EDEN PROPERTY COLLECTION received a $3,000 Downtown Assistance Program grant from the Downtown Development Authority to make a number of improvements at 127 S. Stephenson Ave. From left are Claire Valeski, property manager for Eden Property Collection; Beau Anderson, president of Eden Property Collection; and Lisa Villringer, DDA board member.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The final project to be completed with a Downtown Development Authority’s 2019 Downtown Assistance Program grant is the property at 127 S. Stephenson Ave. owned by Eden Property Collection.

The DDA board of directors approved a $3,000 grant for the project, which included replacing an aged and damaged ramp and railing to bring it to compliance with ADA guidelines, adding lighting and an awning to the parking lot entrance, as well as resurfacing and re-striping the parking lot to include appropriate ADA-accessible striping.

“It is extremely encouraging to see downtown property owners taking pride in their buildings and investing in downtown,” said Amber Pipp, DDA program director.

Other recipients of 2019 DAP grants included Brick + Mortar, Champion Inc., and CAH Rentals.

In all, the DDA awarded $12,000 through the program.

The Downtown Assistance Program grant was created to maintain and enhance the integrity of downtown Iron Mountain properties and businesses and promote further growth and development within the city’s downtown, commercial core.

The grant provides financial incentive and assistance to property owners within the downtown district who wish to complete construction or hire professional services to promote and enhance their business activity.

This program is intended to foster positive, visual change and encourage improvements to properties or businesses that are in a prominent location.

The DDA has two grant programs for downtown properties: the Facade Improvement Grant Program and the Downtown Assistance Program. More information on these grants for 2021 will be released early next year. More information, details and guidelines on both grant programs can be found on the downtown website at www.downtownironmountain.com/grants.

These grants are made possible through downtown fundraising events such as Brew Fest, Italian Fest and Oktoberfest, through sponsorships and donations, and also through the DDA millage.