City contributes funds to keep downtown buildings viable

^{By Joshua Dixon
Staff Writer
Posted Jul. 22, 2013 @ 11:12 am}

The downtown section of Redwood Falls near the courthouse contains the oldest business buildings in town. Some of them have been in continuous use for over a century.

When buildings get that old, they need continuous maintenance to keep them usable.

To encourage business owners to maintain their properties, in 1996 the city set up the “Redwood Falls Downtown Revitalization Program.”

The program was designed “to eliminate slum and blight conditions, and to prevent further deterioration of downtown commercial buildings,” according to the city’s info sheets sent out to prospective clients.

“The nuts and bolts of the program are conservation of the existing building stock,” said Redwood Falls City Administrator Keith Muetzel.

“We’re trying to preserve the existing buildings downtown. We want the buildings to stay viable for future use, and to look nice.”

The city doesn’t approach building owners. While the city works to promote the program, it’s the building owners who have to take the first step of approaching the city about getting a loan and/or grant.

The funds can only be loaned out for specific purposes.

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Click here to access the Redwood Falls Downtown Revolving Loan fund application and details.  This is accessible as a fillable application form.  If you have questions, please call the RADC office 507-637-4004.