Elizabethton Announces Facade Improvement Grant for Downtown Businesses

Elizabethton, TN – Downtown merchants within the Main Street District of Downtown Elizabethton recently gathered at City Hall for an informative public meeting to learn about the new Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program. This program is designed to promote improvement of local downtown buildings, making them more appealing and functional for business purposes.

Assistant City Manager Logan Engle led the meeting, explaining various aspects of the grant. The main goal of this initiative is to encourage business owners to enhance their building facades, which is expected to result in an increase in commercial sales and boost local sales tax collections in the downtown area. Not only that, but these upgrades aim to attract new businesses and shoppers, enhancing the overall marketability of downtown Elizabethton.

The application process for the grant started on Monday, August 12, 2024. Interested business owners are urged to submit their applications by the deadline, Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the close of business. Completed applications will then be reviewed, and grants will be awarded no later than Friday, October 11, 2024.

Engle emphasized the importance of thoroughness in the application process. A total of $40,000 is up for grabs, with individual reimbursements available in increments of up to $7,500 for successful applicants. Each building is eligible for only one application per year, and all proposed work funded by the grant must be completed no later than Monday, June 2, 2025.

Business and building owners should carefully consider their commitment to the project. They must be willing to complete the work as stipulated and utilize all the matching grant funds requested. It is also crucial that the construction comply with applicable codes, and obtaining any necessary building permits remains the responsibility of the building owner, tenant, or their designee.

Engle advised that applicants should provide as much information as possible when filling out the forms. For those requiring further information or assistance with the application, Engle is available for contact at 423-542-1502. Additionally, Courtney Bean, the Main Street Program Director, can be reached for queries at 423-213-0090.

This grant program is seen as a vital step toward rejuvenating the downtown area, making it a more vibrant and attractive location for both businesses and visitors. By improving the facades of existing buildings, the area may see an uptick in commercial activity, creating a win-win scenario for both business owners and the community at large.

Engle’s presentation also pinpointed which properties and activities are eligible for the grant. Potential grantees were informed that incomplete applications will not be reviewed and may need resubmission. Therefore, careful preparation and attention to detail are necessary for those hoping to secure funding.

Elizabethton’s Facade Improvement Grant signifies a proactive move by the city to not only preserve but also enhance its historic downtown. By making these funds available, the city aims to maintain its unique charm while fostering economic growth and community development.

This initiative reflects broader efforts to invest in the local economy, encouraging both new and longstanding businesses to contribute to a lively and enduring downtown district. The upcoming application deadline and subsequent award announcements are highly anticipated by the local business community, many of whom view this as a fantastic opportunity to refresh and revitalize their storefronts.

With the grant program now officially underway, the businesses of Elizabethton have the chance to seize this opportunity to enhance their appearances, improve functionality, and attract more patrons to their establishments. It’s a positive stride toward ensuring a vibrant and thriving downtown for years to come.