Facade grant program

Downtown Hattiesburg Façade Improvement Grant Program

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 Downtown Hattiesburg Association (DHA) and its partners are committed to cultivating the district’s resources, including assisting property owners and businesses to improve buildings and revitalize vacant and underutilized properties in the historic downtown district.

Program Sponsors

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 remain open as long as funding is available.

Applications should be turned in to the DHA office located at 207 E Front Street, Ste 103.

Amounts will be awarded in the form of a matching grant, ranging 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. These grants will be awarded on a competitive basis; not all applications will be funded. Priority will be given to applications from targeted areas highlighted on the map, where proposed projects will result in the growth and development of new retail and commercial businesses in the district.

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. The Facade Grant Review Committee (FGRC) has complete authority and final decision over all awards. This program will continue while funds are available.

Interested property owners should review the grant program guidelines and requirements by downloading the checklist below. Applications are also available for download below. 

The grant program will be managed and administered by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, a certified Mississippi Main Street Organization. For additional questions or to schedule a meeting for more details, please email info@downtownhattiesburg.com.