(Spencer)– A project to renovate a storefront in downtown Spencer into a museum is getting a financial boost from the state.
The Clay County Heritage Center project has been awarded a $200,000 grant through the Vision Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism fund.
The project involves expanding the current 9,000 square foot facility to 11,539 square feet, providing additional space for displays and to archive, collect and research historical artifacts.
The project includes raising the roof of the existing building by four feet; relocating the main entrance from the east side to the south side of the building; improvements to the building’s facade; insulating the interior; installation of energy efficient doors and windows with ultra-violet light protection; and construction of a new pedestrian plaza and green space at the intersection of West Park Street and Grand Avenue.
The project has a total cost of slightly more than 1.1 million dollars.
The grant is contingent on fundraising for the remaining cost of the project being completed in 90 days.
