Downtown Development Grant

Downtown Development Grant Now Available!

Program Overview

Main Street Greencastle’s (MSG) Downtown Development Grant (DDG) is primarily designed to increase the aesthetic appeal and property values of the commercial properties within the Courthouse Square National Register Historic District. By working directly with business and property owners the DDG stimulates investment through external improvements that preserve and care for the historic and commercial architecture of the core of downtown Greencastle. Grants will be awarded each calendar year and will be selected by a committee made up of city appointments and MSG board members.

Aligning with the City of Greencastle and Indiana Landmarks, improvements made to downtown facades must provide a consistent aesthetic while maintaining a historic appeal.



Program Objectives

1. To enhance the aesthetic appeal of commercial properties while maintaining the historic architecture of the Courthouse Square National Register District.
2. To encourage continual updates and increase property values of the commercial buildings with the Main Street Greencastle footprint and other older commercial areas.
3. To protect the historic assets that make up the Courthouse Square National Register Historic District and surrounding area.
4. To create and enhance relationships with business and property owners by establishing Main Street Greencastle as a fundamental partner.



Eligibility Requirements

In order for a property owner to apply for a DDG, ALL of the following criteria must be met:

1. The proposed project must be located within the Main Street Core Area.
2. The building’s primary/street use cannot be residential.
3. The property owner shall not be delinquent on any property taxes for any property owned within Putnam County, have no delinquent utility bills with the City of Greencastle, and no other city liens or fines on any property within the city.
4. Properties in the downtown that have façade easements that have been granted to Indiana Landmarks, must include a letter of approval from Indiana Landmarks for the proposed improvements.
5. Applicants must provide evidence that the property is covered by insurance.
6. The property must not be involved in any lawsuit or bankruptcy filing.
7. The property cannot be owned by a unit of local, state or the federal government.



Funding Amount

The DDG is funded by the City of Greencastle and is designed to encourage the continual development of the downtown area and other commercial areas of Greencastle.   

Grants may be awarded as follows:

• 50% reimbursement up to a maximum grant amount not to exceed $15,000 up to 21 linear feet of storefront; up to maximum grant amount of $25,000 for storefronts that are over 21 feet wide.   Corner buildings may receive up to a maximum amount of $25,000 if work is proposed for two facades. 
• The minimum project cost is $1,000.

Grants awards are designed for small to medium sized projects with a typical project investment in a range of up to $50,000.  These will be given at the completion of the project. The property owner is expected to pay the remaining 50%.  Property owners are welcome to provide a match in excess of the required 50%. Each property is limited to one reimbursable grant in a three year period. Projects must be completed within 18 months of project approval. Typical projects may include the following, but are not limited to:

• Façade Restoration
• Storefront Restoration
• New Signage
• Exterior Painting
• Storefront Repairs
• Masonry Repairs
• Cornice Repairs
• Upper Floor Window Repairs
• New Awnings
• Exterior Lighting
• Fire Protection Measures – Subject to approval of the Greencastle Fire Chief or his/her designee

Ineligible Improvements include, but are not limited to the following:

• Planning or design drawings for potential projects beyond the provided architectural grant.
• Interior improvements, roof work and energy efficiency upgrades that do not impact the façade.
• Landscaping.
• Additions and/or creation of areas not in character with the original historic architecture of the structure.
• Purchasing of furnishings, equipment, or any item that does not become part of the real estate.



Design Assistance Grants

Main Street Greencastle will provide grants of up to 100% of design costs to a maximum of $500 to work with a qualified design, architect, engineer, graphic designer and/or preservation professional for a project. Design work may include graphic design for new signage, color selection for painting, architectural design for façade improvements, and other necessary technical assistance. Design work may also include engineering for fire protection measures. The design work must be used in the execution of the project. Main Street will provide the reimbursement upon the successful completion of the project.

Standards of Design and Workmanship

Property owners are asked to follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

More information can be found here: 

Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings

National Park Service Technical Preservation Services – Publications

See Technical Publications and Preservation Briefs – These publications are helpful when dealing with historic materials and can help local contractors understand unique situations that may arise when working on a historic building.

Program Guidelines

• Applicants are encouraged to discuss a proposed project with Main Street Greencastle as early as possible.  Main Street can help answer questions and provide guidance.
• Grant funding cannot be applied to work already in progress.  All work must begin after the grant is awarded and all permits have been issued.
• A copy of all planning and design material must be submitted along with the grant application.  If planning changes occur after submission, a copy of the new plans must be submitted in a timely manner for review and approval.  Funding awards cannot be increased after the initial approval of the grant.
• The applicant is encouraged to submit a minimum of two preliminary cost estimates for the planned project. 
• All work must be performed by a reputable and experienced contractor familiar with working on historic structures.
• Permits are not required at the time of application; however, any approval by the review committee shall be subject to the applicant successfully obtaining any required state and/or local permits.