Main Street Preservation Trust’s Facade Enhancement & Interior Improvement Grant Program invites Gloucester Main Street business and building owners to apply for matching funds toward building enhancement projects.

Improvements made to individual commercial properties enhance the entire Main Street business district, building upon the investments already made to the downtown’s streetscape, a release from MSPT said.

This program is intended to pair financial resources with local mentors on restoration of historic properties, facade improvement, interior improvement, business enhancement, and design for recipients of Main Street Preservation Trust awards.

All applications are reviewed and vetted by the Main Street Preservation Trust Design Committee. Final approval of awards is made by the Main Street Preservation Trust Board of Trustees, at the recommendation of the Design Committee.

Since 2011, Main Street Preservation Trust has awarded more than $850,000 to nearly 50 projects through this grant program. “The vision of this program is a vibrant, revitalized, visually-appealing downtown with historic structures that have been preserved and adapted to modern-day usage,” a release stated.

Successful applicants will be asked to submit a final status report which will include a narrative and financial expenditure overview as well as photographic evidence of before and after work. All completed projects, prior to reimbursement, will also be inspected by members of the Main Street Preservation Trust Design Committee to verify project completion is in compliance with the approved project.

Grant applications are due Friday, April 17 at 3 p.m. Notice of award will be Friday, May 1 via email. For more information, and copies of the application, contact Elianna Tirado, Executive Assistant, Gloucester Main Street at 804-443-7525 or admin@mspt.org, or visit https://gloucestermainstreet.com.