Claremore Main Street’s Façade Grant Program will be helping improve the look of downtown one building at a time.
The program, which the nonprofit announced in April, has quarterly deadlines so building owners in the downtown district are able to apply when it is most convenient for them. The next deadline is Sept. 30.
“We’ve been really happy with the projects we’ve received so far in the program,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It looks like there’s a lot of great ideas out there, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of the revitalization downtown.”
The program, which matches the investment made on the exterior of downtown properties dollar-for-dollar, consists of $1,000 matching grants.
Applications must be completed in full, including a detailed description of the project, bids or quotes and photos, and be turned in by the deadline. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified by mid-October.
“The grants are designed to help a downtown property owner enhance their building and increase the property value while preserving the building’s historic character,” Jackson said. “The grant provides a financial incentive for rehabilitation.”
Eligible improvements include masonry work, window and door repair or replacement, some exterior painting and repair of some awnings, exterior lighting and signage and removal of non-historic materials.
Applications will be given priority if they prove high visual impact, historic or architectural integrity, lasting improvements and are on an active street front.
Projects must be completed within six months of the award notification. Applicants must be in the current Claremore Main Street boundaries.
Previous grantees include Carol Thibodeau at Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, who will be adding an awning to her building at 318 W. Will Rogers Blvd. The Main Street Façade Squad and the Thibodeau family removed the non-historic awning from the property in 2016.
Claremore Main Street is dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 2002.
For more information, call Jackson at 918-341-5881 or email .