The Façade Grant Program offered by Mount Airy Downtown, Inc.  is our way to encourage historic preservation and improvements to buildings in the district, providing financial assistance that can ease the way. We want to emphasize the appearance of downtown and support improvements that support historic preservation. This program grows out of the Main Street Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization: Organization, Promotions, Design, Economic Vitality. The Façade Grant program is overseen by the Design Committee of MAD, Inc. and has access to technical support services from the North Carolina Main Street program.

Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. Facade Grant Program

With many downtown buildings designated as contributing structures through the National Register of Historic Places, property owners are able earn Federal Tax Credit incentives for major restoration and re-use projects. (MAD, Inc. is prepared to explain such programs and work with owners to secure participation in tax credit programs.)

Our Façade Grant Program provides financial assistance for projects that preserve the historic character of downtown and improve building fronts. The program also offers technical and professional support services that might not otherwise be available on a local basis. The grant program provides a reimbursable matching amount of one-third of a project’s total costs, up to $2,000, to meet qualified costs as outlined in our written approval of the grant application. The grant is intended to give both property and business owner’s additional tools to make improvements to their buildings. Applications must be approved prior to work beginning on the project. Please see below for the full application/rules.