City of Athens Receives $300,000 Grant from Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for Downtown Facade Improvements

The City of Athens, in partnership with Main Street Athens, is pleased to announce the award of a $300,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to fund downtown facade improvements. The grant will support the restoration of historic facades in buildings within close proximity to the Courthouse Square.

The grant, which is part of the TNECD’s ongoing efforts to revitalize Tennessee’s historic downtowns, requires property owners to contribute a 25% match in funds. This collaboration is designed to address the repair needs of many buildings in the downtown area, preserving their historic character while enhancing the overall appearance of downtown Athens.

Many of the buildings near the Courthouse Square have facades that date back over a century and are integral to Athens’ historic landscape. However, many of the necessary repairs are small, specialized jobs that have been difficult to coordinate individually due to the limited availability of qualified contractors. By grouping these repairs together, the City of Athens and Main Street Athens aim to attract contractors with experience in historic preservation, ultimately preserving these important architectural features for future generations.

“We are grateful to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their support in this effort,” said Sandra Kinney, Director of Main Street Athens. “This funding will allow us to address the unique challenges of preserving our historic buildings and will create new opportunities for skilled contractors to contribute to our community.”

Once the facade improvement program begins, property owners interested in participating must submit a proposal and commit to a 25% match in funding. The goal is to begin work on the selected buildings in 2026.

For more information or to inquire about participation, property owners can contact Main Street Athens at 423-333-0329 or email info@mainstreetathens.org