Main Street buildings eligible for state redevelopment grants

Morgan City officials will accept state grant applications from Main Street businesses until June 15 for a chance to receive up to $10,000 to restore and improve historical buildings.
Any business owner in the Main Street District whose building meets state criteria may apply for a redevelopment incentive grant, a city news release said.
In order to be eligible, the building must be located within the downtown Main Street district, must be used for commercial purposes, and must be 50 years old or older. In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the Historic District Commission and must meet the guidelines set by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Three levels of reimbursable grants are available on a competitive basis:
—$10,000 grants for redevelopment projects totaling a minimum of $20,000.
—$2,500 grants for redevelopment projects totaling a minimum of $5,000.
—$500 grants for redevelopment projects totaling a minimum of $1,000 for exterior repairs only.
Applicants must match the grant amount on a dollar for dollar basis.
Below is a list of acceptable types of projects:
—Exterior improvements, restoration or rehabilitation must directly contribute physically and economically to the revitalization of the Main Street district while preserving and respecting the historic architectural character of the building, district and heritage of the community. Restoration of historically significant signage or the replication of historic theater marquees will also be considered.
—Interior improvements are restricted to exposing, restoring or replicating the original interior architectural features, or the installation of a fire suppression system, and are applicable to either commercial ground floor space or new upper story residential development in a historically commercial building.
—Relocation of a historic building to or within the Main Street district in order to help preserve area architectural or cultural heritage will receive consideration. The relocated structure must be for permanent public commercial or cultural educational use, and provide significant cultural and economic development stimulation within the Main Street district.
Grant applications are available from the receptionist at City Hall, located at 512 First Street, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The completed application must be returned to City Hall no later than Friday, June 15 by 4 p.m. No exceptions will be made.
For more information, call Beth Portero at the Main Street Office, 385-1770 ext. 112, or email b.price@cityofmc.com.