Passionate and fully invested in the project, developer Zachary Zoul and his crews continue the extensive renovation of Cherokee’s historic Lewis Hotel, with work now focusing on the building’s sidewalk access and approaches.
Zoul reported that the replacement of the sidewalks is intended to provide grade access to the west (Fourth Street) and north (Main Street) entrances for ADA accessibility. This is the first step to continuing efforts to develop ground-level commercial spaces. Apartments are on the upper floors.
Zoul said new “historic” exteriors windows were ordered long ago to replace all with a 36-week waiting period. Arrival is expected in late January or early February.
In addition, architectural and engineering design is underway for the ongoing renovation of all apartments and commercial areas.
“There is a lot of planning underway, but not much tangible progress on the ground,” said the developer from Grand Island, Neb. “Finding the original stairs and grade-level railing as we opened up this original feature was a great find.”
After investing more than $1 million and diligently checking the necessary boxes in a effort to restore the Lewis Hotel to past historic glory as a functioning housing and commercial operation, Zoul learned in Februrary that he had qualified for a $600,000 grant in Iowa’s Downtown Housing Revitalization project.
Awards were made through the Downtown Housing Grant program, which provides support for downtown revitalization through new housing opportunities in communities with populations of 30,000 or below. The funds are made available through Federal American Rescue Act State and local fiscal relief funds.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the Lewis Hotel renovation a second grant through one of its programs aimed at reinvestment in small towns.
Zoul Properties received a $100,000 grant from IEDA’s community catalyst building remediation program in May, which aims to rehabilitate commercial buildings in small towns.
“The state has been a big help in turning the Lewis property around,” said Zoul at the time of the grant notification. “We want to see this thing reach its full potential. The money from the state will help it get close to the original design, to maintain historical integrity, and provide a functional housing and commercial space for the community and surrounding area.”
Adhering to its original design, as IEDA requires, will add more time and money to the project. Using the appropriate windows for the storefronts comes with a 36-week wait time. Due to supply chain and labor interruptions, the company has experienced similar wait times for other components necessary to comply.
In total, Zoul’s company has invested $1 million in the months since it acquired the three-story, 122-year-old property for $420,000. “Historical design is almost like building new. They’re both pretty expensive now,” Zoul said.
Future plans also call for a restaurant, an event space and a microbrewery if entrepreneurs become interested.
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