Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grant

The FY 2025–2026 Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grant is administered by the Division of Historic Preservation under the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development. Its primary goal is to promote the revitalization of historic downtown commercial properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The grant is designed to support economic growth, cultural tourism, and community investment through the preservation of historic architecture and the restoration of vital commercial areas. This grant program provides reimbursement funding strictly for hard construction and restoration costs associated with historic commercial buildings. Projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Eligible exterior work includes restoration that visually and structurally contributes to the district's historical character, while interior work is limited to specific historical restorations or fire suppression system installations. Additional eligible improvements include historic signage or marquee restorations and professional-grade parapet lighting with specific commitments. Certain items such as general maintenance, non-historic materials, landscaping, and modern additions like solar panels or security grills are explicitly ineligible. Only property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned buildings within designated Louisiana Main Street districts as of December 31, 2024, may apply. The buildings must be at least 50 years old or meet National Register standards for exceptional significance. Tenants must include property owner consent, and corporate or co-owned properties must submit appropriate resolutions or authorizations. All applicants must secure a dollar-for-dollar cash match for the grant amount and must follow specific project timelines and documentation requirements. Applications must be submitted online through Submittable by May 30, 2025. Required documents include a detailed scope of work, signed contractor estimates, a map of the Main Street district, building photos, and, if applicable, a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work. Applications are reviewed by a panel of out-of-state professionals in relevant fields, and awards are based on project quality, historic sensitivity, and impact on community revitalization. Notifications are expected by early September 2025. Reimbursement is provided in a lump sum after project completion and site inspection. All work must begin within 60 days of signing the grant agreement and be completed by April 30, 2026. The final reimbursement request must be submitted by May 29, 2026. Applicants must also obtain a State of Louisiana Vendor Number before signing the grant agreement. Assistance from local Main Street directors is available, but they cannot write or amend applications on behalf of applicants.