Jefferson Matters: Main Street has announced that building façade mini-grants are now available for up to $500 to business owners in the Main Street district. These grants were previously available for up to $250 but because of additional Main Street investments received during the 2017 investment drive, the amount for these mini-grants was increased.
These mini-grants are for façade improvements for the exterior of the front of the buildings in the downtown. Eligible projects considered for funding include painting, tuck-pointing, replacement of windows and doors or removal of non-conforming elements of a building.
This mini-grant program is a project of the design committee with many of the members of the committee volunteering to provide labor for the projects, particularly painting. The design committee members are also available to make suggestions for improvements and can be contacted through the Main Street office. This group helped the city adopt Downtown Building Design Guidelines in January, 2016 which provide recommendations of “Do and Don’t” to consider.
A simple application is available at the Main Street office or online at www.jeffersonmatters.org under Resources. Projects must be approved by the design committee and then by the JM:MS board of directors.
These mini- Ggrants are available throughout the year so there is no deadline to apply. The design committee and board of directors meet monthly to approve applications. Projects are reimbursed from receipts and must include before and after photos.
This committee would like building owners in the Main Street District to consider updates this spring and summer.
Program director Peg Raney said, “With 16 buildings involved in the Community Development Block Grant – Downtown Revitalization project, Main Street wanted to provide an incentive for other businesses to make improvements, too.” Past recipients of these mini-grants have included Angie’s Tea Garden, Riley Hall, Jefferson Telecom, Lawton Family Chiropractic, Jefferson Fieldhouse, Greene Bean Coffee, Doc’s Alley, the Kendall Building and Jefferson Family Chiropractic.
