RED OAK, Iowa (AP) – A facade project to give Red Oak’s downtown square a face-lift is set to begin. The Daily Nonpareil reports residents gathered in Fountain Square Park Wednesday for the project’s groundbreaking ceremony. Paul Griffen, the executive director for the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association, said the gathering was a celebration of updates that are needed.

The project, which will be done in two phases, will give new awnings, paint and more to 30 buildings in the downtown square area. Both phases are expected to be completed by the end of the year. According to Griffen, the facade project will have a price tag of more than $900,000 by the time it is done.

The city has received funds for the project from a Community Development Block Grant, as well as money from Downtown Urban Renewal and building owner contributions.