The City of Riverside is pushing closer to a downtown revitalization project, pending a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

A public hearing was held Monday to discuss the area in question, which includes 11 buildings between Greene Street and Glasgow Street along the north side of West First Street. At the hearing, this portion of the central business area was designated as a “slum/blighted” area, with rehabilitation and development “necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare of the residents.”

The proposed project would improve exterior features of these buildings such as windows, doors, signage, and rooftops. An estimated total cost of more than $1.2 million has the City of Riverside requesting $650,000 from the CDBG Program. This would require matching funds, which are expected to be split between the City and the Riverside Casino. A resolution was approved Monday for $315,000 of casino funds to go towards the project.

The City of Riverside plans to submit an application for a Community Development Block Grant by November 22, and will find out if it was approved by January 2024. If approved, construction would begin that summer and continue through the summer of 2025.