INDEPENDENCE – The Friends of Cedar Rock have been selected as a recipient of an Iowa Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant for Fiscal Year 2026. The grant, totaling $50,000, was awarded for masonry work and wall restoration at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house at Cedar Rock State Park.
The Historical Resource Development Program, administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa, provides competitive grants to support projects that preserve, conserve, interpret, and share Iowa’s historical resources. The Friends of Cedar Rock's project will focus on the repair and replacement of the retaining wall that welcomes visitors to the property, as well as repairs to the masonry of the house and concrete walkways and patios. The project is scheduled to be completed by November 30, 2027.
"We are incredibly excited and grateful to receive this HRDP grant," said Kathryn Hund, manager of Cedar Rock State Park. "This funding is crucial for maintaining the integrity of this significant historical site and ensuring it remains accessible for future generations to enjoy."
The HRDP grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Iowa Legislature to the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. In Fiscal Year 2026, 20 HRDP grants totaling approximately $500,000 were awarded across 16 Iowa counties.
The Friends of Cedar Rock works to preserve, promote and educate others on the importance of the Walter Estate at Cedar Rock State Park. For additional information on the Friends of Cedar Rock visit www.friendsofcedarrock.org