Over the last four years, Louisiana Main Street’s Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program (HRSP) has supported 19 building rehabilitation projects in 13 communities. The HRSP program targets vacant or under-utilized historic buildings within designated Louisiana Main Street districts, in communities with a population of 50,000 or less. The program’s goal is to support economic development by returning the buildings to productive use. All buildings must be listed in or be determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
HRSP is supported by two Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants from the National Park Service, totaling more than $1.49 million of competitive funding. The federal dollars are matched with state money to create the subgrant, and each recipient also provides a local cash match.
Over three grant cycles, HRSP has leveraged $2.2 million of private investment for a total of $3.2 million of total investment to date. One final round of grants will be awarded later this year.
“The uniqueness of Louisiana’s culture and history is prevalent in the architecture found in historic buildings around our state. Preserving this uniqueness needs to be a priority for our state. These revitalization funds will prove very beneficial for our rural communities to do just that,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Through the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grants Program, our smaller, more rural communities can continue their work in preserving the legacy created by those who came before us for present and future generations.”
The third round of projects was completed this summer, with the following projects in the photo gallery below each receiving a $55,000 grant.
Main Street Homer rehabilitated two commercial buildings at 421 and 423 West Main St., which are contributing resources to the Homer National Register Historic District (listed in 1986). These buildings had been vacant for more than 25 years. The project repaired historic masonry, restored the transom windows and interior finishes, and upgraded the electrical system, restrooms, and HVAC. This project meets an urgent need in Homer for commercial space that is ready to be occupied.
Building owner LaFonda Williams-Stelly is restoring the circa-1907, three-story hotel building, which is a contributing resource to the Downtown Leesville Historic District (listed in 2001). The building sits on a prominent corner in downtown Leesville. The upper floors had been boarded up and vacant for decades. The grant funding supported the restoration of exterior walls and original windows, and exterior painting.
After suffering damage from Hurricane Ida, the circa-1900 former People’s Drug Store building became vacant, and its condition deteriorated because of water infiltration. The building is a contributing resource to the Ponchatoula Commercial Historic District (listed in 1982). Casey Robert purchased the building to house her retail store on the first floor and lease the upper floor for offices. The grant supported electrical upgrades, floor refinishing, and repairs to the historic pressed tin ceiling.
The circa-1830 Duchamp Opera House is a landmark structure in downtown St. Martinville and serves as a contributing resource to the St. Martinville Historic District (listed in 1983). For the past 10 years, the building has been vacant, and its condition deteriorated from roof leaks and moisture intrusion. The grant supported repairs to the balcony, masonry, and interior finishes, allowing the building to re-open as an event space with short-term rentals.
The buildings at 706 & 708 Prairie St. had the only remaining metal slipcovers in downtown Winnsboro. These two buildings are contributing resources to the Winnsboro Commercial District (listed in 1982). The project removed the slipcovers and restored the brick, transom windows, and storefront. Previously, the buildings were non-contributing elements to the National Register district, but they are now considered contributing. The formerly unoccupied commercial spaces have now been leased to thriving businesses.
The building at 114 East Main Street is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places (1995) and housed the popular Wormser’s Department Store for decades. This project restored the façade by removing the deteriorated EIFS system, which added non-historic features, replacing it with traditional stucco, repairing water damage, and replacing unsalvageable storefront windows. The formerly vacant building now houses a new downtown restaurant called Bambino’s Burgers.
Louisiana Main Street continues to drive significant economic impacts in small towns and communities across the state. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the program demonstrates the proven success of the Main Street Approach for commercial district revitalization. As a Main Street America Program, Louisiana Main Street helps to build stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. For more information, please visit Louisianamainstreet.org.
