ANNISTON – Main Street Anniston and the City of Anniston opened applications Thursday for a $750,000 program aimed at revitalizing historic commercial buildings. The Building Improvement Grant, or B.I.G., Revitalization Program also seeks to return vacant or underused downtown spaces to productive use.

Applications became available at 9 a.m. Sept. 3 after the National Park Service approved the city to begin administering the program.

The program receives its funding through a $750,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund. The Anniston Downtown Development Authority will administer the competitive subgrants, while Main Street Anniston will oversee the program.

The new program follows other efforts supporting Anniston’s broader downtown revival. WEIS previously reported that the city’s Main Street program had helped attract new businesses, create jobs, and generate public and private investment.

“This is where the work of securing this grant begins turning into visible investment in Downtown Anniston,” Main Street Anniston Executive Director Karla Eden said. She encouraged property owners to consider how difficult-to-rehabilitate buildings could serve new purposes.

Who Can Apply

Eligible properties must sit within the Downtown Anniston or West 15th Main Street Anniston business districts. Property owners may apply directly, while tenants need an authorization letter from the property owner.

Projects may address historic preservation, rehabilitation, structural stabilization, code compliance, and life-safety needs. The program may also support adaptive reuse and the activation of upper-floor spaces.

Before applying, each applicant must schedule and complete a meeting with the Main Street Anniston executive director. The consultation will help applicants determine eligibility, understand preservation requirements, and prepare the required documents.

Applicants may schedule a meeting by calling 256-848-1211 or emailing mainstreet@annistonal.gov. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Five Funding Tiers

The program offers five funding tiers:

• Preservation Catalyst: up to $25,000
• Structural Stabilization: up to $50,000
• Adaptive Reuse Readiness: up to $75,000
• Signature Revitalization Project: up to $100,000
• Upper-Floor Activation and Life-Safety: up to $100,000

The program requires recipients to provide a 50% match and operates on a reimbursement basis. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the matching funds. They may not begin work before receiving approval.

Applicants should prepare a detailed project budget, contractor quotes, property photographs, and plans or renderings. They may also need proof of available funding, proof that taxes are paid, and a Certificate of Appropriateness when required.

How Projects Will Be Selected

Program officials will score applications on economic and housing impact, project need and readiness, design compatibility, historic integrity, financial leverage, and community benefit.

Projects scoring at least 70 points may receive a funding recommendation. However, awards remain subject to eligibility, available funds, and approval from the National Park Service.

Upper-floor housing and life-safety projects will receive additional priority.

Program guidelines and application materials are available through the City of Anniston’s grant website.