The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded more than $20 million to renovate 12 historic buildings statewide, including four projects in Des Moines. The awards, announced Wednesday, were made through the state’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. According to a news release, IEDA received 21 applications requesting more than $43 million in tax credits. Projects were scored based on readiness, financing, local support and participation. The Des Moines projects included:

• $1.44 million for the Reliable Rug Co. building.
• $1.17 million for the Central Oil Works building.
• $853,875 for the Iowa Ford Tractor Company building.
• $857,728 for the A&P supermarket building.

The awards announced Wednesday will help transform historic buildings into new spaces while maintaining their character. The Reliable Rug Co. and Iowa Ford Tractor Co. buildings will be turned into office and commercial space. The A&P building will be turned into retail space, with the Central Oil Works building planned for mixed use. “It’s exciting to see historic buildings across the state find new life with assistance from this program,” Debi Durham, executive director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority, said in the release. “These projects not only preserve the past, but also ensure our communities are attractive places to live and work into the future.”