OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Lessie Handy, Director
lhandy@cityofopelousas.com
729 West Cherry Street
Opelousas, Louisiana 70570
Office: 337-948-9035
Fax: 337-948-5205
Main Street Opelousas “Promoting the Historic and Economic re-development of traditional commercial areas in Opelousas!”
The mission of Opelousas Main Street is to build long-term sustainable downtown revitalization. The City will embrace projects to promote cultural diversity, tourism and business development, while beautifying and celebrating the history of the Opelousas Main Street District.
The City of Opelousas gives business owners an opportunity to apply for grant assistance to help with downtown commercial building improvements. This program offers two types of grants - the Façade and Maintenance grants. To qualify, the building must be located within the downtown Main Street or Historic District, buildings must be used for commercial purposes, and buildings must be at least 50 years old.
Façade Grants
Façade Grants are reimbursable grants up to $10,000.
Maintenance Grants
Maintenance Grants are reimbursable grants up to $1,000 each. These grants can be used to spruce up businesses, including painting and/or improving business entryways.
Grant guidelines are designed, among other considerations, to guarantee that the historic character of the building is maintained. Each project is reviewed and ranked based on need, visual impact and architectural significance. Projects with the highest ranking receive the award. To learn more about downtown development, or to get a grant application, contact Ms. Lessie Handy, Director for the Office of Community Development at lhandy@cityofopelousas.com.
Visit these websites for more information on Main Street programs:
Opelousas Community Development
Historic District Ordinance for Opelousas, Louisiana
Certified Local Government - 9/17/01
Model Ordinance Full Document .PDF (Adobe PDF Document*)