–The City of Algona recently announced that they have been awarded a grant from the state of Iowa to help revitalize a building in the downtown area that has sat vacant for years. The $100,000 grant comes from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Community Catalyst program and will be directed to Algona business owner Luke Arrowood. Arrowood already uses the lower level of the former State Hotel Building for his Active Aging business, and he tells KLGA News his plans for the space include a storefront for Thul’s West River Meats.
Arrowood says he was looking for more space to offer a wider variety of workout opportunities to area residents and this space checks all those boxes.
When he realized that purchasing the building was an option, Arrowood says he began working with local officials, starting with Kossuth County Economic Development.
To go along with the state funding, the city of Algona has committed $100,000 in matching funds to assist the renovation. Arrowood says now it’s time to get to work.
Along with the improvements to the main floor and lower level, eventually the plan is to add apartments on the 2nd floor of the property, which formerly housed over 20 hotel rooms.
