The Constantine Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has created new grant program to offset the costs of modifying existing older buildings. The program is intended as a recruitment tool to bring new businesses to Constantine’s historic downtown.

There have been developments in recent years that have supplemented existing businesses with new ones, including several restaurants and service businesses. However “there are more than a few vacant buildings along the main drag.”

“When you are dealing with an older building, sometimes there are additional costs to make the space usable,” DDA Director Diana Lammott said. “Assisting with these costs will help us create a more vibrant downtown, which will in turn increase our tax base.”

The new program offers a matching grant to help with building repair costs. In a matching grant program, the grantor will typically pay for a part of the total expenses, with the recipient providing the balance of funds. In the case of the program in Constantine, the DDA will pay up to half of a project’s costs. There is a $5,000 cap on the amount one recipient can be eligible for. As is often the case with such programs, the DDA will pay grant funds in the form of a reimbursement when the work is complete.

Community consultant Rob Peterson designed the program on behalf of the DDA. One intent of the program is a type of flexibility that will allow a property owner “to invest in almost any permanent improvement that is required to assist a new business.” 

The DDA board has a list of priority items that it will use in making decisions on awarding grants. Proposals that involve restoration of historic façades, or those that support local residents in opening a business, are among the priority items. The program is also open to existing businesses that may be expanding or making functional use of outside space. 

Current business owners serving on the DDA board are supportive of the program. “Every new business brings more foot traffic,” said Jeremiah Ussery, owner of The Candy Coop. “We thrive on walk-in sales.”

The DDA is not excluding previous recipients of other grant funds from eligibility but will consider them on a case-by-case basis. “I’d really like to see the brewery back open,” said Denny Phillips, owner of The Harvey House.

Lammott said the program is a way forward amid current challenges, especially with its provision for potential use of outdoor space. “Our restaurants are suffering due to COVID-19 restrictions,” said Lammott, “So we wanted to help them increase their seating capacity outside.”

Despite those challenges, Lammott sees potential in the downtown. ““It’s a great town with lots going for it,” she said.

Persons seeking additional information or looking to apply for grand funds may contact Lammott by calling 269-435-2085 or emailing her.

Dave Vago is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.