flats, L.L.C. of its intent to
submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial
assistance to redevelop 1065 Jackson Street, Dubuque, IA, which is largely vacant
commercial building.
As part of its application, Millwork Flats, L.L.C. has requested a letter from the City of
Dubuque indicating whether the subject property at 1065 Jackson Street is located on a
qualified Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—chapter 65,
"Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the
property, including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or
more of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25
percent or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 1065 Jackson Street is a qualified
Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The property served as an industrial lumber yard and storage building for over
100 years before being vacated in 2014.
2. The structure is largely vacant with over 85% of the space unoccupied and
rendered unusable for nearly 10 years.
3. The building lacks essential infrastructure including electrical, plumbing,
mechanical systems, and a proper building envelope, such as insulation and structural
integrity. What infrastructure does exist within the building is more than 25 years old,
and no substantial improvements have been made in that time.
The City looks forward to a productive use of this property. The property occupies
nearly an entire block and serves as a critical entry point to the Millwork District, a
thriving area in need of continued revitalization. The current state of the building makes
it highly likely to remain obsolete and blighted, negatively impacting the district's
progress. Redeveloping this site is essential to maintain the quality and consistency of
adaptive reuse demonstrated throughout the district. The existing structure's condition
presents significant challenges for any developer to repurpose it in a way that matches
the district's ongoing revitalization efforts.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-
4105.
Sincerely,
IGt4iHGitch
Ian C. Hatch
Assistant Economic Development Director
City of Dubuque, Iowa
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
August 26, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'(lI
, 11,
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for Corridordbq, LLC and their project at 1527 Central Avenue,
Dubuque
The City of Dubuque has received notification from Corridordbq, LLC of their intent to
submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial assistance
to redevelop 1527 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA, which is an underutilized mixed -use
commercial/residential building.
As part of their application, Corridordbq, LLC has requested a letter from the City of
Dubuque indicating whether the subject property at 1527 Central Avenue is located on a
qualified Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—chapter 65,
"Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the property,
including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or more
of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25 percent
or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 1527 Central Avenue is a qualified
Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The building was built in the 1880s as a mixed -use commercial/retail/residential
building.
2. The building has been more than 45% unoccupied for several years.
3. The property has not seen significant improvements since selected renovations in the
late 1960s-early 1970s, which would now be considered obsolete.
The City looks forward to productive use of this property, as it will provide 11 much -needed
additional residential rental housing units in the heart of downtown which will help continue
the revitalization of downtown Dubuque.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-4213.
Sincerely,
Jill M. Connors
Economic Development Director
2
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
August 26, 2024
Matt Rasmussen
Program Manager/CDB Administrator
Iowa Economic Development Authority
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
PH: 515.725.3126
Dubuque
All-Aeenn
%,IX rm:Ii'(lI
, 11,
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Economic Development
Department
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4763
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
RE: Financial Assistance for Dubuque Initiatives 1700 LLC and their project at 1701
Central Avenue, Dubuque
The City of Dubuque has received notification from Dubuque Initiatives 1700 LLC, of their
intent to submit an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for financial
assistance to redevelop 1701 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA, which is an underutilized
mixed use commercial/residential building.
As part of their application, Dubuque Initiatives 1700 LLC. has requested a letter from the
City of Dubuque indicating whether the subject property at 1701 Central Avenue is located
on a qualified Grayfield site as defined in Iowa Administrative Code section 261—chapter
65, "Brownfield and Grayfield Redevelopment".
Iowa code defines a grayfield site as "an industrial or commercial property meeting all of
the following requirements:
1. Infrastructure on the property is outdated or prevents an efficient use of the property,
including vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property.
2. Property improvements and infrastructure are at least 25 years old and one or more
of the following conditions exist:
• Thirty percent or more of a building located on the property is available for
occupancy and has been vacated or unoccupied for at least 12 months;
• Assessed value of improvements on the property has decreased by 25 percent
or more;
• The property is used as a parking lot;
• Improvements on the property no longer exist.
The City of Dubuque believes the property located at 1701 Central Avenue is a qualified
Grayfield site for the following reasons:
1. The building was built in 1895 as a mixed use commercial/residential building.
2. The building has been unoccupied for several years.
3. The property has not seen significant improvements since selected renovations in the
1970s, which would now be considered obsolete.
The City looks forward to productive use of this property, as it will provide 4 much -needed
additional residential rental housing units in the heart of downtown which will help continue
the revitalization of downtown Dubuque.
If there are questions that require further discussion, please contact me at 563-589-4213.
Sincerely,
Jill M. Connors
Economic Development Director
2