Macedonia downtown revitalization projects near completion

December 28, 2021 | TS Bank

December 28, 2021 – A stroll down main street in Macedonia, Iowa will display newly painted storefronts and fresh tuck-point finishes over the coming months. Macedonia, Iowa received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in summer 2018 and the projects are expected to be completed by May 1, 2022.

This Iowa façade rehabilitation project grant helped restore and revitalize façades along the Main Street in Macedonia including The Painted Camel, The Pioneer Trail Museum, The Stempel Bird Museum, The Macedonia Historical Preservation Society, The Dye Building and TS Bank.

The Macedonia Historical Preservation Society book states the original Macedonia State Bank opened in July 1880 and was located in the Dye Store until 1894 when the Dye Store was rebuilt with the adjoining bank building. There was an interior door that joined the two businesses. The bank changed hands over the years before TS Bank purchased the bank building in 2000, remodeling the interior, bringing back some of the original look and feel, including removing a lowered ceiling and restoring arched windows. At that time, TS Bank’s only other location was the Treynor headquarters, 11 miles to the northwest.

The new bank façade boats a new historically-correct color scheme planned by Franks Design Company and was completed early this fall. At this time, four of the façade upgrades planned in Macedonia have been completed thus far, including The Stempel Bird Museum, The Pioneer Trail Museum, The Painted Camel and TS Bank.

"Macedonia is very proud of the progress being made on our downtown district. The Main Street revitalization project was funded through several important grants: a State of Iowa CDBG grant, an Iowa West grant, generous funds from Macedonia Hamilton Development and TS Bank. We hope to continue economic development progress in Macedonia. Thank you for the support we’ve received from all our citizens," said Susan Goos, Macedonia city council member.

The IEDA helped finance the project and other partners included sponsor/developer, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors; architect/engineer, The Franks Design Group; and contractor, Cornerstone Commercial Contractor. Specifically, the cost share analysis included 40% through Iowa West Foundation grant; 10% from participating building owners; and the remaining 50% through the Community Development Block Grant. Pottawattamie County received the original funds and then passed the monies to the cities of Carson and Macedonia.

According to IEDA website, the IEDA administers the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in all of Iowa’s incorporated cities and counties, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas. The downtown revitalization program is funded from through the CDBG program. This allows community leaders to use this program to rehabilitate blighted downtown buildings and the goals of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low and moderate income.

All projects must meet the national objectives as defined by HUD. A comprehensive building survey as well as a city resolution was necessary to meet this national objective at downtown revitalization project. Additionally, Carson, Iowa received funds for the CBDG grant program.

Macedonia is one of the oldest and most historic towns in southwest Iowa. Macedonia was first founded on the east side of the Nishnabotna River in 1846, because of frequent flooding and the coming of the CB&Q Railroad was moved to its present location in 1880. There are findings of the Mormon Trail winding through the town and nearby countryside.

TS Bank is a strong advocate for expanding businesses and helping communities grow. With its rich history in Macedonia, TS Bank is excited to be part of this next phase of growth and preservation and help spread the word out about the town’s new look. 

About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $380 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $218 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information, visit tsbank.com.