Montevallo Main Street Façade Grant Program

Montevallo Main Street is offering a façade improvement and building restoration grant opportunity for 2025. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the visual appeal and historical preservation of downtown Montevallo through its Main Street District. The program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and business tenants to restore and improve street-facing building exteriors, thereby contributing to a vibrant and visually cohesive downtown environment. The grant program offers funding of up to $15,000 for façade improvement and building restoration projects. Applicants can apply for matching grants that cover 50% of the project cost, with a maximum grant award of $5,000. The eligible scope of work includes new, not previously started, street-facing exterior improvements that align with the architectural and historical character of the building. Specific eligible activities include exterior painting in historically appropriate colors, window and door repair or replacement, exterior lighting, new or repaired awnings, new signage, brick cleaning or repair, removal of non-historic materials, and other improvements that enhance the building’s aesthetic and historic significance. Eligibility for the program is limited to property owners and business tenants located within the Montevallo Main Street District, provided they have written permission from the property owner. Applicants must also have 50% of the project funding secured from other sources and be dues-paying members of Montevallo Main Street in good standing at the time of application, with a commitment to maintain membership for three calendar years after project completion. Additionally, businesses must be in good standing with the City of Montevallo. The application process requires submission of a completed application form and supporting materials by June 30, 2025. Required materials include photos of the current building street front, concept drawings or renderings of the intended project outcome, a project budget with descriptions of matching fund sources, signed permission from the property owner if applicable, and a project timeline. It is important to note that after a grant is awarded, all proposed improvements must be reviewed and approved by applicable review committees before work begins. Certain signage may also be subject to additional review. Projects will be awarded by July 10, 2025, and work must be completed by October 31, 2025. Upon completion, grantees must submit a written report with photos and documentation of expenditures to Montevallo Main Street to receive reimbursement. Ineligible expenses include new construction, interior renovations, removal of historically significant features, sandblasting of masonry surfaces, expenses incurred before grant approval, and wages paid to the applicant or their family members. For questions regarding the grant, interested parties can contact Tonia Mayton at (205) 260-0369 or via email at photoeden@yahoo.com. Completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted to Montevallo Main Street, 541 Main Street, Montevallo, AL 35115, or electronically to mainstreet@cityofmontevallo.com. The program aims to encourage restoration and preservation efforts that contribute to the historic character and vitality of Montevallo’s downtown area.

Ensure all elements of the project are aligned with historic character of the building and obtain required approvals before starting any work.