Grant money available for downtown building renovation

The City of La Grande Main Street Program is looking for downtown building owners interested in doing a renovation or restoration project this summer.

The city has up to $14,167 in grants to assist, according to Community and Economic Development Director Charlie Mitchell.

“While we have a limited amount of funding right now, we anticipate launching our own local facade grant program this summer, meaning that we’ll have funding to do many more downtown building renovation projects in the near future,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the city has issued a request for proposals to solicit projects. Proposals are due back to the city by May 21.

The La Grande Main Street Design Committee and the La Grande Landmarks Commission will meet to select projects to receive grants at a joint meeting in early June. Projects must be completed by Dec. 1.

Mitchell said projects not selected in the current round to receive funding may be eligible to receive funding later in the year from the city.

The state grant has forced a tight timeline for current projects, so the city is only able to consider those projects that are immediately ready to proceed.

To be considered for a grant, a downtown La Grande building owner must:

• Have a building in the La Grande Historic District with a Historic classification in the local register

• Be ready to proceed as early as July and complete by December

 • Match at least one-third of the total project cost

Preference will be given to projects that will enhance the historic character of downtown and to those that have clearly demonstrated readiness through completed design and cost estimates.

For more information, contact Mitchell at 962-1307.