ITC Midwest Power of Connection Grant Supports Rehabilitation of Historic Building in Clarence
November 12, 2025 | ITC Midwest
CLARENCE, Iowa (November 12, 2025) — Clarence Main Street has been awarded a Power of Connection community grant to support the rehabilitation of the historic WDG Cottrell Bank building, a cornerstone of the community’s Main Street district since 1870. The grant is supported through an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) with provides up to $5,000 for rural communities to support the initial stages of projects driving economic development.
The WDG Cottrell Bank building was once a hub of local commerce but has suffered significant brick failure on its front facade. The future of the building was uncertain with the owner unable to address the structural issues. After nearly eight months of persistent communication and legal action by the city council, the owner has agreed to donate the building to a newly established foundation dedicated to preserving this important piece of Clarence’s history.
“This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration and strategic investment,” said Jenny VanOort, Executive Director of Clarence Main Street. “With the support of the Power of Connection grant, we can preserve a vital part of our history while creating new opportunities for business and housing in Clarence.”
Funds from the Power of Connection grant will be used to facilitate an engineering study to determine whether the building can be restored. The foundation’s goal is to rehabilitate the building for use as much-needed commercial space on the first floor and residential space in the upstairs apartment, helping to revitalize the heart of Clarence’s Main Street.
“Investments in projects like the WDG Cottrell Bank rehabilitation are powerful drivers of economic development in rural communities,” said Dusky Terry, President of ITC Midwest. “By supporting initiatives that revitalize local business districts and create new opportunities, we’re strengthening the communities we serve across our service territory.”
About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connectioncommunity grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects.
Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connectiongrant dollars cannot be used for construction, real estate or equipment.
About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itcmidwest.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.