Main Street Murfreesboro Property Enhancement grant 2026

The grant provides financial assistance for projects that serve a clear public purpose and benefit, particularly those that preserve and enhance the character of our historic downtown.

Eligible projects include exterior building renovations and improvements that contribute to public safety. Priority is given to work such as replacing or repairing awnings and windows, enhancing storefronts and upper-level facades, and repainting or removing paint from previously painted buildings. These enhancements support the district’s historic charm while stimulating revitalization.

Research shows that improved building appearance can increase property values, enhance the marketability of interior spaces, and attract new businesses, residents, and visitors—helping to ensure a vibrant, thriving downtown.

This is a reimbursement-based grant program and requires a dollar-for-dollar match from the building owner or tenant. The maximum grant award is $5,000, unless an exception is approved by the Grant Committee.

Applications open in April and are due by May 11, 2026. If you are waiting for the necessary documentation that may delay your application, please contact Sarah Callender in advance to discuss your situation.

Grant recipients will be announced by the Main Street Design Committee no later than June 8, 2026. All approved work must be completed within one year from the date the award is issued.

Please note: This is a reimbursement-based grant. The applicant (either the building owner or the tenant) must be prepared to fully fund their proposed improvements upfront. Reimbursement from Main Street Murfreesboro will only occur once the project is complete, all contractors have been paid in full, and receipts and cleared checks are submitted as proof of payment.

To qualify, the building must be located within the "Main Street Murfreesboro" historic downtown footprint.

 Applicants must either be the property owner or a tenant with the property owner's written consent for the proposed improvements.

While Main Street membership is not required, Downtown Business Members will receive additional points during the application review process.

Eligible exterior improvements include (but are not limited to):
- Awnings
- Painting (excluding unpainted masonry, unless pre-approved)
- Paint removal (sandblasting is not permitted)
- Storefront renovations
- Window and door repair or replacement
- Signage
- Exterior lighting
- Masonry repair or tuckpointing
- Cornice repair or replacement
- Gutter and downspout repair or replacement
- Parapet wall repairs

Eligible interior improvements are limited to items that provide a clear public safety benefit, such as:
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Fire separation improvements

Other safety-related interior enhancements may be considered upon request.

Projects should go beyond routine maintenance and meaningfully contribute to the building's historic character and safety.

Ineligible expenses include:
- Landscaping
- Parking lots
- General interior renovations
- Temporary or non-permanent fixtures
- New construction
- Property acquisition
- Debt refinancing
- Delinquent tax payments
- Projects already in progress or completed prior to grant approval
- Professional and permit fees

Grant recipients must wait one year before applying again for this program.

All improvements should reflect the building's architectural integrity and complement the surrounding traditional streetscape. Highly visible side facades (e.g., those facing public streets or parking areas) are encouraged to be included in the scope of work.

The Main Street Murfreesboro Property Enhancement Grant is administered by the Main Street Murfreesboro Board of Directors, with applications reviewed and approved by the Main Street Design Committee. Priority will be given to projects that offer the highest impact toward the district’s enhancement goals. 

Step 1 – Application Submission:

- Complete the application and include all required attachments as listed.
- Provide detailed descriptions of your proposed project to maximize scoring.
- Include photographs and attach contracts or letters from contractors and designers if available.

Step 2 – Mailing or Delivery:

- Email your completed application by 4 p.m. on May 11, 2026.
- Alternatively, hand-deliver the application to:
  Sarah Callender, Executive Director
  Main Street Murfreesboro
  225 West College Street
  Murfreesboro, TN 37130
- You will receive a confirmation email once your application is received.

Step 3 – Review and Notification:

- The Main Street Design Committee will evaluate and score applications, and all applicants will be notified of the decision by email by June 8, 2026.

Step 4 – Project Execution:

- Approved projects must be completed within one year of grant approval.
- Any modifications required during construction must be pre-approved by the Main Street Murfreesboro Design Committee.
- All construction work must comply with applicable building codes.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility (or that of their designee) to secure any necessary permits and manage construction.

Step 5 – Project Verification:

- Completed improvements will be inspected to ensure compliance with the submitted plan.
- You must submit photographs that clearly document the finished work.

Step 6 – Reimbursement Submission:

- Prior to reimbursement, the applicant must provide the Main Street Murfreesboro Design Committee with all project receipts and proof of payment.

Main Street Murfreesboro, or its duly authorized representatives, will have access to all books, documents, papers, and records related to the grant program for monitoring, auditing, and examination purposes. Documentation supporting all costs and components of the improvements must be retained for a minimum of three (3) years following project completion.

Main Street Murfreesboro reserves the right to reject any or all applications or to request additional information from applicants.

Zoning

All projects are subject to relevant State, Federal, and local zoning or building codes, as well as design guidelines. It is the contractor’s responsibility to verify and comply with all such requirements before commencing work.

Click here for the Property Enhancement Grant Application.