DOWNTOWN HATTIESBURG LAUNCHES 2023 FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM WITH PARTNERS

 

HATTIESBURG, MISS. (JANUARY 10, 2023) – The Downtown Hattiesburg Association is pleased to announce its 2023 Façade Grant Improvement Program focused on supporting the growth and revitalization of existing commercial properties in Hattiesburg’s historic conservation district. The grant program will be managed and administered by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, a certified Mississippi Main Street Organization.

“Through our collective vision and strong partnerships for a thriving commercial district downtown, we’ve been intentional in creating value for both new and existing businesses through special events, economic development best practices and marketing support,” said Andrea Saffle, executive director DHA. “Today, we are thrilled to launch this façade grant program as a big next step in directly supporting the visual appearance of our streetscapes and storefronts.”

Funded through DHA, Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation, the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County Board of Supervisors, and Mississippi Power Foundation, the program will award funds to approved downtown properties to further revitalize building exteriors. With a total of $200,000 in funding, the program also aims to attract potential investors and entrepreneurs looking to locate or expand a business in the downtown area. Applications for façade grants will be announced in sets, with the first round of funding now open for applications through March 1, 2023.

“The success of Hattiesburg’s downtown business district is critical to our overall success as a community and county. Historic preservation and building revitalization help us to accurately tell our story while also adding value to our quality of life and our properties,” said David Hogan, president of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors. “The façade grant program is a great tool to continue our economic vitality and development efforts in downtown.”

An independent panel comprised of city, county, and development professionals will review submitted applications on a competitive basis to determine project eligibility and grant funding for downtown properties. Amounts will be awarded in the form of a matching grant, ranging

DOWNTOWN HATTIESBURG LAUNCHES 2023 FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM WITH PARTNERS

from $500 to a maximum of $10,000 for reimbursements up to 50% of eligible costs of façade projects. New and existing businesses are encouraged to apply.

“For the last several years, we have focused on improving and enhancing the public infrastructure and curb appeal of downtown. At the same time, we have seen impressive private sector investments and commercial development grow. We are greatly encouraged to see businesses of all types and sizes opening or expanding in the heart of our city. We believe bringing back the façade grant program will add another layer of incentive and support to reaching our revitalization goals,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker.

Interested property owners can review the grant program guidelines and requirements at downtownhattiesburg.com/facadegrant for full details. Applications are also available online at this location. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 1, 2023, to be considered in the first round of funding.

“These grants will help beautify downtown Hattiesburg and support the entrepreneurs who’ve opened businesses and created jobs,” said Cedrick Hurd, northern division manager for Mississippi Power. “Working with our partners to enhance downtown will encourage visitors to explore and learn more about this part of the city.”

For additional questions or to schedule a meeting for more details, please email info@downtownhattiesburg.com.

 

 

Andrea Saffle and Allison Neville