Main Street Lansing awarded Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant of more than $76,000
Funding of historical significance ... Laurie and Dave Janzen, owners of Lansing Hardware Hank on Main Street in Lansing, stand with Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper holding a check representing the $76,808 awarded to Main Street Lansing through the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The grant funding will be used to support a restoration project for five buildings occupied by Lansing Hardware Hank on Main Street, updating and unifying the buildings’ facades while incorporating some of their historic features. Submitted photo.
Restoring history, engaging the community ... Lansing Hardware Hank owners Laurie and Dave Janzen (center in above photo) hold their sign that states “2024 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant Funded Project” signifying the more than $76,000 that will be used to help support the renovation of their current store facade (pictured in the background above) to something more historically significant and unified as the proposed design pictured below. Pictured with the Janzens are members of Main Street Lansing’s Board of Directors (left to right surrounding the Janzens) Chris Troendle, Executive Director Jackie Cooper, Andrew Boddicker and Maryann Baldwin. Submitted photo.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities across Iowa. These grants aim to revitalize underused buildings and stimulate economic growth in historic main streets.
Main Street Lansing was awarded over $76,000 of that funding, which will support the restoration of Lansing Hardware, a long-standing cornerstone in the heart of Lansing’s historic downtown. Announcement of the grant was made at a Thursday, November 7 open house event.
Lansing Hardware occupies five connected buildings, built between 1868 and 1908, each with a unique history. This restoration project, led by owners Dave and Laurie Janzen, will focus on unifying the facade, restoring historic details, and refreshing the storefronts for an enhanced visual impact.
This investment ensures the long-term viability of Lansing Hardware and the five residences located above the store, while also providing a welcoming environment for community members and visitors alike.
ECONOMIC IMPACT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS
The Lansing Hardware revitalization will have a significant economic impact on Lansing. As one of the town’s primary hardware and appliance stores, it attracts shoppers from neighboring areas, some of whom travel up to 45 minutes due to limited alternatives. This local business offers essential goods and personalized service that larger, distant retailers cannot provide.
The facade improvements and energy upgrades will support the expansion of Lansing Hardware and the second-floor residences, maintaining the essential role of the buildings in the community. All project materials and services will be sourced from local retailers and contractors, further boosting the local economy.
This project also serves as a critical part of Lansing’s Bridges to Renewal Vision Plan, which was passed in 2023. This plan, which earned an Iowa Great Places designation, includes a range of initiatives to improve downtown streetscapes and incentivize historic preservation. The support from the City of Lansing, Main Street Lansing, and the Lansing Fire Department demonstrates broad community commitment to preserving local history and promoting economic development.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE AND COMMUNITY LEGACY
Lansing Hardware’s properties hold a distinct place in the history of Lansing. Each building has a unique past, having housed a range of businesses over the years, including the following at each specific address:
• 230 Main Street (1898) - Former funeral parlor and hardware store;
• 234 Main Street (1873) - Once home to the Allamakee Journal, a county newspaper;
• 238 Main Street (1908) - Hardware store since its inception;
• 242 Main Street (1868) - Former Julson Jewelry Store;
• 250 Main Street (1868) - Previously housed a jewelry store and hair salon.
As part of the Lansing Downtown Historic District, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this project aligns with the community’s commitment to historic preservation. The restoration will retain each building’s historic character while enhancing its visual appeal, ultimately inspiring further investments in historic preservation within Lansing.
ENGAGEMENT AND VISIBILITY
Main Street Lansing will keep the community updated on project progress through regular blog posts on lansingiowa.com, social media posts on Facebook and Instagram, and press releases to local media outlets. Lansing Hardware will also provide updates on its social media channels, underscoring the public-private partnership that made this project possible and celebrating Lansing’s first-ever Challenge Grant. Follow-up stories regarding the grant process, project specifics and other pertinent details will appear in future editions of The Standard.
“The Challenge Grant enables us to preserve Lansing’s rich historic character while bringing fresh energy to our downtown,” said Jackie Cooper, Main Street Lansing’s Executive Director. “This project is not only an investment in Lansing Hardware but also in our community’s future, demonstrating the potential for small towns to thrive through historic preservation.”
STATEWIDE IMPACT
Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority, emphasized the broader impact of the Challenge Grants: “These grants help us preserve historic character while energizing traditional downtowns and neighborhoods. New businesses and residents are drawn to revitalized main streets, benefiting local economies across Iowa.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Challenge Grant program has awarded more than $15.5 million, leveraging over $70.5 million in additional investments to support Iowa’s main streets. Main Street Lansing’s success with this project will serve as a model for other communities aiming to preserve their heritage while stimulating local economic growth.
For more information on the Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant program, contact Sarah Lembke at 515-348-6181 or sarah.lembke@iowaeda.com.
