The City of Tipton initially rolled out the Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program in the fall of 2007 and scheduled it to run for five years. DRIP was so popular that its enitre $150,000 was gone in a little over three years. These City grants leverage hundreds of thousands of dollars in private investment in the downtown commercial district. From extensive facade restorations to renovations of interior commercial spaces, the program has been extremely effective, and thus its rebirth in 2011. See the before & after photos of the Tavern On The Square below. (click on photos for a larger view)

Downtown businesses and property owners are able to take advantage of a City Council-approved grant program to assist with improvements to commercial properties in the downtown business district, including facade improvements, interior commercial remodeling or expansion, design assistance, and more.

The City uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding to match up to 50% of eligible project costs (not to exceed $7,500 per storefront) for the facade program. For interior improvements the City will contribute 50% or $5.00 per square foot, whichever is less. Other programs such as low-interest loans and building supply discounts are also available (see packet below).

Applications are reviewed by the Tipton Development Commission and submitted to City Council for approval.

The purpose of this program is to encourage business and property owners to enhance their buildings' appearance and usage with the goal of attracting customers, tenants and investors to the business district and creating a positive image for the community.

The incentive programs are designed to assist with the following:

• Eliminate deterioration of buildings in the downtown business district
• Restore and preserve properties for historical, architectural and aesthetic reasons
• Be a catalyst for larger scale building improvements and developments
• Develop the natural assets of downtown by restoring the uniqueness, character and integrity of the buildings
• Enhance the business district as an appealing and aesthetically pleasing place to shop, work and socialize.

Please find out more about the program by downloading the application packet. (PDF Format) The packet contains an application, an information brochure and a document outlining the design guidelines for exterior improvements.

Please direct all questions to Community Development Director Scott Sanborn at:
563-886-6350
or
info @ tiptoniowa.us