Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – On September 21, 2023, the Foley City Council approved two new grants aimed at enhancing the city's historic downtown. The grants are part of a program designed to improve historical buildings exteriors.

The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce building on North Alston Street received a grant of up to $14,820. The funds will be used for various upgrades, including a new door, awnings, and brickwork. Additionally, landscaping around the building's foundation will be improved.

Built in 1925 as the Foley Masonic Lodge, the two-story brick building was purchased by the city in 2021 and gifted to the chamber.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said property owners also provide their money for the work. Under program guidelines, the owners of the property must pay at least half the cost of the work. “Thank you all for doing the work on your building,” Hellmich told grant recipients at the Sept. 18 council meeting.

Councilman Charles Ebert III said more property owners are using the program to make improvements in the downtown area. “It’s good to see the business utilizing this facade program,” Ebert said. “When we started, nobody would use it. For several years. It got used very little, maybe once a year.”

Lisa Miller Oral Facial Surgery on West Laurel Avenue was also awarded a grant, this one totaling up to $9,300. The money will be used for foundational work and to add paint and shutters to the building located at the intersection of South Pine Street.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich noted that property owners are required to contribute at least half of the project costs. Councilman Charles Ebert III praised the increasing use of the program by local businesses.

Since its inception in 2017, the facade grant program has awarded 17 grants. The Foley Historical Commission had previously recommended the most recent grants for approval.

The grants are available for buildings in specific districts and must be used for approved exterior improvements. Work must commence within 90 days and be completed within six months, as per grant guidelines.

The maximum grant amount is determined by either a flat $5,000 or $5 per square foot of the facade facing a public street. Recipients are also required to maintain the property post-improvement.