Applications from the Main Street Preservation Trust for 2024 façade and interior grants are now available for businesses located in Gloucester’s historic district.
Façade enhancement grants are a dollar-for-dollar matching grant available up to $20,000. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, painting and siding, brick maintenance, repair or replacement of exterior windows and doors, new or replacement awnings and exterior lighting, new or replacement commercial signage, landscaping, improvements to steps and parking.
For interior improvements, dollar-for-dollar matching grants are available up to $15,000. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, restoration of interior features, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, lighting fixtures, painting and safety upgrades.
All applications are asked to be in compliance with the Gloucester Village Main Street Design Guidelines, which reflect the National Park Service’s Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this program again this year. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and we can see the tremendous impact it has made on the aesthetics of our district,” said Ashley Weast, Executive Director of Main Street Preservation Trust. “In addition to the public benefit of the physical improvements, these funds are a valuable tool for business attraction and expansion.”
Visit https://gloucestermainstreet.com/grants-transformations, or email director@mspt.org to receive the grant application materials.
The program, now in its 14th year, is part of Main Street Preservation Trust’s vision for a vibrant, revitalized, visually appealing downtown with historic structures preserved and adapted to modern usage. MSPT will be providing up to $40,000 in matching grant funds. Competition for this grant program will be strong. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a preliminary meeting to discuss their proposal with staff if they have questions or need additional guidance. For more details, contact Weast at director@mspt.org or call 804-824-9614.
Applicants should submit their applications for the matching funds award to the Main Street Preservation Trust office at 6882-G Main Street by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 1. Late applications will not be accepted. Awards will be announced via email on Friday, April 5. Work must be completed and a final report submitted by 3 p.m. on Nov. 1, and an inspection scheduled before Nov. 30. Grant checks will be processed by Dec. 14.
Main Street Preservation Trust is a 501(c)(4) focused on business and building development, economic vitality, and historic preservation in downtown Gloucester, Virginia.
More details, and a link to design guidelines, can be found at https://gloucestermainstreet.com/news.