NEWS

The Main Street Preservation Trust has opened applications for 2015 for business and property owners along Main Street in Gloucester who wish to improve their facades or interiors of their buildings in the commercial area of Main Street.  Unlike the past years where these programs were run individually, both grant programs have been rolled into one application and one grant cycle.  The program is now in its 5th year for awarding façade grants and in its 3rd year for awarding interior and merchandising assistance grants.

For façade improvements, grants are available up to $20,000 on matching improvements and the grant is a 50/50, dollar for dollar match.  For a copy of the design guidelines, please download from the Trust’s website at www.mspt.org under the Project Page.  General improvements allowed by the program but not limited to are windows, doors, awnings, landscaping, exterior painting, exterior signage, site work, and roofs where they are seen from Main Street.

For interior improvements, grants are available up to $10,000 on matching improvements and this is a dollar to dollar match as well.  These improvements could include interior painting, flooring, lighting, plumbing and electrical upgrades.  Although there are no design guidelines for this portion, the Design Committee would need to approve color choices.

A special component to the grant program is the merchandising assistance grant which caps the grant at $2,500.  This allows for the applicant to utilize interior design services, interior signage, and special effects improvements in their business.   It also includes having a pre-approved professional designer work with store owners on window design and display.  This too, is a 50/50 match.

The grant application is due by Thursday, April 30th, by 3PM.  No late applications will be accepted.  The Main Street Preservation Trust has allocated $80,000 for this year’s grants.  “This program has been incredibly well received on Main Street,” stated Jenny Crittenden, Executive Director of the Main Street Preservation Trust.  “The Trust is committed to growing Main Street and supporting its businesses and it’s a proven tool to use physical improvements as a way to increase revenue.  An attractive business certainly draws more customers and they tend to spend more time and money in a place they find appealing.”

For more information on the Main Street Preservation Trust, go to www.mspt.org or call Jenny Crittenden at (804) 824-9614.

Special Dates to Remember:
Applications Due:   Thursday, April 30th, 3PM

Awards Announced:  Friday, May 22nd