Qualified business and/or commercial property owners in Opelousas can now apply for grant funds for building rehabilitation work through the Building Improvement Grant (BIG). This program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings to create a positive visual impact, stimulate private investment, complement other community development efforts, and preserve the city’s historical identity and cultural assets.
The BIG program is a reimbursement grant program that gives business/property owners an incentive to renovate and rehabilitate their building located within the designated ODDD (see map.) Preference will be given to applications whose buildings are located within the Main Street District. The program will set $10,000 in funds aside to fund approved projects. The minimum amount that can be applied for is $500, with the maximum amount being $2500. Grant award amounts must be matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. Grant applications are due by July 1, 2021.
Resources:
Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Press Release
Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program Guidelines
Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program Application (word doc format)
Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program Application (pdf format)
Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness Application
Opelousas Downtown Development District Map
Last modified: June 2, 2021
