Grants available for communities, private developers to renovate, preserve historic buildings

Nearly $5 million allocated to renovate and preserve Tennessee’s historic buildings

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Tennessee Historic Development Grant Program. 

Approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in April 2021, the program will provide $4.8 million to projects that aim to renovate and preserve the state’s historic buildings. The program will encourage communities and private developers to invest in buildings that have contributed to a community’s history but now sit idle. These buildings can once again contribute to the economy through job creation and commercial opportunities. 

Once completed applications are submitted, awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. A portion of the funding will be set aside until Dec. 31, 2021 for projects located in Tier 3 and Tier 4 communities.  

Various criteria must be met in order for a structure to be eligible for a grant. Eligible properties that qualify as certified historic structures are defined here.  

Applicants must be the person or entity who holds legal fee or leasehold title to a certified historic structure, or an identifiable portion of the certified historic structure. Applicants will be notified of award on or around July 1, 2021, and contracts are expected to begin later that month. 

TNECD will be hosting webinars for interested applicants to learn more about the grant program. Webinar information can be found below: 

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

1-2 p.m. CDT 

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

1-2 p.m. CDT 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

1-2 p.m. CDT 

Additional information about the grant, eligibility and application can be found here.

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