Opelika Main Street Expands Existing Facade Enhancement Grant Program to Support More Downtown Improvements
OPELIKA, Ala. — Opelika Main Street is expanding its long-standing Bill Roberts Facade Enhancement Grant Program to provide more opportunities for downtown property owners and businesses to invest in their historic properties.
The newly expanded Historic Property Enhancement Grant Program will officially launch October 1 and will continue the work of the Bill Roberts Facade Enhancement Grant while adding new funding categories designed to address a broader range of property improvement needs.
Over the past 10 years, the Bill Roberts program has assisted 40 businesses with a total of $199,643.11 in grant funding, helping property owners make improvements that strengthen the appearance, safety, and vitality of Historic Downtown Opelika.
“Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand what a difference these grants can make not just to an individual building, but to the overall look and feel of downtown,” said Kelsey Sullivan, Executive Director of Opelika Main Street. “This expansion allows us to build on that success and give property owners more opportunities to make meaningful improvements to their buildings while continuing to preserve the character that makes downtown Opelika special.”
“Historic Downtown Opelika is one of the places that truly reflects who we are as a community, and we want to make sure it remains strong for generations to come,” said Mayor Eddie Smith. “This expanded program gives our property and business owners additional tools to invest in their buildings, address important safety needs and preserve the character that makes downtown Opelika special. When we invest in these properties, we’re investing in the continued vitality of our entire community.”
The expanded program will offer four grant categories:
Bill Roberts Facade Enhancement Grant — Up to $15,000 for eligible exterior improvements, including awnings and canopies, painting and sealant, doors and windows, brick repair and repointing, balconies and exterior lighting.
Storefront Transitional Zone Grant — Up to $10,000 for select improvements within the first 10 feet of a storefront, including window display platforms, immediate vestibule flooring improvements, and dedicated interior window display lighting.
Life Safety & Code Compliance Grant — Up to $25,000 for improvements that provide a clear public safety benefit, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire separation, fire-rated doors, egress improvements, and unsafe electrical panels or wiring.
Termite Grant — Up to $1,500 for new termite treatment.
The program is designed to encourage investment in properties within the Opelika Main Street District while preserving and enhancing the character of Historic Downtown Opelika. The program is funded through the City of Opelika’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and is administered in partnership with Opelika Main Street.
All grants are reimbursement-based and require a 50/50 match from the building owner or tenant. Projects must be approved by both the City of Opelika Planning Department or Historic Preservation Commission and the Opelika Main Street Design Committee before work begins.
“We want this program to be a resource for downtown property owners and business owners who are ready to make an investment in their buildings,” Sullivan said. “Whether that means improving a facade, making a storefront more inviting, addressing a safety issue, or taking care of a problem that could become a larger one down the road, these improvements all contribute to a stronger downtown.”
Applications and program guidelines will be available beginning October 1 through Opelika Main Street. Property owners and tenants interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Opelika Main Street office to discuss their proposed project and determine eligibility before beginning any work.
For more information, contact Opelika Main Street at (334) 745-0466 or kelsey@opelikamainstreet.org.
