The Main Street Preservation Trust has opened its 2023 grant application process for façade and interior grants for businesses in the historic Gloucester Court House 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 sign- age, 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. The design guidelines can be found at gloucestervillage.com; go to “More” and click on “Grants.”

“Small businesses thrive in attractive and welcoming commercial environments, so preserving and enhancing the charm of our Main Street properties is a core part of our mission,” said Main Street Preservation Trust executive director Diana West. “Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Trustees, we have $80,000 to allocate this year, and we encourage interested business and property owners to augment their own investments by applying for matching funds.”
Visit the website to download the application or email diana@mspt.org to receive the materials directly.

Public meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and Feb. 2 at the Main Street Center, 6882 Main Street. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one or both of these meetings to answer any questions they may have about the application process. An additional point will be added to their application for each meeting attended.
The program, now in its 13th year, is part of the Main Street Preservation Trust’s vision for a vibrant, revitalized, visually appealing downtown with historic structures preserved and adapted to modern usage, a release stated.

Applicants should submit their applications for the matching funds award to the Main Street Preservation Trust office at 6892 Main Street by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3. Late applications will not be accepted. Awards will be announced via email on Friday, April 7. 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) organization focused on business and building development, economic vitality, and historic preservation in downtown Gloucester, Virginia. Together with Gloucester Main Street Association, Main Street Preservation Trust leads Gloucester County in earning national accreditation as a Designated Main Street Community via the National Main Street Center.