Small Grants. Bigger Investments.
Walk through downtown Harrison today and you’ll see buildings that have been cared for, improved, and brought back to life.
You might admire a freshly painted storefront, updated windows, or a new sign without giving it a second thought. What you may not realize is that behind many of those improvements is a property owner who made the decision to invest in downtown Harrison.
Main Street Harrison’s matching facade grant program exists to encourage those investments.
The program doesn’t pay for an entire project. Instead, it helps property owners take the next step by reimbursing a portion of eligible expenses after the work is complete. It’s a partnership, one that encourages private investment while preserving the character of our historic downtown.
During the most recent grant cycle, Main Street Harrison awarded $9,901.16 to five completed facade projects. Those projects generated $36,593.32 in improvements to downtown Harrison properties.
Five Projects, More Than $36,000 Invested
Five downtown projects were completed through the most recent grant cycle, representing $36,593.32 in property improvements. Main Street Harrison awarded $9,901.16 toward those projects, while property owners invested the remaining $26,692.16.
At Boone County Lodge #314, old windows were replaced, signage was updated, exterior lighting was installed, and the canopy was repaired. The $4,964.32 project received $2,107.16 in matching grant support.
At Selling 726 Realty, digitally printed Polymetal panels with UV protection were installed over the second-story window openings. They look so much like real windows that most people don’t realize they aren’t. The panels provide a practical way to protect the building’s interior, the awnings, and people on the sidewalk below until the owners are ready to take on a full restoration of the second story. The project has even attracted attention from other Main Street communities looking at the same approach for their own historic buildings. The $4,289 project received a $2,144 grant.
Luxe on Rush completed a $5,000 project that included retiling the entrance, repainting exterior elements, and repairing the front door. The project received a $2,500 matching grant.
At the Lyric Theatre, the marquee and poster display window were restored as part of a $1,340 project supported by a $650 grant.
The largest investment was made at the Bennett Building, where new awnings were installed following restoration after a fire. The owner invested $21,000 in the project and received a $2,500 matching grant.
Today, the Bennett Building houses Dollar General, but thanks to the owner’s investment, it still looks like it belongs in downtown Harrison. That’s one of the goals of facade grants. Businesses change over time, but the buildings that define our downtown remain. By helping preserve those buildings, we’re investing in a downtown that will continue to serve the community for decades to come.
Applications Are Now Open
Main Street Harrison is currently accepting applications for its 2026–2027 facade grant cycle.
Eligible downtown property owners and businesses may apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $2,500. These are 50/50 reimbursement grants, which means the applicant must contribute at least an equal amount toward the approved project.
Applications are due August 25, 2026. Complete program information and the online application are available on the Main Street Harrison website.
